Soledad Salto

A results-driven professional with over 12 years of experience in the tourism industry, specializing in sports events. Proven expertise in sales, public relations, and promoting tourism destinations. Committed to delivering unforgettable experiences and building lasting relationships. Demonstrated success in coordinating sports team travel, managing accounts, and providing exceptional hospitality services. Adept at market analysis, relationship building, and cross-cultural communication. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem-solving. Proficient in Amadeus GDS, Opera, Tourplan, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms. Fluent in Spanish. Passionate about Latin America, particularly Argentina, and dedicated to promoting its cultural richness and sporting traditions. 

Skills  
Sales and negotiation / Market Analysis and Strategy / Time Management and Organization / Relationship Building / Product and Industry Knowledge / Financial Acumen / Presentation and cross-cultural communication skills / Leadership and Teamwork / Goal-Oriented / Adaptability and Problem-Solving / Technology proficiencies in Amadeus GDS, Opera, Tourplan, Microsoft Office package and social media platforms / Spanish as a mother tongue.  

Free Lance
Polo & Wine
Since 2014, my focus has been on sports events, beginning with the marketing of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In 2016, I relocated to London and joined Infinity Sports Travel, where I played a pivotal role in establishing the sports tourism department dedicated to the Latin American market for the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018. Since then, I have immersed myself in various global sports events, including the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 through a partnership with a travel agency that is an ISTAA organization member. Throughout my career in the sports, events, and travel industry, I have had the privilege of working on prestigious events such as 2 World Cups, 3 European Championships, 1 Rugby World Cup, and multiple Champions and Europa League finals. My expertise lies in procuring accommodation and transportation, managing accounts, organising corporate events and hospitality, as well as coordinating sports team travel within the UK and internationally. I had the honour of being a panellist on the "360 Travel" programme, where we discussed topics related to sports tourism. This experience has allowed me to share my knowledge and further promote my interest in this captivating field.  

Sales Executive | Sep 2021 – Aug 2022
St Giles Hotels, London, UK (Full-time)
As a Sales Executive at St Giles Hotels in London, I promoted two properties and developed a client portfolio through database management. I created a business portfolio and closed sales opportunities while preparing monthly reports and tracking sales using the Opera system. Additionally, I made reservations for corporate clients.

Business Development Manager | May 2020 - May 2021 
Master Rice, Pakistan (Full-time | Remote)
As a Head of Sales Latin American Market at Master Rice, Pakistan, I was responsible for developing the Latin American market for food imports and rice mills. My responsibilities included developing a database of food importers and rice mills, creating business profiles, building e-catalogues in Spanish, conducting meetings with potential clients, and creating content for social media platforms.

Business Development Manager | November 2016 – Jul 2019 
Infinity Sports Travel, London, UK
As the Business Development Manager for Major Sports Events in the Latin American market, I led a team of 8 individuals, developed operational strategies, built relationships with suppliers, and created bespoke sports travel packages. I also participated in industry events to promote the brand and coordinated with other teams to ensure high-quality standards and customer satisfaction.

Branch Manager | November 2010 – October 2016
Platino Turismo, Argentina
As a Retail Travel Agency Branch Manager, I managed day-to-day operations, developed effective strategies for increasing sales and profitability, controlled costs, built strong customer relationships, recruited and trained staff, ensured compliance with legal requirements, and reported regularly on branch performance to senior management. I also developed marketing campaigns, maintained accurate records and stayed up to date with industry trends. This experience has equipped me with the skills needed to successfully manage and grow a travel agency branch. 

South America Travel Designer |July 2007 – October 2010
Metropolitan Touring, Argentina 
At Metropolitan Touring in Argentina, I designed and sold bespoke travel holidays to South America for both B2B and B2C Virtuosos clients (USA, Canada and UK markets). Responsibilities included providing travel advice, managing reservations, responding to customer inquiries, resolving post-sale issues, conducting in-house training, and planning FAM trips. With extensive knowledge of South American destinations, I successfully built and maintained client relationships, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty to the company.

Extra-Curricular/Interests 
Travel, Reading, Trekking, Music, Theatre, Technology, Teach Spanish. I'm a passionate enthusiast of Latin America, particularly Argentina. I actively promote my homeland at international tourism events in the UK and Europe. I also love sports, especially football and polo, which I pursue with dedication and enthusiasm. 

National University of La Rioja, Argentina | BSc (Hons) in Tourism, 2001 - 2004
National University of La Rioja, Argentina | Postgraduate Course Community Management, 2012
Barca Innovation Hub, Spain | Certificate in Communication in Sports Organizations, 2020