Senior Travel Specialist

Our client is Southern Africa's leading integrated tourism group, operating businesses which range from travel management companies, hotels, lodges to restaurants. They are driven by a commitment to exceptional quality, service and value; its people-centered business philosophy; the development of mutually rewarding partnerships; constant innovation; and world-class technology.

Role Overview

As a Senior Travel Specialist for the high-end bespoke market, you will be responsible for designing and executing luxury travel itineraries that cater to the unique preferences and desires of the companies discerning clients.

Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure that each journey is a seamless and extraordinary experience.

You would exceed customer expectations, meet the deadlines, retain relationships, achieve set sales targets and manage operations responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time | Permanent

Work Type: Onsite

Location: Bryanston, Johannesburg

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12
• Minimum 5 years Inbound Tourism industry experience in a senior role dealing with the high-end, luxury Markets
• Experience in tailor-made FIT itineraries
• Travel & Tourism qualification would be preferable
• Tourplan knowledge and execution would be preferable
• Excellent South African and Regional geographic knowledge

Competency

• Attention to detail is essential
• A mature approach when dealing with people
• Capacity for dealing with employers and workers at all levels
• Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people
• Excellent planning, organisational, and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• English competency (speaking, reading & writing)
• Integrity and Honesty
• Excellent Problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Client Consultation: Conduct in-depth consultations with high-end clients to understand their travel preferences, interests, and specific requirements.
• Customized Itinerary Design: Create highly personalized travel itineraries, including luxury accommodations, private transportation, exclusive experiences, and dining reservations, tailored to each client’s needs.
• Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with our suppliers to secure exclusive deals and experiences for clients.
• Destination Knowledge: Excellent South Africa and Regional knowledge required.
• Logistics Management: Ensure seamless logistics for each trip, including managing flight details, transfers, and other travel arrangements.
• Client Communication: Excellent Communication skills within depth detail.
• Problem Solving: Handle unexpected issues or changes to travel plans with professionalism and efficiency, ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s experience.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed travel itineraries, travel documents, and other relevant information for clients.

Quoting and Reservations

• Acknowledge receipt of written requests received from agents and ensure quick turn-around times of 24 hours.
• Respond to written requests and provide written confirmations.
• Opening of client files according to the companies standards.
• Loading reservations on Tourplan.
• Ensure confirmation of services with suppliers.
• Stay in constant communication with agents with regards to status of reservations, payment requirements, deadlines, and conditions of reservations.
• Arrange Meet and Greets as required.
• Handling and escalating client complaints.
• Manage MOD phone and queries as required.

Payments and Account Queries

• Ensure that clients invoiced for all services and invoices provided to clients timeously.
• Manage payments and Account queries
• Follow up on payments
• Liaise with Finance department with regards to queries
• Ensure payment conditions are strictly adhered to
• Keep Manager informed of possible problems
• Arrange pre-payments

Financial Reporting

• Explanation of variances
• Margin Management (high & low)
• Reconciling of files

Administration

• Full understanding and follow-through of all divisional procedures and policies.
• Submit timeous reports as requested and adhere to deadlines
• Maintain complete confidentiality with all company intellectual capital
• Ensure that all documentation has been filed and that files are updated

Client Relationships

• To ensure client expectations are met and the highest delivery of service is driven through the business.
• To build and retain relationships with clients.
• To ensure effective communication with clients at all times.
• To ensure that all correspondence, documentation, proposals, presentations are delivered accurately and timeously

Supplier Relationships

• Commitment to and building relationships with the companies preferred partners.
• Establishing best product.
• Personal development on destinations and products.
• Actively source new products and creative ideas

Teamwork

• To build and maintain good relationships within the team.
• Pro-actively get involved.
• Assist in areas of expertise.
• Flexibility to assist colleagues out of normal office hours, when and if required

Learning and Development

• Continuously develop product knowledge, attend industry events/seminars/conferences, and participate in supplier workshops, educational and trade shows.
• Keep abreast of industry trends
• Attend all internal training interventions