Manager - Distribution

The Manager – Distribution at Qiddiya Investment Company will play a critical role in developing, managing, and optimizing Qiddiya DMO’s multi-channel distribution ecosystem. This role is responsible for driving the operational and commercial performance of all B2B and B2C booking channels, including OTAs, GDS platforms, travel trade networks, corporate travel channels, and direct booking platforms, ensuring Qiddiya’s tourism and destination products are accessible, competitively positioned, and commercially successful across all target markets. The role involves leading distribution strategy initiatives, managing channel partnerships and performance, optimizing pricing and inventory management practices, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize revenue generation and customer reach. The Manager – Distribution will work closely with Partnerships, Marketing, Technology, Finance, and Operations teams while managing and mentoring the Distribution team. Responsibilities - Lead the development and execution of Qiddiya’s B2B and B2C distribution strategy across OTA platforms, GDS systems, travel trade channels, corporate travel partners, and direct booking channels to support overall commercial objectives. - Define and manage channel prioritization strategies to ensure optimal inventory allocation, rate parity, product visibility, and revenue performance across all distribution touchpoints. - Develop and oversee channel mix strategies that balance direct and indirect distribution channels to optimize profitability, market reach, and customer acquisition. - Manage Qiddiya’s OTA portfolio, including onboarding new platforms, negotiating commercial agreements, optimizing content quality, and improving product visibility and conversion performance. - Oversee GDS connectivity and ensure Qiddiya’s tourism inventory is accurately represented and bookable across key global distribution systems for corporate and agency markets. - Collaborate with Revenue Management, Finance, and Marketing teams to implement pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and yield optimization initiatives across all channels. - Monitor booking trends, demand patterns, conversion metrics, cancellation trends, and competitor activity to recommend real-time pricing and distribution adjustments. - Develop and maintain distribution performance dashboards and reporting frameworks tracking revenue contribution, booking pace, channel conversion, cost of sale, and commercial KPIs. - Lead the onboarding and management of travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, MICE operators, and other trade distribution partners to strengthen Qiddiya’s global distribution footprint. - Oversee the enhancement and management of trade distribution platforms and partner portals, ensuring partners have access to inventory, booking tools, commission tracking, and marketing materials. - Coordinate partner training programs, trade familiarization (FAM) trips, and channel engagement initiatives to strengthen destination awareness and partner performance. - Own and manage the distribution technology ecosystem, including Channel Management Systems (CMS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), OTA connectivity tools, and booking platforms, ensuring operational efficiency and system optimization. - Collaborate with Technology teams to improve platform integrations, distribution capabilities, and booking experiences across digital channels. - Prepare and present regular distribution performance reports, channel reviews, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders. - Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance distribution processes, channel performance, operational efficiencies, and commercial outcomes. - Manage, mentor, and develop team members within the Distribution function to ensure high performance and professional growth. Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred. - At least 6+ years of relevant experience in distribution, revenue management, channel management, or commercial operations within tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management sectors. - Proven experience managing OTA platforms, GDS connectivity, trade distribution channels, and booking ecosystems at a destination, hospitality, or tourism organization level. - Strong understanding of channel management systems, central reservation systems, revenue optimization practices, and dynamic pricing strategies. - Demonstrated experience in developing and managing trade distribution relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate travel partners. - Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret performance metrics, optimize channel performance, and drive revenue growth initiatives. - Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills with th