Raji Z.
Senior Hospitality and Tourism Business Development Manager
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About
Raji Z. is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the travel and tourism and hospitality industries, with a focus on operations, sales, and business development. Currently, he serves as the Head of the Environment and Tourism Committee at Hamat Municipality, where he leads biodiversity preservation efforts, facilitates eco-tourism integration, and coordinates multi-stakeholder restoration projects like the Mseilha Fort. His previous roles include Director of Sales and Contracting at Rida International in Saudi Arabia, where he was pivotal in crafting business strategies, monitoring sales, and expanding customer acquisitions. As Managing Director at Lukreate Travel, Raji successfully implemented marketing strategies, developed travel products, and facilitated business expansion. His career also includes significant contributions to the hospitality sector during his tenure at Amwaj Rotana Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai, where he drove revenue growth and established critical business relationships. Raji holds a BA in Hospitality Management & Tourism from Notre Dame University and has furthered his skills with certifications in Digital Marketing and Photography.
Experience
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND CONTRACTING
Rida International · 2023 — 2024Developed business planning and budgeting processes, including monthly P&L reporting to management. Led the department to identify new business opportunities and maximize profitability. Created attractive offers for OLTA’s, travel agents, and corporate clients. Monitored and analyzed sales results across various periods. Managed contracting with hotels, apartments, restaurants, and suppliers. Conducted data and rate analysis to inform pricing strategy and managed a team’s daily activities.SALES TEAM LEAD
GoStudy · 2020 — 2022Communicated sales plans to team members, ensuring preparedness to meet assigned tasks. Organized staff schedules and placements while assessing the provision of necessary resources. Evaluated employee performance and analyzed client interactions. Provided mandatory work instructions and organized training and personal mentoring. Participated in the interview process and prepared reports on sales plan implementation for management.MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lukreate Travel · 2017 — 2019Developed and executed business strategies, alongside comprehensive business plans for market penetration and cost-effective operations. Oversaw office operations and retail services, implementing both online and offline marketing strategies. Collaborated with partners to develop travel products and managed budgeting, sales, and contract management. Monitored financial performance and built public relations for the company.DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Amwaj Rotana Hotel · 2012 — 2017Established and developed business relationships with high volume accounts, contributing significantly to budget goals. Executed sales trips and cultivated new business in various markets while negotiating contracts to enhance hotel revenue. Introduced promotional initiatives to stimulate demand and developed a marketing strategy to retain key clients.SENIOR SALES MANAGER
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek · 2007 — 2011Managed accounts effectively within the leisure segment, establishing strong relationships across local and international markets. Promoted the hotel at various exhibitions and developed marketing projects for different client accounts.SERVICE MANAGER
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek · 2006 — 2007Supervised the front office team while ensuring quality customer service and conducting KPI analysis. Coordinated interdepartmental practices and standardized departmental training through a developed receptionist manual. Initiated an incentive program that resulted in increased revenue from upgrades and mentored team members for career progression.DUTY MANAGER
Dubai Intercontinental · 2004 — 2006Oversaw daily operations and ensured high levels of customer service.FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR (pre-opening team)
Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel · 2000 — 2004Facilitated front office operations during the pre-opening phase of the hotel.RESTAURANT MANAGER
Kentucky Fried Chicken · 1998 — 2000Managed dining operations to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. Maintained food cost and achieved high customer service ratings. Developed operational procedures related to inventory control and health standards.FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR (pre-opening team)
Le Meridien Jeddah · 1997 — 1998Ensured customer service excellence and supervised front desk operations during the hotel's pre-opening.HEAD of the ENVIRONMENT and TOURISM COMMITTEE
Hamat MunicipalityLed a comprehensive biodiversity assessment in Hamat, identifying endemic species and critical habitats for conservation policies. Implemented nature preservation protocols to mitigate illegal hunting and urban expansion. Developed a long-term nature preservation strategy focused on soil conservation and protection of native flora and fauna. Authored the 'Hamat Sustainable Tourism Action Plan' to integrate eco-tourism with cultural heritage preservation. Coordinated a restoration project for Mseilha Fort, collaborating with relevant stakeholders. Managed the establishment of a natural reserve by coordinating with the Ministry of Environment and negotiating MOUs for technical expertise and funding. Organized educational seminars and launched a capacity-building program for local youth.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- BA in Hospitality Management & TourismNotre Dame University, Louaize - Lebanon · 1992 — 1997