The Florida Aquarium Business Development - Leisure Sales

The Florida Aquarium Business Development - Leisure Sales internship offers a well-rounded, educational experience working with our team of professionals. In this role, you will assist the Leisure Sales Manager with a variety of tourism and group initiatives. Have fun and never be bored while helping to increase awareness about Florida’s largest aquarium, right here in Tampa!

This specialized internship is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited, world class facility. 

This application is for the Spring Term (14 Weeks) January 20 - April 21

·      Visit Hillsborough & Pinellas county hotels, resort, and vacation rental properties to give Aquarium updates

·      Share the Aquarium’s story at events with Visit Tampa Bay and other tourism partners

·      Track promotional discounts and coupons

·      Process donation/gift requests from tourism partners

·      Assist with data entry and reporting 

·      Review the Aquarium’s listing on partner websites (Expedia, TripAdvisor, etc.) and suggest improvements

·      Research business opportunities that support the Aquarium’s goals

·      Coordinate Aquarium tours for tourism partners

·      Collaborate with Marketing team to update Aquarium website, social media posts, and assets

·      Encourage groups to visit the Aquarium in person, via phone and/or email

·      Assist with group entry including welcoming groups to the Aquarium as needed

·      Assist with Business Development projects as needed

·      Assist with bulk ticket and barcode requests

·      Attend team meetings

 

·      Must be college sophomore or higher and up to 6 months post graduate with preference to candidates with a GPA of 3.0/4.0.

·      Degree focused on tourism, hospitality, business, or marketing is ideal

·      Ability to drive automotive equipment and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

·      Experience using MS Office Suite particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint is desirable

·      Articulate and comfortable speaking with partners, guests, and group prospects about The Florida Aquarium

·      Good listener, empathetic, and able to appreciate The Florida Aquarium’s mission

·      Experience in tourism, hospitality or related industry is a plus

 

1.    Learn about The Florida Aquarium and the tourism industry.

2.    Research and understand the local community.

3.    Develop and present a comprehensive plan for The Florida Aquarium to engage local residents and businesses.

Be a Good Neighbor Project: Research opportunities and propose new programs to increase affinity for the Aquarium by locals with emphasis on our Channelside neighbors (cruise companies, Port Tampa Bay, local businesses and residents). Well thought-out and creative ideas (from grass-roots initiatives to technological elements) are welcome.

 

Flexible 2 days (16 hours per week) Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM, with a few evening tourism events

Please see the internship description on our website here: https://www.flaquarium.org/get-involved/internships/business-development-interns