Role summary
The Director – Distribution is responsible for defining, leading, and optimizing Qiddiya DMO's distribution strategy across all domestic and international sales channels. The role oversees the commercial performance of Qiddiya's distribution ecosystem, including OTAs, GDS platforms, travel trade partners, corporate travel, DMCs, wholesalers, direct booking channels, and emerging digital distribution platforms.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute Qiddiya's long-term distribution strategy aligned with destination visitation, revenue, and growth objectives
- Define channel architecture, market coverage strategy, and distribution priorities across domestic and international markets
- Establish distribution frameworks that maximize reach, demand generation, profitability, and customer acquisition
- Identify new distribution opportunities, partnerships, and technologies to support business growth
- Drive commercial performance across all distribution channels, ensuring revenue targets are achieved
- Lead the expansion and management of Qiddiya's global distribution network
- Oversee relationships with OTA partners, GDS providers, travel agencies, tour operators, online travel marketplaces, wholesalers, and corporate travel providers
- Establish strategic agreements with key distribution partners to increase market penetration
- Develop market-specific distribution strategies for priority international source markets
- Ensure optimal positioning of Qiddiya products across all booking and sales channels
- Develop strategic partnerships with travel trade organizations, DMCs, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality partners, wholesalers, and travel technology providers
- Lead commercial negotiations for major distribution agreements and partnership contracts
- Establish annual joint business plans with strategic partners
- Drive partner engagement initiatives including trade activations, roadshows, educational programs, and industry events
- Represent Qiddiya at key travel trade and industry forums
- Own overall distribution revenue performance across all channels
- Collaborate closely with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory allocation, and channel mix
- Monitor performance trends, booking pace, market demand, and channel productivity
- Establish KPIs covering revenue, conversion, acquisition costs, channel contribution, profitability, and market share
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance distribution efficiency and commercial returns
- Define the strategic roadmap for distribution technology platforms and capabilities
- Oversee Channel Management Systems (CMS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), booking platforms, and GDS integrations
- Drive digital transformation initiatives that improve distribution effectiveness and partner connectivity
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments to enhance commercial performance
- Ensure scalability of distribution systems to support destination growth
- Establish governance frameworks, policies, and distribution standards
- Develop executive dashboards and performance reporting frameworks
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership regarding distribution performance, risks, opportunities, and market developments
- Utilize market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making
- Ensure compliance with commercial, contractual, and regulatory requirements
- Build and lead a high-performing Distribution function
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development for managers and specialists
- Establish workforce and capability plans aligned with future business needs
- Foster a culture of accountability, commercial excellence, customer focus, and innovation
- Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and team performance
Requirements
- Minimum 12-15 years of experience in Distribution, Commercial Operations, Revenue Management, Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Technology, or related sectors
- Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for distribution strategy and commercial performance
- Proven experience managing large-scale distribution ecosystems and channel partnerships
- Strong understanding of international travel distribution, OTA management, GDS networks, trade sales, and direct-to-consumer channels
Experience
Minimum 12-15 years of experience in Distribution, Commercial Operations, Revenue Management, Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Technology, or related sectors; Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for distribution strategy and commercial performance
Skills
- Distribution Strategy
- Commercial Leadership
- Channel Management
- OTA & Marketplace Management
- GDS Distribution
- Trade & Tour Operator Partnerships
- Revenue Optimization
- Market Expansion
- Contract Negotiation
Education · Experience · Type
Requires 12+ yearsSalary not stated