Christian Klinger

Director of Global Sales at Rocco Forte Hotels | Exquisite hotels in exceptional European locations

Munich, Bavaria, Germany

About

With over a decade of expertise in luxury hospitality sales, I lead strategic sales initiatives at Rocco Forte Hotels, where I am committed to elevating the brand’s presence across key European markets. My core strengths lie in developing high-value markets, crafting targeted sales strategies, and nurturing long-term client relationships—all with the goal of positioning Rocco Forte Hotels as the foremost name in European luxury hospitality. I bring a dynamic, collaborative approach to our sales team, ensuring we not only meet but consistently exceed our revenue objectives. In my role at Rocco Forte Hotels since 2021, I have been instrumental in optimizing revenues and strengthening our presence across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and CEE. Leveraging skills in target market selling and sales negotiation, I have cultivated robust pipelines and spearheaded our strategic approach to establish Rocco Forte Hotels as a premier choice in European luxury hospitality. My efforts in sales have been supported by a strong foundation in team leadership and staff development, ensuring our sales force is well-equipped to drive success.

Experience

  • Director of Global Sales - DACH & CEE at Rocco Forte Hotels
    Jul 2021 - Present · 5 yrs

    Driving the strategic growth of leisure, MICE, and corporate business across DACH & CEE for Rocco Forte Hotels, Rocco Forte Private Villas, and Rocco Forte House. Focused on expanding market share, forging high-value partnerships, and maximising revenue performance through a tailored, insight-driven sales strategy. Committed to elevating brand recognition and commercial success within these key markets by representing Rocco Forte Hotels’ signature values of timeless elegance, personalised service, exceptional guest experiences and authentic European luxury. We are the Forte family. A family of fourth generation hoteliers. A family of individual hotels at the best European addresses. Of historic buildings with great stories and greater views turned into characterful, thoughtfully designed hotels and retreats – unmistakably London, Rome, Sicily or Munich, yet unmistakably Rocco Forte Hotels. Restorative spas, destination bars and restaurants that hero the finest local ingredients. Tailormade, nowhere-else experiences, open-hearted atmospheres and our trademark individualised service welcoming you to the family.

  • Kempinski Hotels (Munich, Bavaria, Germany · On-site)
    • Director of Sales | Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich & Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
      Sep 2017 - Jun 2021 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Overseeing the development and execution of comprehensive sales strategies to maximise occupancy, room rates, and revenue performance. Leading the acquisition of new clients, nurturing key existing accounts, and driving group business across strategic markets. Accountable for setting and achieving ambitious sales targets, coordinating all sales activities, and preparing the annual budget and business plan, ensuring budget compliance and accurate forecasting. Managing the Sales department, including employee appraisals, training, and professional development, as well as conducting recruitment for sales roles.

    • Asst. Director of Sales | Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich & Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
      Oct 2016 - Aug 2017 · 11 mos

      Responsible for developing the following markets/segments: > Russia & CIS: Leisure, MICE & Corporate > UK: Leisure, MICE & Corporate > Region of Hessen (Germany): Leisure, MICE & Corporate

    • Sales Manager | Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich & Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
      May 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Sales Manager | InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
    Oct 2013 - Apr 2015 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Austria Trend Hotels (Salzburg, Austria · On-site)
    • Area Sales & Key Account Manager - Salzburg
      Jun 2011 - Sep 2013 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Area Junior Sales Manager - Salzburg
      May 2010 - May 2011 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Radisson Blu (On-site)
    • Sales & Bankett Coordinator | Radisson Blu Style Hotel 5*, Vienna
      Jan 2010 - Apr 2010 · 4 mos

    • Sales & Bankett Assistant | Radisson Blu Style Hotel 5*, Vienna
      Jan 2009 - Dec 2009 · 1 yr

    • Front Office Agent/Night Audit | Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt 5*, Salzburg
      Aug 2008 - Dec 2008 · 5 mos