Manager, Destination Experience Development - Americas

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Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service. Apply now and be part of an unparalleled legacy in hospitality.

Job Summary

The Manager, Destination Experience Development is a hands-on leader within the Product Development department directly responsible for conducting detailed "on the ground" analysis, research, and product evaluation for all destination experiences in the Americas, with emphasis in the Caribbean region. Working in close collaboration with key stakeholders, you will recommend the regional roadmap and conceptual design of Shore Excursions, Shoreside Events, Land Programs, Private Beach Experiences, Destination Hospitality Services, and Shuttles programs.

Essential Functions

• Dedicate detailed time (50%) in the region understanding all opportunities to deliver a luxury experience within the destinations we sail.
• Understand, identify, and recommend tour operators and luxury program providers where services can be leveraged to build a meaningful program of destination experiences for our guests.
• Develop detailed conceptual product roadmaps for each of the core destination programs in the region, including Shore Excursion categories, Shore Events, Land Programs, Private Beach Experiences, Destination Hospitality Services, and Shuttle Programs. Present recommendations to Senior Leadership for product evolution and finalization.
• Partner closely with the Product Development, Voyage Design, and Shore Excursions teams to recommend the appropriate development roadmap and regional operators for all guest journey destinations programs and product evolution, globally.
• Work in close partnership with Voyage Design at the itinerary development phase to align on itineraries that maximize the guest destination experience at the voyage level.
• Partner closely with Hotel Operations Leadership to propose shore excursion concepts and recommend shortlisted Tour Operators that ensure a global luxury experience offering. Hand off final development and execution of all Shore Excursions to the Operations team.
• Work closely with teams in the region to develop "insightful concierge-level" expertise and local knowledge for all destinations that we sail.
• Participate in the audit and review of delivered destination experiences to ensure relevant product enhancements and evolution.
• Support all digital content development for destinations programs, including Shore Excursions, Marquee Events, and Enrichment.
• Monitor all relevant data points to ensure relevance and consistent impact and improvement to the overall guest experience.
• Awareness of the department's budget process according to the standards established by the Financial Planning department.

Competency

Education: Bachelor's degree in hospitality, travel, or equivalent

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of luxury travel experience
• Knowledge of global luxury destinations, with an emphasis on expertise in Caribbean and North American destinations preferred
• Experience in Luxury Cruise and/or Luxury Tour Operator programs required
• Proven experience in luxury travel markets and personalized services
• Knowledge of the destinations and expertise in setting up complex destination experience programs
• Ability to understand guest preferences and translate them into a relevant, luxury product offering
• Interest in understanding and anticipating global destination experience trends
• A network of contacts in luxury travel is highly preferred for the region
• Strong analytical skills with extreme attention to detail
• Organized, structured, and highly data-driven
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Strongly oriented towards guest satisfaction and curious to always raise the bar on guest experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to maintain positive, pleasant behavior while engaging guests & tour operators
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Ability to solve problematic situations in a quick, efficient manner
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Project Management software

Work Environment

• Full-time/Hybrid, working in a typical office environment
• The position requires working additional time outside of normal business hours
• Travel may be required, including internationally.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an Equal opportunity, inclusive employer and will consider all applicants for employment with the Company on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.