McLean, VA (June 4, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Global is proud to announce the launch of its Certified Hotel Sales Leader (CHSL) certification. This new program is designed to recognize the expertise of hotel sales leaders, emphasizing the most up-to-date sales and commercial principles, practices, and strategies.

The CHSL certification is tailored for hospitality sales leaders who are proficient in leading high-performing teams, demonstrating overall commercial acumen, applying best practices in hotel sales to drive revenue growth, and more. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Where sales and technology meet

  • Building and Retaining a High-Performing Sales Team

  • Managing the Sales Function

  • Driving Hotel Sales Through Diverse Marketing Strategies

  • Hotel Distribution Essentials for Sales Leaders

  • Leveraging Data Analytics

“We are very excited to add the CHSL certification to HSMAI’s distinguished family of commercial certifications, including the CRME, CHDM, CRMA, and CHBA,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO, HSMAI. “This new certification underscores our commitment to empowering hotel sales professionals with the vital skills and recognition they need to excel as successful commercial leaders.”

Key Benefits of the CHSL Certification:

  • Recognition of expertise in hospitality sales leadership

  • Validation of skills in recruiting, training, and managing sales teams

  • Demonstration of overall commercial acumen including sales, revenue management, digital marketing, and distribution

  • Mastery in interpreting sales data and turning data insights into metric-supported strategies

  • Knowledge of best practices in hotel sales for revenue growth

  • Effective communication skills of sales strategies

Program Details:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must have at least two years of sales experience in the hospitality industry and must complete the CHSL application demonstrating a minimum of 50 points based on professional experience, industry involvement, coursework and other qualifications.

  • Exam: Approved applicants will receive a digital copy of the study guide, The Hotel Sales Playbook: Winning Strategies for Success, and complete an online examination covering essential functions of hospitality sales.

  • Cost: HSMAI members can register for $500, while non-members can register for $675. Re-examination and recertification fees apply.

HSMAI members who attain the CHSL certification will gain professional recognition, career advancement opportunities, and the ability to contribute more effectively to their organizations’ success. For more information, visit hsmaiacademy.org/certification-hotel-sales-leader or contact Kathy Tindell at kathy.tindell@hsmai.org.