Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Elizabeth Wangai

Elizabeth Wangai

Arusha

Summary

Dynamic hospitality operations leader and hospitality asset optimization specialist with 25+ years of experience managing hotels and lodges across operations, sales, marketing, revenue performance and hospitality technology. Proven track record in operational turnarounds, profitability growth, guest experience transformation and multi-department leadership, with the ability to align operational performance with owner and investor expectations while building sustainable, high-performing hospitality assets.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Under the Shade Safari Lodge
Arusha
01.2023 - 02.2026

1. Strategic Leadership & Commercial Performance

  • P&L Management: Maintain full accountability for the hotel's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning and driving revenue per available room (RevPAR).
  • Commercial Strategy: Lead sales and marketing initiatives to drive revenue growth and market share, including developing sales strategies, targeting key market segments and cultivating relationships with corporate clients, travel agencies, Tour operators and other stakeholders.
  • Owner Relations: Report to owners presenting financial performance, asset valuation and long-range strategic goals.

2. Brand & Guest Experience

  • Service Excellence: Establish and audit elite service standards, ensuring every guest touchpoint (from concierge to housekeeping and F&B) reflects ultra-luxury brand values.
  • VIP Relations: Personally engage with high-net-worth guests, corporate clients, tour companies directors and dignitaries to ensure highly personalized and memorable stays.
  • Reputation Management: Monitor guest feedback, online reviews and market trends to continually elevate the hotel's product and service offerings.

3. People & Culture Leadership

  • Team Development: Recruit, mentor and inspire department heads and executive team members, fostering a learning environment and internal career growth.
  • Culture Carrier: Embody and enforce the hotel's core values, ensuring a workplace culture of empowerment, accountability, and unparalleled hospitality.
  • Labor Management: Oversee talent acquisition, retention and staff training programs amidst the complexities of a city labor market.

4. Operations & Asset Management

  • Operational Synergy: Guide the daily operations of all departments, ensuring seamless communication across front office, food and beverage, engineering, and sales.
  • Compliance & Safety: Ensure absolute compliance with local labor laws, health and safety regulations, and brand quality standards.
  • Property Maintenance: Oversee capital expenditure (CapEx) to preserve and enhance the physical structure and aesthetic appeal of the property.

Regional Market Manager

Yanolja Technology (former Called EZee Technosys Company Ltd
Dar Es Salaam & Zanzibar
01.2022 - 12.2022

1. Market Penetration & Business Development

  • Lead Generation & Sales Funnel Management: Proactively identify and engage prospective clients (hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators) across key Tanzanian hubs Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
  • Product Demos & Pitching: Conduct on-site property visits and virtual software demonstrations to highlight the value of eZee’s Technosys all in one hotel solution software (PMS,CENTIX,RESERVATIONS & POS)
  • Negotiation & Deal Closing: Take charge of commercial negotiations, finalizing contract terms and drafting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreements.

2. Strategic Partnerships & Local Marketing

  • Local Alliance Building: Cultivate relationships with local trade bodies, tourism associations (such as the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators - TATO) and industry stakeholders to increase brand visibility.
  • Event Representation: Spearhead the company's presence at regional trade shows, hospitality seminars and exhibitions to promote eZee's Technosys digital ecosystem.
  • Localized Campaigns: Adapt corporate marketing strategies to resonate with the specific needs of the Tanzanian hospitality market, focusing on digital marketing and channel partner promotions.

3. Customer Success & Account Management

  • Onboarding & Training: Ensure hoteliers and restaurateurs smoothly transition to eZee platforms through effective training, onboarding, and continuous customer support.
  • Upselling & Retention: Maximize revenue by upselling upgraded features, add-ons (e.g., booking engines), or all I one hospitality software.

4. Market Intelligence & Reporting

  • Competitor Analysis: Monitor pricing, products and marketing tactics of rival hospitality tech providers in the region.
  • Performance Tracking: Compile and submit regular regional sales forecasts, win/loss analyses and revenue reports back to international or regional headquarters.

Sales Manager - STO's Account

Mount Meru Hotel
Arusha, Tanzania
01.2017 - 12.2021

Commercial Responsibilities
• Drive room revenue, occupancy and market share through STO’s and OTA channels.
• Negotiate FIT, group and contracted rates with tour operators and travel partners.
• Maximize online revenue through pricing strategies, promotions and inventory management.
• Identify new business opportunities to increase tourism and online sales production.

Strategic Responsibilities
• Develop strong relationships with local and international tour operators, travel agents, DMCs, and OTA partners.
• Monitor tourism trends, competitor activities, market demand, and online performance.
• Support hotel positioning through tourism trade events, digital visibility, and market engagement.
• Implement strategies to improve OTA ranking, guest reviews, and online reputation.

Account Management Responsibilities
• Manage key STO and OTA accounts to ensure consistent business growth and account retention.
• Conduct sales calls, hotel presentations, client meetings, and hotel inspections.
• Coordinate promotional campaigns, partnerships, and FAM trips with travel trade partners.
• Maintain effective communication with OTA market managers and tour operator representatives.

