Manager of Tourism Industry Relationships

Description:

Annual Salary:$65,000-$81,000

Annual Organizational Bonus Potential 4%

Opportunity for individual bonus incentives in 2027

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

As unapologetic promoters of Cleveland, Destination Cleveland's team works every day to attract visitors, inspire visitors and locals alike to explore and connect people to experiences that illustrate Cleveland's diversity, creativity, and contagious passion. We're in the business of equitably growing the region's economy through travel and tourism while also cultivating a passion for Greater Cleveland. As the only organization charged with marketing Cleveland outside of the region, we never stop talking about the city.

We know the region inside and out. We roll up our sleeves and get the job done for The Land. We're a group of expectation-exceeding, fun-loving, innovative professionals.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Manager of Tourism Industry Relationships is responsible for building, managing, and growing relationships with small and midsize hospitality and tourism businesses across Greater Cleveland. This role focuses on engaging independent operators, new businesses and community-based organizations and businesses, particularly those with strong potential for future growth and deeper engagement.

The Manager of Tourism Industry Relationships serves as a trusted consultant and primary point of contact for these businesses, helping them connect to Destination Cleveland programs, opportunities and resources. Through intentional relationship-building, this role converts initial engagement points into long-term partnership, revenue generation, and increased industry alignment.

This position is relationship-driven and outcomes-focused. The Manager of Tourism Industry Relationships will work closely with the Programs Specialist and broader Destination Engagement team to ensure program participation translates into sustained industry relationships, deeper representation across hospitality & tourism industry segments and measurable impact.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE

• Strong, trust-based relationships with a diverse portfolio of small and midsize business partners
• Increased representation and engagement of neighborhood, cultural, and independent businesses within Destination Cleveland's hospitality & tourism industry network
• Measurable conversion of engagement into revenue in the form of partnership dues and advertising
• High satisfaction and retention within assigned accounts
• Consistent and strategic use of customer relationship management (CRM) data to guide decision-making and prioritize relationship management

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Relationship Management & Account Ownership

• Own and manage a defined portfolio of small and midsize business hospitality & tourism industry relationships.
• Serve as the primary point of contact at Destination Cleveland for assigned businesses, ensuring a high-touch, responsive, and relationship-centered experience.
• Maintain and build trust through consistent outreach, proactive communication and timely follow-through.
• Conduct regular check-ins (in-person, virtual, or on-site) to understand needs, challenges, and opportunities within portfolio of accounts.
• Maintain a deep understanding of each partner's business model, goals, and target audiences.

Engagement of
Hospitality & Tourism Industry
Segments

• Priority industry segments include:
• Independently owned restaurants and retailers
• Culturally significant or neighborhood-based organizations and businesses
• Seasonal, pop-up, or experiential operators
• Tours, attractions, and experience-based businesses
• Actively identify and engage underrepresented hospitality & tourism industry segments to ensure equitable inclusion and participation across Destination Cleveland's network of relationships.

Program-to-Partnership Conversion Strategy

• Partner closely with the Programs Specialist to identify businesses engaging in programs, workshops, and events. Track and manage the progression of these businesses from:
• Awareness to Participation to Partnership (microbusiness or entry-level partnerships, introductory advertising packages) to Growth
• Create tailored pathways for small and midsize business…