I've seen it all. From struggling to get food and rent to driving 7-figure revenues for brands. I'm now an SEO and content specialist at Contact, an SEO agency that makes $20M/yr for clients. 

We've helped companies like Shopify, Kajabi, and beehiiv to turn search traffic into dependable, predictable revenue.

I went from being a broke and confused freelance writer in 2011 to being a top-rated copywriter who's written for valuable brands like beehiiv and Kajabi. 

I'm grateful for so many things...

Grateful to have been featured on TV, the papers, multiple blogs, ProWritingAid, HuffPost, HostAdvice, etc.

Grateful to have been one of the co-founders of a US-based digital marketing agency.

Grateful to have helped multiple clients.

Grateful to have built a site from zero to 3M+ in traffic and a mailing list from zero to 20,000+ engaged email subscribers.

I've been working at Contact, the most innovative SEO agency, since March 2023. One of my most satisfying things has been seeing valuable companies multiplying their revenue through SEO.

If you want to increase your revenue from SEO and content marketing, email me at walter@contactstudios.com.

Walter Akolo

Kenya safaris & holidays company 

Freelance business development  & travel consultant 

Qaribu Inn

•Leading B2B and MICE sales targeting corporates, NGOs, and individual clients

•Closed KES 3.6M+ in group retreat revenue within Q2 through tailored packages

•Increased weekday occupancy by 33% with strategic outreach and direct client engagement

•Built partnerships with event organizers, embassies, and executive retreat planners

•Developed and pitched high conversion corporate retreat solutions.

Corporate Sales Manager

The Emory Hotel

•Leading B2B and MICE sales targeting corporates, NGOs, and diplomatic clients

•Closed KES 3.6M+ in group retreat revenue within Q2 through tailored packages

•Increased weekday occupancy by 33% with strategic outreach and direct client engagement

•Built partnerships with event organizers, embassies, and executive retreat planners

•Developed and pitched high-conversion corporate retreat solutions

Sales Associate

Giraffe

•Positioned the lodge as a preferred retreat venue for Nairobi-based corporates

•Generated over KES 2.8M in sales from 5 corporate bookings in 6 weeks

•Created and launched the “Safari Meeting Retreat” package for midweek business

•Increased corporate visibility via cold pitching, referrals, and transport partnerships

Sales Account Manager

Sentrim Hotels & Lodges

•Led sales and digital marketing strategies for domestic and international bookings

•Increased conference bookings by bundling value-added services for events

•Delivered 25% YoY sales growth through proactive client engagement and upselling

•Managed online campaigns, rate negotiation, and group client relationship building.
•Managed safari bookings for individuals, agents, and tour companies.

•Contributed to 40% client retention through consistent service and upselling

•Handled OTA platforms, inquiries, and guest experience coordination

Sales Representative

Resolution Health EA ltd

•Promoted health, general, and corporate insurance solutions to individuals, SMEs, and institutions.

•Consulted clients on tailored insurance packages and risk management solutions aligned with their personal and business needs.

•Identified new markets, generated leads, and nurtured long-term client relationships through consultative selling.

•Worked closely with underwriting and claims teams to ensure smooth policy administration and customer satisfaction.

•Conducted presentations, open days, and activations to promote brand awareness and drive client acquisition.

•Maintained a pipeline of prospects, achieved monthly sales targets, and provided after-sales service support.


✅Key Highlights:
•Consistently exceeded monthly sales and premium targets by offering need-based insurance solutions.
•Expanded the corporate portfolio by onboarding several SME and institutional clients.
• Played a key role in enhancing brand visibility through client education forums and community engagement.
•Built a loyal client base through excellent customer service and personalized follow-up.

Business Consultant

Aberdare Safari Hotels

•Welcomed and checked in guests with a focus on exceptional customer service and personalized experiences

•Handled reservations, room assignments, and check-out processes using hotel management systems (e.g., OPERA/Fidelio)

•Responded promptly to guest inquiries, special requests, and complaints with professionalism

•Managed front desk operations, including telephone handling, emails, billing, and night audits

•Coordinated with housekeeping, kitchen, and concierge teams to ensure seamless guest experiences

•Promoted hotel services and upsold rooms, meals, and local experiences to maximize revenue

•Maintained accurate records, guest feedback logs, and daily reports for management

•Assisted in training new front desk staff and interns in customer service protocols

Front Office Receptionist

•Completed a comprehensive rotational internship across all hotel departments, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality operations and guest service excellence.

•Supported front office operations including guest check-in/check-out, reservations, and concierge services.

•Assisted in food & beverage service in the restaurant, bar, banqueting, and events, maintaining service standards.

•Participated in housekeeping and laundry operations, including room setup, linen management, deep cleaning, and inventory control.

•Observed and supported laundry processes including sorting, washing, pressing, and delivery of guest and hotel linen.

•Worked with the sales & marketing team on client outreach, event bookings, and promotional campaigns.

•Contributed to event planning and setup, ensuring seamless execution of conferences and group check-ins.

•Gained exposure to finance, stores, and procurement, learning basic hotel accounting, inventory tracking, and purchasing processes.

Management Trainee

Cyrus Mbaluka is a result driven Sales Manager in the hospitality and tourism industry with over 8 years of experience driving revenue, managing high value client accounts, forging long term client relationship and delivering measurable business growth for hotels, resorts, and travel brands.

I specialize in corporate and leisure sales, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions), and strategic business development. Known for exceeding targets and forging strong B2B partnerships, I bring a performance driven and client focused approach to sales leadership.

✔️ Core Competencies
• Hotel Sales & Business Development
• MICE & Event Sales Strategy
• Corporate Account Acquisition & Management
• Travel Trade & DMC Contracting
• Revenue Generation & Upselling
• B2B & B2C Sales Strategy
• CRM & Sales Pipeline Management
• Hotel Industry Networking & Partnerships
• Market Intelligence & Competitor Analysis
• Relationship building & management 
•Sales planning & Forecasting 
•Digital marketing 
•Negotiation

🏆 Selected Achievements
• Increased year over year corporate bookings by 40% through targeted outreach and partnership programs.
• Secured and retained top-tier corporate and embassy clients, contributing to over KES 10M+ in annual revenue.
• Successfully launched and sold event packages for international conferences and weddings, growing MICE revenue by 30%.
• Built and managed a portfolio of 60+ clients across Kenya, East Africa, and the Middle East, including travel agents, TMCs, and international NGOs.
• Consistently recognized for exceeding sales KPIs, client satisfaction, and brand representation at trade shows and exhibitions.

While I remain fully committed in my current role, I’m open to new opportunities in hotel sales leadership, tourism business development, or regional expansion roles, particularly with brands focused on growth, innovation, and client excellence. I am very passionate about Tech and Agri business.

📩 Let’s connect if you’re hiring, expanding your hospitality sales team, or exploring strategic partnerships across Africa, GCC, or international tourism markets.
📧 cmbaluka87@gmail.com

taplio

The Battle

Walter Akolo

Cyrus Mbaluka

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?