Ali Kansou

SaaS Sales & Business Development | Hotel Technology, Distribution & AI Solutions

Regional Director of Business Development at QUINTA (formerly Quicktext) (2022-03 – Present)

Driving regional business development for an AI-powered hotel technology company focused on structured hotel data, AI visibility, direct bookings, and digital guest engagement.

• Building strategic partnerships with hotel groups, regional partners, and resellers across the MENA market.
• Positioning Quinta's value proposition around AI-ready hotel data, generative search visibility, and smarter distribution across digital and AI ecosystems.
• Leading commercial discussions with independent hotels and hotel groups on solutions that enhance online visibility, automate customer interactions, and support direct revenue growth.
• Representing the company at regional trade shows, exhibitions, and industry meetings to expand market presence and generate pipeline.
• Managing key accounts and long-term client relationships, aligning business needs with evolving hotel technology and AI trends.
• Contributed to market expansion from USD 0 to USD 200K in the last two years through new business acquisition and partner development.

Cluster Revenue & Reservations Manager at ISHRAQ Hospitality UAE (2018-12 – 2021-12)

• Managed pricing strategies, rate segmentation, and sales campaigns, optimizing hotel revenue.
• Directed forecasting and budgeting processes, enhancing financial performance.
• Expanded online distribution and improved system connectivity (CRS & PMS) to drive bookings.
• Oversaw brand transition from Ramada by Wyndham to Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah.

Area Manager Sales & Revenue – GCC & Levant at Expedia FZ LLC (2017-07 – 2018-09)

• Developed and executed market strategies across UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, and Jordan.
• Negotiated contracts with major local hotel chains, aligning with company objectives.
• Secured favorable payment terms and accelerated partner onboarding.
• Established strategic relationships with tourism boards and hotel associations to enhance market influence.

Regional Director of Sales MEA at RateTiger (2016-08 – 2017-07)

• Led business development efforts across the region, growing the client base and increasing sales.
• Directed account management teams to ensure seamless client relationships and revenue growth.
• Drove the regional sales strategy, aligning with global objectives while managing sales pipelines.

Group Director of E-Commerce at JAZ Hotels & Resorts (2015-06 – 2016-08)

• Maximized exposure for 30 properties across online channels, improving visibility and conversion rates.
• Developed strategic online initiatives that boosted profitability and business volume.
• Managed special offers and marketing campaigns across the brand's digital platforms.

Director at EMarketkeys FZE (2013-01 – 2015-05)

• Led business development initiatives, introducing new hotel tech products in the region.
• Grew market share significantly, driving sales to reach million-dollar revenue targets for RateGain.
• Headed account management teams to optimize relationships and drive client retention.

General Manager – Hotels Department at Cleartrip Middle East (2011-01 – 2012-12)

• Established and grew Cleartrip's hotel division in the Middle East, including contracting and market expansion.
• Recruited and trained a team of professionals to drive growth and market penetration.

Senior Account Manager Sales & Revenue at Booking.com (2007-06 – 2010-12)

• Built and expanded Booking.com's presence in the Middle East, overseeing a team of 12 people.
• Secured new property partnerships and managed key relationships with hotel chains.
• Played a pivotal role in growing market share by activating new properties and optimizing revenue.

Senior Account Manager Sales & Revenue at Booking.com (2005-12 – 2007-05)

• Managed regional sales and revenue strategies across South France, Corsica, and Morocco.
• Led a team of four, driving market development initiatives and delivering significant growth.

Senior Product Expert at TravelClick (2004 – 2005)

• Developed and implemented e-commerce and data solutions for European markets.
• Provided consultancy services to enhance revenue and profitability from electronic channels.

Market Manager Revenue at Expedia (2003 – 2004)

• Managed hotel partnerships across Belgium, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Delivered revenue growth through strategic marketing and pricing initiatives.

Hotel Management Diploma in Hotel Management – Glion International Group (1999-12)