Tourism Operations Manager

Hospitality & Tourism Management (Tourism)

Nationality: Any Nationality

Vacancy: 1 Vacancy

Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Tourism Operations Manager to lead our inbound adventure tourism operations in the UAE. This individual will be responsible for planning, running, and executing adventure tours, including overseeing camp setups, creating tour products, and ensuring all operations meet regulatory and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of the UAE market, be well-versed in regulatory requirements, and possess hands-on experience in adventure tourism.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Tour Planning and Product Design:
   1. Develop and design unique, high-quality adventure tour packages that highlight the UAE’s natural beauty and adventure potential.
   2. Create itineraries that cater to a range of adventure experiences such as desert safaris, mountain treks, camping, off-road excursions, and more.
   3. Continuously innovate and adapt tour offerings to align with current adventure travel trends and customer preferences.
   4. Coordinate with local suppliers and logistics providers for custom itineraries.
2. Camp Setup and Management:
   1. Oversee the establishment and management of adventure camps, ensuring they are safe, sustainable, and provide an authentic experience.
   2. Coordinate with local suppliers and logistics providers for smooth setup, equipment procurement, and site maintenance.
   3. Maintain high standards of guest comfort and satisfaction while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
3. Operations Management:
   1. Organize and manage all aspects of tour operations, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and activity coordination.
   2. Recruit, train, and manage tour guides and support staff, ensuring they adhere to company standards and safety protocols.
   3. Monitor operational budgets, optimize resources, and control costs to ensure financial efficiency without compromising quality.
4. Sales and Marketing Support:
   1. Work with the sales and marketing teams to promote tour packages, including providing content and insights on the tourism products offered.
   2. Assist in developing promotional materials, ensuring accurate and appealing representation of tours and experiences.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
   1. Ensure that all tours and camps comply with UAE tourism regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
   2. Keep abreast of any regulatory changes, permits, or certifications needed for adventure tourism activities.
   3. Implement and enforce safety protocols, conduct regular risk assessments, and oversee emergency response plans.
6. Market and Industry Knowledge:
   1. Analyze market trends and competitors to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.
   2. Build partnerships with local tourism boards, agencies, and industry stakeholders to promote adventure tourism in the UAE.
   3. Gather and act on customer feedback to continually improve the quality and appeal of tour products.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in tour operations, with a focus on adventure tourism, camp setup, and tour product design.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of the UAE’s tourism regulations, adventure tourism activities, and local market.
• Strong project management skills and an ability to oversee multiple tours simultaneously.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• High attention to detail, particularly regarding safety and regulatory compliance.
• Financial acumen to manage budgets and optimize operational costs.

Additional Requirements:

• Fluency in English; Arabic or other languages is an advantage.
• Knowledge of outdoor and adventure equipment, wilderness survival skills, and first aid certification.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as tours and camps may require.