Senior Travel Specialist - FIT (Travel/Tourism)

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
  Travel & Tourism qualification would be preferable
• Minimum 7 years FITs experience
• Tourplan working knowledge is essential
• Excellent knowledge of South Africa (Tourist attractions, seasonality, routes, distances and driving times, places of interest, Geography, transport infrastructure)
• Good verbal, telephonic and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software: including Word, Excel and Teams
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good problem solving skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Negotiation and liaison ability
• Strong decision-making ability
• Be innovative and proactive
• Must have attention to detail
• Basic financial knowledge

Responsibilities

• Reservations of all TDM Touring services requested by internal and external clients
• Quote and convert private charter requests within the required turnaround time
• Ensure that the best rates are always negotiated and secured with the preferred suppliers
• Manage allocated bookings in Tourpla
• Manage allocated TDM Touring suppliers
  
• Reservations and operational duties to manage specific Scheduled Tours effectively
• Ensure pre- during- and post-tour procedures are adhered to, as per TDM Touring standards
• Monitor group numbers and manage specific Scheduled Tour departures and supplier allocations
  
• Maintain contact with tour guides throughout Scheduled Tours and Private charters
• Manage payments and account queries with suppliers and local agents
• Manage cancellations, client complaints and emergencies
• Monitor profitability of specific Scheduled Tours on a weekly basis
• Work closely with the product development, sales and marketing teams when required
• Manage personal and shared team MS Outlook mailboxes