Project Manager - MICE and Leisure Groups

Company: DESERT GATE TOURISM - Oman

An organization built on professionalism, extensive experience, and guest-centricity, Desert Gate was the long-sought dream of a visionary who established the company in 2004 as a supplier of the local needs of top-level tour operators in the UAE. Today, it is a full-fledged premium DMC, serving the seven emirates of the UAE, Oman, the Maldives, and its newest destinations Qatar and Mauritius. Over the years, the company has been recognised and rewarded for its innovative approach to product design as well as providing top notch service to its guests.

With a solid financial base complemented by a well-proven, reliable top management boasting 75 years of combined experience in the travel industry, Desert Gate envisions becoming the number one luxury travel group in the Gulf region, with a plan to expand its services to other destinations that are culturally connected to its home market.

Desert Gate is part of the MTS Globe group (www.mtsglobe.com) and through that partnership has access to the best-in-class technology and cleanest XML feed in the industry. Also, as a traditional DMC, Desert Gate has all you can expect from a first-rate ground handler, such as excellent contracting, creative excursions, and superior in-resort service levels.

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to support the planning, development, and execution of all Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE), and leisure group programs in Oman, including the coordination of round trips.

This role is central to client satisfaction and operational excellence in group travel and event delivery. The successful candidate will manage a team, manage client and supplier relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver exceptional experiences that align with our brand promise and commercial targets.

Operational Oversight & Business Delivery

·        Prepare tailored proposals aligned with client budgets and objectives, including upselling value-added services and enhancements to maximise revenue.

·        Manage the end-to-end development and execution of confirmed projects, ensuring on-time delivery, budget control, and quality service that exceeds client expectations.

·        Manage the daily activities of the team, including handling leads, quotations, contracts, invoicing, payments, and follow-ups to ensure smooth operations.

·        Ensure that all inquiries are responded to promptly and group quotes are followed up on a weekly basis, maintaining strong conversion ratios and service consistency.

·        Attend client site inspections and familiarisation trips in coordination with the head of department, ensuring alignment with client and company standards.

·        Serve as the escalation point for any operational issues arising during event execution, ensuring quick resolution and maintaining service continuity.

·        Submit monthly performance and activity reports to the Destination Manager by the 1st of each month, highlighting previous month’s activity, pipeline status, and upcoming priorities.

Client Relationship Management:

·        Serve as the primary point of contact for group clients from pre-sale through execution.

·        Engage with hotels, venues, and other service providers to build strategic partnerships, negotiate better commercial terms.

·        Build and maintain long-term relationships with key corporate, agency, and international partners.

·        Conduct client follow-ups and feedback sessions to ensure satisfaction and retention.

Team Leadership:

·        Manage and motivate the MICE and Groups team on a day-to-day basis.

·        Ensure the team meets deadlines, follows SOPs, and maintains consistent quality standards.

·        Monitor performance and provide training and development opportunities.

·        Monitor the team’s attendance, leave schedule, and public holiday allocation and communicate updates to HR as required.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management:

·        Build and maintain relationships with local hotels, venues, DMC partners, and other service providers.

·        Negotiate competitive rates and terms while ensuring service quality.

·        Maintain preferred supplier databases and contracting records.

·        Manage supplier relationships, draw up client contracts aligned with supplier terms, and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.

Business Development & Sales Support:

·        In collaboration with the Head of Commercial – MICE & Leisure Groups in UAE, identify new MICE and group travel opportunities in existing and emerging markets.

·        Convert leads into confirmed bookings while maintaining strong conversion rates and profitability margins.

·        Promote monthly group travel products and create customised experiences for B2B clients.

·        Coordinate with the Sales and Marketing teams to promote and drive monthly group packages, adapting offers to market trends and client demand.

·        Conduct market research and competitor benchmarking to support product development and pricing strategy.

·        Maintain and update the CRM system to ensure accurate pipeline tracking and reporting.