Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
“I am an author, public speaker, and marketer who implements hotel marketing strategies that grow revenue for hospitality clients and lodging brands.”
“Craig is one of the greatest guest speakers that I ever had in my marketing classes!
His presentations are always engaging, insightful, and inspiring.”
I am the Senior Director of Sales for Milestone Inc and a Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM). With experience in hotel operations, revenue management, sales, and marketing, I implement hotel marketing strategies to achieve more direct bookings and return on investment (ROI). Before becoming an award-winning supplier, I spent ten years managing various hospitality disciplines for The Walt Disney Company, Interstate Hotels & Resorts (now Aimbridge Hospitality), and Grand Pacific Resorts.
I also serve as Chapter President for Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in Los Angeles.
I was honored as one of the Top 25 Most Inspirational Executives in Hospitality/Travel in their March 2022 issue.
I was honored as one of the Top 25 Most Inspirational Executives in Hospitality/Travel in their March 2022 issue.
HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds have shared innovative ideas and overcame obstacles in the preceding 18 months. Each of these individuals has exemplified leadership and brilliance in their respective roles. Collectively, they are contributing to the hospitality industry recovery.
“The ‘Top 25’ is our annual hot list that celebrates the sales, marketing and revenue optimization leaders and innovators in our industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO of HSMAI. “Throughout the pandemic, these extraordinary professionals have risen to each challenge and met unprecedented circumstances with creativity, strength, and ingenuity. These leaders will be a guiding light along the industry’s road to recovery.”
HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds have shared innovative ideas and overcame obstacles in the preceding 18 months. Each of these individuals has exemplified leadership and brilliance in their respective roles. Collectively, they are contributing to the hospitality industry recovery.
“The ‘Top 25’ is our annual hot list that celebrates the sales, marketing and revenue optimization leaders and innovators in our industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO of HSMAI. “Throughout the pandemic, these extraordinary professionals have risen to each challenge and met unprecedented circumstances with creativity, strength, and ingenuity. These leaders will be a guiding light along the industry’s road to recovery.”
Sponsored by SD METRO Magazine, 40 Under 40 began in 1999, making this the 21st consecutive year. Over this period of time, 840 of San Diego’s most outstanding young people have been honored.
Sponsored by SD METRO Magazine, 40 Under 40 began in 1999, making this the 21st consecutive year. Over this period of time, 840 of San Diego’s most outstanding young people have been honored.
I’m continuously learning to sharpen my skills so my clients can stay ahead of the competition. Here is a sampling of the professional certifications that I recently received in hotel marketing.
I am a public speaker who regularly facilitates in-person and virtual educational sessions for hotel brands, lodging associations, and hospitality universities.
As an example of the quality of my educational events, below is feedback from attendees where I received 100% positive reviews.
“Craig is one of the greatest guest speakers that I ever had in my marketing classes! His presentations are always engaging, insightful, and inspiring. My students love to learn cutting-edge knowledge and real-life examples about digital marketing from Craig. We really appreciate having Craig as our guest speaker!” San Jose State University Professor
“Very informative webinar, great pace, examples provided, engagement with audience. I appreciated having the presentation there to print so I didn’t have to rush to take notes. Truly one of the best webinars I’ve ever attended.”
“Great job Craig. You are a great presenter and easy to follow. Thank you.”
“Love the very even and perfectly timed speed and calm tone of the presenter, makes it so much easier to digest via an online presentation (looking forward to participate in an in person presentation one day)”
I am a hospitality thought leader who shares educational content in hotel industry publications and social media. I co-authored The Hotel Revenue Bible, the complete guide to increasing hotel revenue with the best revenue management, digital advertising, social media marketing, sales, catering, food and beverage, and more.
Some LinkedIn followers refer to me as an influencer with my #optimistichotelier and #marketingcheckin weekly series.
My Linkedin recent statistics:
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) from hospitality professionals who aspire to be a hotel marketer or hotel marketing manager in the Los Angeles area.
Hotel marketing managers and digital marketing directors should have the following skills.
Yes. Here are five hotel and lodging associations and membership groups in Los Angeles and Greater Southern California.
Each year the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) selects their Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization.
In 2020, the Top 25 class included:
Hotel marketing managers benefit from ongoing education and upskilling. Here are eight certificate courses that marketing managers should take:
Hotel marketers have the opportunity to learn remotely and stay ahead of trends. Here are five organizations that provide marketing education:
LinkedIn is a powerful social media network where hotel education and marketing strategies are shared. Here are the top profiles on LinkedIn in the hospitality industry (in no particular order):
Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM) is a professional certification offered by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).
CHDM demonstrates your expertise in hospitality digital marketing and how it can be applied to better your organization and clients. It indicates to your employer and professional community that you’re committed to advancing your knowledge, skillset, and expertise.
Craig Carbonniere is The Optimistic Hotelier. He authored a weekly series titled “The Optimistic Hotelier,” a collection of positive news from the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Craig says his goal for the series was to “inspire hoteliers to focus on a brighter future.” #OptimisticHotelier has generated nearly 500,000 views and engagement from over 45,000 hoteliers.
Hotel direct bookings are room reservations that Guests make with a hotel directly using the hotel website, calling the hotel, or reserving with a hotel representative without using a 3rd party intermediary, Online Travel Agency, or Travel Agent. Direct bookings would also include Guests who “walk in” and arrive at a hotel without a reservation and reservations confirmed via a sales manager or reservation again over the phone or email. For most hotel marketing managers, their goal is to generate more direct bookings.
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