How to start a career in sales in the hospitality industry

At Accor, we are breaking new ground to shape the hospitality of tomorrow, connecting cultures with heartfelt care. Behind every great customer experience is a team of passionate Heartists® driving those moments. 

Among them, sales teams play a pivotal role in ensuring that hotels are not just filled with guests, but are consistently thriving with the right kind of business. 

A career in sales in the hospitality industry is more than just closing deals - it’s about understanding what makes a guest’s stay memorable, building relationships, and creating value for both the business and the clients. 

Let's explore what it truly means to pursue a career in sales at the heart of hospitality.

Career paths in sales and hospitality

A typical sales career path may begin with an entry-level role like Sales Executive, with opportunities to progress into Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and even broader leadership roles such as Regional Sales Director. 

Our commitment to growth and career development means that Heartists® are continuously encouraged to expand their skills through training and mentorship programs.

How to start a career in sales 

Starting a career in hospitality sales typically requires a background in business, marketing, or hospitality management. While formal qualifications can help, the true foundation for success lies in a passion for customer service and a drive for results. 

1. Understand what sales entails

Before diving into a sales career, it’s important to understand what the role involves. 

Sales roles can vary widely depending on the industry, but they generally include:

• Identifying and qualifying leads
• Building and nurturing relationships
• Presenting products or services
• Negotiating contracts
• Closing deals and meeting sales targets

Knowing what to expect will help you align your goals with the right sales role for you.

2. Develop the right skills

Certain skills are essential for a successful career in sales, and you can start building them even before you land your first sales job:

• Communication - being clear, persuasive, and adaptable in your communication is key. Salespeople must be able to listen actively and convey value effectively.
• Resilience and Persistence - rejection is a normal part of sales. The ability to bounce back and keep pushing forward is crucial.
• Problem-solving - successful sales professionals are great problem solvers. They understand customer needs and find solutions that match those needs.
• Relationship building - sales is fundamentally about relationships. Building trust and maintaining long-term connections with clients is at the heart of every good salesperson’s approach.

3. Gain relevant experience

You don’t always need a formal sales background to get started. Look for opportunities that allow you to practice sales-related skills. 

Retail jobs, customer service roles, or even volunteer positions that involve interacting with people can give you hands-on experience in communication, problem-solving, and relationship management.

Additionally, consider entry-level positions like Sales Assistant, which provide exposure to the sales process and help you learn from seasoned professionals. Your first sales job might not be your dream role, but it’s an important stepping stone. 

As you gain more experience, you’ll have opportunities to specialize, take on larger accounts, and move into leadership roles. Helping our Heartists® grow professionally and develop personally, according to their desires and ambitions, is our priority. 

Explore exciting sales career with Accor today

If you’re someone who thrives on connecting with others, enjoys strategizing to meet goals, and is driven by the excitement of closing deals, then a career in sales within the hospitality industry could be your perfect fit. 

At Accor, we empower Heartists® to pursue their passion, grow their skills, and create a career path that’s uniquely theirs. 

Start your career in hospitality sales with Accor today.