Job overview

The Tourism Manager (TM) holds a diverse role within Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP) Management Team. Reporting to the Park Manager. TM is responsible for growing the Tourism Revenue and associated Park products of LPNP. LPNP goals are to use tourism as a channel to develop the local community, improve the local economy and to generate support both locally and internationally. The TM will be responsible to attain this through the active management of the tourism department with all its facets. This will also include the promotion of current products and the general marketing of LPNP and all its activities. The TM will be responsible for:

1. Park Tourism Operational Management

• Oversee all park tourism operations, including Main Reception, Entry points, and Park Assets.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of all park tourism infrastructure, to ensure all sites are maintained, insured and operationally effective.
• The management of reservation and bookings systems in conjunction with the Assistant tourism manager and receptionist for Park Assets.
• Manage the hospitality service standards for all park assets to an internationally accepted standard.
• Act as direct liaison with all third-party operators, providing support and oversight as per the tourism concession agreements and African Parks SOPs.
• Quarterly inspections of Sishekano house as well as King Lewanika Lodge.
• Along with the Park Manager, seek new opportunities to expand the tourism product portfolio through the development of new tourism products, in-line with the LPNP business plan, CDP, and the social and conservation goals and objectives.
• Ensure that the AP Commercial SOPs are implemented and maintained
• The management of VIP visits, special events and assisting in donor visits.

2. Tourism Marketing & Sales

• Liaise with African Parks Network Marketing department to promote LPNP.
• Develop and grow relationships with local tourism companies, tour operators and agents in order to promote LPNP products.
• Use digital strategy in order to promote LPNP through the various online and social media platforms.
• Use local advertising strategies to promote LPNP to local Zambian residents.
• Design marketing material for the use of promoting LPNP to possible clients and partners both locally and internationally.
• Develop and build a strong relationship with the Zambian Tourism Authority with the goal to promote the Western Zambia Tourism Route.
• Oversee the implementation ResRequest and Tall Order as standard Reservations and POS platforms for the park.
• Liaise with Ukuri with regards to Liuwa Camp trade reservations and bookings.
• Review Park asset rates annually, for submission to the APZ Board for approval, and onwards distribution to APN, Ukuri and trade.

3. In-House Design

• Act as in-house designer, developing posters, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, maps, invitations and any other relevant material to be used for marketing, promotion and information as per the African Parks Network standards.

4. Staff Management and Supervision

• Day to day management of staff under his/her supervision, setting tasks and overseeing these, ensuring exemplary work standards, maintain staff discipline through the company’s code of conduct and conditions of service, and overseeing general staff related administration.
• Liaison with Human Resources to ensure all staff details and documentation is complete and up to date.
• Identifying training needs and implementing in house training.

5. Any further reasonable and lawful request made to you by the Park Manager & regional Commercial manager.

Key measures and targets

1. Tourism Revenue increases year-on-year attaining annual and 5 year goals.
2. Local visitor numbers increase year-on-year.
3. Tourism Operations run smoothly, staff are well trained and guests experience enhanced.
4. Community Campsites are well maintained and in excellent condition.
5. LPNP tourism marketing material and information meets APN standards and is well received.
6. Social Media Marketing platforms regularly updated, with an increase in online followers.
7. Excellent relationships with all tourism stakeholders, partners, concessionaires and clients.
8. Reservations systems well run and efficient.
9. Staff morale high and work ethic above average.
10. Administration is up to date and accurately completed.

Key relationships

1. APZ Management Team (Conservation, Law Enforcement, Operations, Community, Special Projects and Administration).
2. Regional Commercial Manager.
3. APN Commercial, Marketing and Design Team.
4. Subordinate staff.
5. Local and International Tourism Companies, Operators and Agents.
6. External suppliers and service providers.
7. APN and LPNP Donors.
8. Kalabo community and local authorities.
9. DNPW and Barotse Royal Establishment.

Capabilities, competencies and experience needed for the job

1. A University Degree in Tourism Management.
2. Demonstrable combined experience of at least 5 years of Tourism Management and marketing, with specific focus on online platforms.
3. Excellent computer skills, with knowledge of online marketing platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, etc).
4. Experience in design of brochures, pamphlets, maps, posters and other hard copy advertising and information material
5. Good understanding of tourism industry in southern Africa.
6. Experience working with tourism companies, tour operators, and agents both from the local and international markets.
7. A social outgoing personality who enjoys working with clients and business partners.
8. Excellent organisational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time.
9. A person who can work towards strict deadlines.
10. Experience working with international guests with discerning standards.
11. Ability to problem solve, make do with what one has to solve complicated problems.
12. A strong leader, who can persevere, with excellent people management skills and an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
13. Fluent English (written and spoken).
14. Good report writing skills.
15. Good team player and experience in managing teams.