THE HOSPITALITY SALES and Marketing Association International Global recently launched its Certified Hotel Sales Leader certification program, focusing on current sales and commercial principles, practices, and strategies. The certification emphasizes hospitality sales leaders' abilities in team leadership, commercial acumen, and implementing effective hotel sales practices to boost revenue, among other key skills, HSMAI said in a statement.
“We are very excited to add the CHSL certification to HSMAI’s distinguished family of commercial certifications, including the CRME, CHDM, CRMA and CHBA,” said Robert Gilbert, HSMAI’s president and CEO. “This new certification underscores our commitment to empowering hotel sales professionals with the vital skills and recognition they need to excel as successful commercial leaders.”
The certification topics include:
- Where sales and technology meet.
- Building and retaining a high-performing sales team.
- Managing the sales function.
- Driving hotel sales through diverse marketing strategies.
- Hotel distribution essentials for sales leaders.
- Leveraging data analytics.
Benefits of the CHSL certification:
- Recognition of expertise in hospitality sales leadership.
- Validation of skills in recruiting, training and managing sales teams.
- Demonstration of overall commercial acumen including sales, revenue management, digital marketing and distribution.
- Mastery in interpreting sales data and turning data insights into metric-supported strategies.
- Knowledge of best practices in hotel sales for revenue growth
- Effective communication skills of sales strategies.
Applicants must have at least two years of sales experience in the hospitality industry and must complete the CHSL application demonstrating a minimum of 50 points based on professional experience, industry involvement, coursework and other qualifications. Approved applicants will receive a digital copy of the study guide, The Hotel Sales Playbook: Winning Strategies for Success, and complete an online examination covering essential functions of hospitality sales.
HSMAI members can register for $500, while non-members can register for $675. Re-examination and recertification fees apply.
In April 2023, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and HSMAI Americas formed a strategic partnership to align their foundation work, focusing on industry-wide workforce initiatives and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to foster industry growth.
