Lead the development and execution of strategic partnership initiatives that enhance Qiddiya's destination positioning, commercial performance, and visitor growth. The role is responsible for establishing and managing relationships with tourism boards, travel trade, airlines, hospitality partners, OTAs, destination marketing organizations, government entities, and other strategic partners to drive demand, expand market reach, and support Qiddiya's destination objectives.
Responsibilities- Develop and execute the destination partnerships strategy aligned with Qiddiya's commercial and destination marketing objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with tourism boards, airlines, hospitality groups, travel trade, online travel agencies (OTAs), and destination marketing organizations.
- Lead joint marketing and co-op campaigns with strategic partners to increase destination awareness and visitation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international tourism stakeholders.
- Develop partnership frameworks, commercial proposals, and collaboration agreements that deliver measurable business value.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Commercial, Destination Distribution, Events, and Operations teams to activate partnership initiatives.
- Represent Qiddiya at industry events, trade shows, networking forums, and tourism exhibitions.
- Monitor partnership performance through defined KPIs and prepare executive reports highlighting commercial impact and opportunities.
- Identify new partnership opportunities that support destination growth, tourism development, and long-term strategic objectives.
- Ensure effective governance, contract compliance, and relationship management across all strategic partners.
- Manage the partnership budget and oversee resource allocation to maximize return on investment.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Destination Partnerships team while fostering a high-performance culture
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, International Business, or a related field.
- 8–10+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, tourism, destination marketing, commercial strategy, or travel trade.
- Experience working within a DMO, tourism authority, airline, hospitality group, destination developer, travel company, or major events organization.
- Demonstrated success in developing and managing high-value strategic partnerships.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements and partnership contracts.
- Experience working with senior executives and managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
- Previous people management experience is preferred.
Benefits
Join Qiddiya's team and enjoy a dynamic work environment that offers growth opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a significant impact as our future Playmaker !
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in domestic public relations and media management
- Proven track record in managing PR campaigns and media relations within the Saudi market
- Strong understanding of the Saudi Arabian media landscape
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Arabic and English
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and strategic thinking skills
- Experience in leisure, entertainment, or destination marketing sectors
What We Do
Qiddiya Investment Company is a PIF-owned entity responsible for developing Qiddiya City, the world's first city built for play, aiming to boost economic growth and elevate quality of life in Saudi Arabia through entertainment, sports, and culture.
