Director of Destination Management / Directress of Destination Management

Viking River Cruises AG - January 30, 2026

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel, operating a fleet of more than 100 ships that explore 21 rivers, five oceans, and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often states that Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. With over 450 awards, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans for five consecutive years by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Viking is also recognized as a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company simultaneously holds such honors from both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or possess a valid work permit.

Role Description

The Director of Destination Management will act as a strategic and operational conduit between the Executive Director and the Destination Management Team. This role ensures alignment across regional operations, drives excellence in destination execution, and supports the development of scalable, guest-centric experiences across the ocean portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in destination operations, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Translate executive vision into actionable plans for the Destination Management Team.
  • Lead cross-regional alignment on destination strategy, standards, and performance metrics.
  • Support itinerary planning and destination development.

Operational Oversight

  • Monitor and optimize destination performance across all ocean itineraries.
  • Ensure consistency in guest experience, vendor management, and compliance with internal and external guidelines.

Financial & Reporting

  • Oversee destination-related budgeting, forecasting, and cost control strategies.
  • Monitor operational performance across regions, including vendor efficiency, guest satisfaction, and resource utilization.
  • Analyze voyage-level financials, refund trends, and revenue contributions to identify opportunities for optimization.
  • Partner with finance and analytics teams to develop dashboards and reporting tools that support data-driven decision-making.

Key Qualifications

  • 8+ years in destination management, hospitality, or travel operations.
  • Proven leadership experience managing multi-regional teams.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
  • Eligible to work in Switzerland or hold a valid work permit.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a related field from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent preferred.

Nice to Have Qualifications

  • Experience with ocean cruise operations or luxury travel.
  • Ability to navigate cultural nuances and build relationships across geographies.

Community & Culture

Join a fast-growing and dynamic environment with a modern workspace and flexible working hours.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location : Basel
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

Only pdf, Word, or OpenOffice file. Maximum file size: 3 MB.