Connect Caribé is a pioneering maritime ferry service dedicated to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth across the Caribbean region, providing seamless travel and trade solutions for both passengers and cargo.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Department: Travel and Communications Division 

Reports To: Director of Travel and Communications 

Location: Barbados – Regional travel required 

Employment Type: Full-Time

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Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Specialist to drive growth for our Cruise Ferry service within the regional travel and tourism sector. This role is responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, securing new business partnerships, executing growth opportunities that expand our market share across key routes, expanding passenger base, and revenue streams in accordance with key KPIs, developing tourism-focused travel packages, with a strong emphasis on inter-island connectivity and Caribbean tourism. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder, skilled negotiator, and strategic thinker with proven experience in the travel, tourism, or maritime sectors.

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Key Responsibilities

Business Growth and Market Expansion

•  Identify and capitalize on market opportunities for passenger growth across key ferry routes initially Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, St. Lucia).

• Research and analyze travel trends, tourism flows, and competitor activity to support strategic planning.

• Develop and execute a sales and growth strategy targeting new markets and customer segments (e.g., group travel, cruise tourists, business travelers).

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Partnership Development

• Build and manage relationships with:

  • Travel agencies and tour operators

  • National and regional tourism authorities

  • Cruise lines, hotels, and destination management companies

• Secure strategic collaborations, tourism board incentives, route sponsorships, and cooperative marketing agreements.

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Product and Service Development

• Design and promote attractive ferry-inclusive travel packages (e.g., island-hopping tours, ferry + hotel combos).

• Collaborate with marketing and operations to enhance customer experience and drive ticket/package sales.

• Support development of group travel, charter services, and special interest packages.

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Sales Performance

• Collaborate with the marketing department to produce professionally design B2B and B2C sales material assets (e.g. sale brochures, presentations, product videos etc.).

• Develop and implement targeted sales strategies for travel agents, corporate travel buyers, tour operators, and government tourism boards.

• Support pricing and commission models for travel partners and resellers.

• Monitor performance of partnerships, sales initiatives, and route profitability.

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Marketing and Campaign Collaboration

• Collaborate with the marketing department to design B2B and B2C promotional campaigns.

• Represent the company at travel trade shows, tourism expos, and industry networking events.

• Gather customer and partner feedback to inform product and promotional development.

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Internal Collaboration and Reporting

• Prepare business development reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations for leadership.

• Report to senior leadership on growth performance, opportunities, threats, and competitive positioning.

• Maintain accurate records of meetings, contacts, negotiations, and contracts.

• Monitor ROI on partnerships, campaigns, and new routes or markets

 

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Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development or sales in the travel, tourism, cruise, or ferry/maritime sector.

• Strong knowledge of Caribbean or inter-island travel and tourism dynamics.

• Proven track record in securing partnerships, growing sales pipelines, and negotiating commercial deals.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to travel regionally for meetings, trade shows, and business development activities.

• Experience with B2B and B2C sales channels in tourism.

• Ability to travel for events, trade meetings, and partnership development.

• Strong understanding of tourism trends, seasonality, and cross-border travel dynamics.

 

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Tourism Management, Marketing, or related field

• Fluency in French or Dutch will be an asset

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To Apply: 

Submit your CV and cover letter to careers@connectcaribe.com. 

Application Deadline: June 16th, 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.