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Destination Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Managing Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We're looking for a Managing Director to join our team in the San Diego area. About the Job We are ... Our expert teams are in coast-to-coast destinations, designing and producing ultimate experiences ...

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Destination Services Lead, AMS

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $220K/yr

Responsibilities: - Responsible for overseeing the landing destination services in all countries in the AMS region, managing local vendors, improving employee satisfaction scores, and standardizing ...

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All JobsDestination JobsDestination Manager JobsDestination Manager Jobs in California

Destination Manager information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$54.5K

$99.9K

How much do destination manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for destination manager in California is $54,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,189.00 and $63,649.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Destination Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Destination Manager, you need strong expertise in tourism management, destination marketing, and business development, often supported by a degree in hospitality, tourism, or a related field. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software, booking systems, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help you build strong partnerships and deliver exceptional visitor experiences. These skills are crucial for promoting destinations effectively, driving tourism growth, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a competitive industry.

How does a Destination Manager typically collaborate with local partners and vendors to enhance guest experiences?

Destination Managers frequently work closely with local businesses, tour operators, and vendors to curate unique experiences for clients. This involves negotiating contracts, ensuring quality standards, and coordinating logistics to deliver seamless travel experiences. Building strong relationships with trusted local partners is essential, as it allows Destination Managers to offer exclusive activities and respond quickly to any issues that arise. Effective collaboration and communication are key to meeting client expectations and maintaining the reputation of the agency or company.

What does a destination manager do?

A destination manager oversees the development and promotion of a specific location to attract visitors and support local tourism. They coordinate marketing efforts, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure the destination's offerings meet visitor expectations, often using tools like tourism management software. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

How to become a destination manager?

To become a destination manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism, or a related field, along with experience in event planning, customer service, or tourism management. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential, and familiarity with industry software or tools can be beneficial. Gaining relevant certifications or training in tourism management can also improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Destination Manager vs Travel Coordinator?

AspectDestination ManagerTravel Coordinator
Primary RoleOversees destination marketing, logistics, and partnerships to promote a location as a travel destination.Plans and arranges individual or group travel itineraries, bookings, and accommodations.
Required CredentialsExperience in tourism, marketing, or hospitality; often a degree in tourism or related fields.Knowledge of travel booking systems; customer service skills; certifications like IATA may be beneficial.
Work EnvironmentTypically works in tourism boards, hospitality companies, or destination marketing organizations.Works in travel agencies, tour operators, or corporate travel departments.

While both roles involve travel and tourism, a Destination Manager focuses on promoting and managing a destination to attract visitors, whereas a Travel Coordinator handles the logistics of individual travel arrangements. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the tourism industry.

What's the highest paid travel job?

The highest paid travel jobs often include executive roles such as corporate travel managers or luxury travel directors, with salaries exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of the travel industry and client management.

What skills do you need to be a destination manager?

A destination manager needs strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to coordinate tourism activities and manage stakeholders. Knowledge of local attractions, customer service, and project management tools are also important, along with the ability to work in a dynamic environment and handle multiple tasks efficiently.

What is a Destination Manager?

A Destination Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating tourism activities, services, and experiences in a specific location or destination. Their role typically involves developing tourism strategies, managing relationships with local businesses and stakeholders, and ensuring visitors have a positive experience. They may also handle marketing, event planning, and quality control to promote the destination and support sustainable tourism. Destination Managers work with travel agencies, tour operators, and government agencies to enhance the appeal and accessibility of the area.
What are popular job titles related to Destination Manager jobs in California? For Destination Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Destination Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Destination Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Destination Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Destination Manager job openings:
Destination Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Destination Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,519 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Destination Sales Manager