Operational Responsibilities
• Coordinate with reservations, revenue, and operations teams for smooth guest handling and service delivery.
• Ensure rate accuracy, room availability, and proper channel distribution management.
• Prepare contracts, quotations, account production reports, and revenue analysis.
• Monitor guest feedback, booking trends, and channel performance to improve commercial results.

Sales Executive

Precision Airlines
Zanzibar, Tanzania
11.2008 - 11.2016

Sales Growth & Revenue Generation
• Achieve monthly and annual passenger sales targets.
• Increase ticket sales and maximize route profitability.
• Promote airline products, fares and special offers.
• Identify new business and revenue opportunities within Zanzibar market.
Client Relationship Management
• Build strong relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, corporate clients, and government institutions.
• Maintain and grow key corporate accounts.
• Conduct regular sales visits and client meetings.
• Ensure high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Marketing & Brand Promotion
• Execute marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
• Increase brand visibility and market presence in Zanzibar.
• Participate in tourism fairs, exhibitions, and networking events.
• Support digital and offline marketing initiatives.
Market Intelligence & Business Analysis
• Monitor competitor activities, pricing, and market trends.
• Analyze customer behavior and travel patterns.
• Prepare sales forecasts and commercial performance reports.
• Recommend strategies to improve market share and revenue performance.
Operational Coordination & Customer Service
• Coordinate with reservations, airport operations, and finance departments.
• Ensure smooth service delivery and customer experience.
• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and service recovery professionally.
• Support operational efficiency and service excellence standards.
Reporting & Administrative Management
• Maintain accurate sales records and customer databases.
• Prepare weekly and monthly sales activity reports.
• Track account performance and revenue achievements.
• Ensure compliance with company commercial policies and procedures.

Food & Beverage Hostess

Serena Lodges & Hotel (Tourism Promotion Services T) LTD
Serengeti & Nairobi
06.2001 - 10.2008
  • Greeted and seated guests efficiently, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Managed reservations and waitlists using restaurant management software.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to facilitate smooth service flow.
  • Assisted in training new hosts on operational procedures and customer service standards.
  • Handled guest inquiries and complaints, promoting positive experiences.
  • Monitored dining area for cleanliness and organization, enhancing guest satisfaction.
  • Coordinated special events and private dining arrangements with attention to detail.
  • Supported management with administrative tasks such as scheduling and report generation when necessary.
  • Developed strong rapport with regular clientele, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
  • Managed reservations effectively, optimizing table turnover rates and minimizing wait times.
  • Monitored dining area ambiance through lighting adjustments or music selection changes based on guest preferences or time of day.
  • Advertised upcoming promotions/events through social media outlets, contributing to a growth in customer engagement and interest.
  • Assisted in menu development, contributing to diverse and appealing food options for guests.
  • Contributed to increased sales by upselling menu items and promoting daily specials effectively.
  • Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
  • Cross-trained to handle different restaurant roles, including bar, kitchen and to-go stations.

Education

International Business

Makerere University
Uganda
09-2016

L4 Diploma in Business - Business Administration And Management

NCC EDUCATION
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
06-2012

Diploma in Hotel Management - Hotel Management

Vocational Education And Training Authority
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
07-2001

Advanced Certificate of Secondary School -

Eckenforde High School
Tanga, Tanzania
05-2000

Skills

    Strategic & Commercial Skills
    Asset optimization and hotel turnaround strategies
    Revenue management and profitability growth
    Financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control
    Business development and partnership ManagementOperational Skills
    Hotel operations optimization
    SOP implementation and service standards
    Performance management and operational efficiency
    Guest experience and quality

    Assurance Sales & Marketing Skills
    Hospitality sales and market expansion
    Digital marketing and OTA management
    Corporate, STO, and MICE business development
    Brand positioning and customer relationship

    Management Leadership Skills
    Team leadership and staff development
    Decision-making and problem-solving
    Stakeholder and investor relationship management
    Change management and strategic

    Execution Technical & Analytical Skills
    Hospitality systems and data analysis
    KPI reporting and forecasting
    Project and asset performance management
    Market research and competitive analysis

  • Problem resolution
  • Training and coaching
  • Operations management
  • Leadership and team building
  • Staff management
  • Training and development
  • Customer relationship management
  • Performance evaluations

Timeline

General Manager

Under the Shade Safari Lodge
01.2023 - 02.2026

Regional Market Manager

Yanolja Technology (former Called EZee Technosys Company Ltd
01.2022 - 12.2022

Sales Manager - STO's Account

Mount Meru Hotel
01.2017 - 12.2021

Sales Executive

Precision Airlines
11.2008 - 11.2016

Food & Beverage Hostess

Serena Lodges & Hotel (Tourism Promotion Services T) LTD
06.2001 - 10.2008

International Business

Makerere University

L4 Diploma in Business - Business Administration And Management

NCC EDUCATION

Diploma in Hotel Management - Hotel Management

Vocational Education And Training Authority

Advanced Certificate of Secondary School -

Eckenforde High School
Elizabeth Wangai