Desiree Phiri

Marketing and Reservations Manager with experience as a results-driven Marketing, Communications & Tourism professional with experience in hospitality operations, destination marketing, social media engagement, and international travel trade exposure. Skilled in storytelling, brand representation, and guest-focused communication across African and island destinations.

Lodge Marketing and Reservations Manager at The Shrub Lodge (2022-11 – Present)

Managed lodge reservations and operational coordination, negotiated commercial relationships with tour operators, and led marketing initiatives.

• Managed lodge reservations and operational coordination, facilitating bookings, room allocation, and seamless guest experience.
• Negotiated and managed commercial relationships with tour operators, travel agents, suppliers, and activity providers resulting in 15–20% improved pricing efficiencies and an 80% success rate in optimizing packages and guest value offerings
• Lead and support the lodge's marketing and brand visibility by overseeing digital communication, social media content, promotional materials, and storytelling that increased enquiries and conversions.

Lodge Manager | Management Trainee at The Shrub Lodge (2022-11 – 2023-11)

Coordinated lodge operations, marketing, and guest services with a focus on brand management and social media initiatives.

• Coordinated lodge operations, marketing, and guest services, providing a well-rounded understanding of hospitality management.
• Assisted with promotional messaging and guest communications, ensuring consistent brand tone and clear information across booking confirmations, pre-arrival messages, and on-site engagement.
• Boosted social media marketing initiatives and lodge brand management by assisting with content creation, online engagement, and maintaining a consistent digital presence.

Reservations & Marketing Freelancing at Pristine Vacations (2021-11 – 2022-05)

Led marketing for inbound trips, managed client enquiries, bookings, and developed promotional content with digital marketing focus.

• Led marketing for inbound trips, managing client enquiries, bookings, and itinerary confirmations for leisure and holiday travel.
• Created tour and package promotion by developing marketing content, promotional messaging, and sales support materials aimed at increasing enquiries and conversions.
• Managed brand visibility and digital marketing efforts by creating social media marketing pages and maintaining consistent brand presentation across platforms with a 12.5% success rate over that year.

Marketing Internship at Inspiration Africa (2021-03 – 2021-07)

Conducted destination research and prepared marketing content for tour descriptions and promotional materials.

• Conducted destination research and prepared marketing content by curating information on attractions, experiences, and travel highlights for use in tour descriptions, digital platforms, and promotional materials.

Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism, Hospitality & Marketing – Curtin University