Travel Consultant – Business Incentive Travel

CAA North & East Ontario; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Travel Consultant specializing in corporate incentive travel. This role involves designing and executing tailored travel programs, ensuring high-quality experiences for Business Membership clients. The ideal candidate will excel in project management, communication, and vendor negotiations, contributing to client satisfaction and business growth. With a focus on relationship management and budget oversight, this position offers an exciting opportunity to innovate in the travel sector. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will make a significant impact on client success and travel experiences.

Benefits

Generous Commission Structure

CAA Membership

Qualifications

• 3+ years in corporate travel with a focus on incentive programs.
• Experience in vendor negotiations and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute customized travel programs for Business Membership clients.
• Build strong relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Analytical Skills

Customer Service

Education

Post-Secondary degree/diploma in Hospitality

Post-Secondary degree/diploma in Tourism

Post-Secondary degree/diploma in Business

Tools

GDS (Global Distribution Systems)

Online booking platforms

Job description

Travel Consultant – Business Incentive Travel

TERM: Full-Time, 12 Month Contract

Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Product Development, Travel and Groups, the Travel Consultant specializes in corporate incentive and group travel. They are responsible for designing, planning, and executing customized travel programs tailored to meet the unique needs of our Business Membership clients.

The Travel Consultant’s expertise in travel logistics, vendor negotiations, and budget management ensures seamless, high-quality travel experiences that drive client satisfaction and business growth. They establish and maintain strong partnerships with Business Membership clients, ensuring a deep understanding of their travel needs and long-term business objectives.

The Travel Consultant is responsible for coordinating and executing both virtual and in-person Business Membership travel events, including trade shows, client meetings, and incentive travel programs.

Responsibilities

Design and Plan Incentive Travel Programs:

• Collaborate with Business Members to understand their goals and objectives and create customized travel itineraries that align with their needs.
• Research destinations, venues, and unique experiences to ensure a high-quality program tailored to client requirements.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop exclusive travel packages.
• Handle all aspects of travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities.
• Coordinate logistics to optimize travel efficiency and comfort for clients.
• Provide contingency plans for unexpected travel disruptions.

Member Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Business Membership clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.
• Coordinate and execute virtual and in-person Business Member company travel events, including trade shows, client meetings, and incentive travel programs.
• Regularly communicate with clients to assess their needs, provide travel recommendations, and ensure a seamless travel experience.
• Offer ongoing support and follow-up after trips to gather feedback and enhance future services.
• In-destination group hosting duties where required.
• Negotiate group-related contracts and manage relationships with hotels, airlines, tour operators, and other travel service providers.
• Evaluate vendor group performance, secure competitive group pricing, and establish long-term partnerships to enhance service offerings.
• Ensure service agreements align with Business Membership client policies and client expectations.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for incentive travel programs, ensuring cost-effectiveness while delivering high-quality experiences.
• Track expenses, analyze financial reports, and recommend cost-saving strategies without compromising quality.
• Provide clients with transparent pricing breakdowns.

On-Site Coordination:

• Provide on-site support during incentive trips to ensure smooth execution and address any issues that arise where necessary.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and vendors, resolving last-minute concerns and ensuring the highest level of service.
• Oversee group activities and ensure all planned elements run seamlessly.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Assist in the development of marketing materials and promotional campaigns to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
• Work closely with the marketing team to create compelling content, promotional offers, and event materials that showcase incentive travel programs.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare detailed reports on program outcomes, key performance metrics, and client feedback to continuously improve service offerings.
• Conduct post-trip evaluations to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide data-driven insights to enhance future travel planning.

Travel Technology Applications:

• Work with Business Member clients to secure and utilize travel technology applications to support incentive trips.
• Provide training and support on booking platforms, mobile travel apps, and digital itinerary management tools to enhance the client experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with internal teams, including marketing and business development, to enhance travel offerings and drive incentive travel growth.
• Coordinate with sales and business development teams to identify new Business Membership clients, develop proposals, and present tailored incentive travel solutions.
• Engage with customer service teams to address inquiries and ensure exceptional client support.

Group Travel Program Development (as required):

• Work alongside Manager, Product Development, Travel and Groups and Group Travel Specialist to craft and develop CAANEO’s wholesale group travel program, offering innovative and captivating travel experiences for customers.

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Post-Secondary degree/diploma in Hospitality, Tourism, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in corporate travel, with a focus on incentive travel programs.
• Experience in group travel planning, vendor negotiations, and budget management.
• Additional certifications in travel management or corporate travel planning are an advantage.
• Proficiency in travel booking systems and software, such as GDS (Global Distribution Systems) and online booking platforms.

Skills:

• Project Management & Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met with attention to detail.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills to foster strong relationships with business clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Negotiation & Vendor Management: Ability to secure the best rates and contracts with suppliers while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Teamwork & Independence: Capable of working independently while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Creative problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected challenges and provide top-tier client service.
• Analytical & Reporting Skills: Strong ability to assess program success, interpret data, and recommend process improvements.
• Customer Service Excellence: A proactive approach to meeting client needs and exceeding expectations through tailored travel solutions.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends (as required).
• A valid G driver’s license and Driver’s Abstract acceptable for corporate vehicle insurance policies.
• Ability to travel throughout the CAA North & East Ontario territory to meet with Business Member clients.
• Ability to travel in-destination to host corporate travel events, as well as participation in trade shows and consumer events to promote CAA Travel.

Compensation

• Generous Commission Structure
• CAA Membership

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Employment is contingent on a successful Criminal Background Check and references.

Job applicants who have disabilities shall be provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the recruiting process.

LOCATION: Orleans Travel Store – 2026 Tenth Line Rd. Orleans, ON