Destination Sales Manager

Pacific Hospitality Group

Napa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Pacific Hospitality Group provides a unique value proposition to investors and team members through our owner/operator approach. We are a family focused company committed to long term holds that enable us to grow our business and our team members. Our vision is to enrich people's lives by offering memorable experiences, giving back to our communities and honoring God in all that we do. We are focused on long-term value creation and sustainable growth.
Our Guiding Principles:
Integrity, Compliance, Value Creation, Principled Entrepreneurship, Customer Focus, Knowledge, Change, Humility, Respect, & Fulfillment
Position Summary
The Destination Seller is a customer-focused, revenue-generating sales professional responsible for supporting the acquisition and conversion of group business while delivering exceptional destination experiences for prospective meeting planners. This role serves as a key liaison between Sales, Revenue Management, Catering, Operations, and external partners to ensure a seamless customer journey from inquiry through site inspection and booking.
The Destination Seller is responsible for coordinating and executing customized site visits, managing key house accounts, developing local partnerships, serving as the primary liaison with Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and identifying incremental business opportunities that enhance the resort's value proposition. This position plays a vital role in increasing group sales conversion, strengthening client relationships, and promoting the resort as the premier meetings destination in Napa Valley.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Sales Support & Business Development
  • Respond promptly to inbound group sales inquiries and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to maximize conversion opportunities.
  • Support the Sales team by preparing proposals, presentations, contracts, and client correspondence.
  • Coordinate with Revenue Management to ensure pricing, availability, and business opportunities align with commercial strategy.
  • Manage assigned house accounts, including but not limited to LG, maintaining strong client relationships and identifying opportunities for repeat and incremental business.
  • Conduct proactive prospecting within assigned markets and generate new local business opportunities through networking and relationship building.
  • Participate in business review meetings and contribute to sales strategy discussions.
Destination Experience & Site Inspections
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute exceptional site inspections for meeting planners and prospective clients.
  • Develop customized itineraries showcasing guestrooms, meeting space, dining venues, resort amenities, and local experiences.
  • Script and lead engaging property tours that align with each client's meeting objectives.
  • Coordinate guest room reservations, restaurant bookings, spa experiences, transportation, and personalized amenities for site visits.
  • Prepare and distribute Site Alert documentation to ensure all departments are aligned on client expectations and schedules.
  • Partner with Sales Managers and Executive Meeting Managers to conduct site inspections on their behalf when needed.
  • Coordinate familiarization (FAM) trips for key clients and industry partners.
Local Partnerships & Market Engagement
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, wineries, attractions, transportation providers, and community organizations to enhance client experiences.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with Destination Management Companies (DMCs), ensuring seamless coordination of off-site events, transportation, team-building activities, and destination experiences.
  • Identify strategic partnerships that create incremental revenue opportunities and enhance the resort's competitive positioning.
  • Represent the resort at local networking events, industry meetings, trade shows, and community organizations.
  • Promote the resort as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and incentive travel.
Client Relationship Management
  • Build long-term relationships with meeting planners, corporate clients, third-party planners, and local partners.
  • Maintain accurate client records and activity within the property's CRM system.
  • Provide exceptional customer service throughout the sales process.
  • Respond to client inquiries and coordinate special requests in collaboration with operational departments.
  • Resolve client concerns professionally and escalate issues when appropriate.
Collaboration & Internal Communication
  • Work closely with Sales, Revenue Management, Catering, Conference Services, Operations, Marketing, and Finance to ensure seamless execution of client experiences.
  • Participate in weekly sales meetings, business reviews, and commercial strategy discussions.
  • Communicate effectively across departments to ensure operational readiness for site inspections and client visits.
  • Assist with special projects, sales initiatives, and promotional campaigns as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent hospitality sales experience may be considered.
Experience
  • Minimum of 2-4 years of hospitality sales, catering, event management, or destination marketing experience.
  • Luxury resort or hotel experience preferred.
  • Experience conducting site inspections and working with meeting planners is highly desirable.
  • Experience working with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and local hospitality partners preferred.
  • Knowledge of group sales processes and CRM systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong sales and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Outstanding presentation and public speaking skills.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to create memorable customer experiences.
  • Professional networking and business development capabilities.
  • Understanding of luxury hospitality and group sales.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and hotel CRM/Sales systems (Delphi or similar preferred).

Salary range: $80K -$86K annually
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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