Travel Specialist Assistant

Absolute Escapes Ltd; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Pension scheme

20 days annual leave (increasing)

Job summary

Absolute Escapes Ltd in Edinburgh is seeking a Travel Specialist Assistant to join our sales team for at least four months, with potential for development within tourism. You will create personalised itineraries, respond to new enquiries, and convert leads into bookings while delivering outstanding customer service.

You’ll build relationships with clients worldwide, deepen product knowledge of UK and Ireland destinations, and support the sales process from proposals to final bookings in a

Qualifications

• Deep interest in travel, walking and outdoors, with strong knowledge of UK & Ireland tourism destinations.
• Excellent communication skills to understand client needs and convert enquiries into bookings.
• A proactive, organised self-starter who can meet sales targets within a small team.
• Clear written and spoken communication via phone and email with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Convert leads into bookings across the full sales journey.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients worldwide.
• Create tailormade walking itineraries and holiday proposals.
• Develop product knowledge of destinations, routes and accommodation.
• Collaborate with the team and contribute to sales targets.
• Develop travel sales and customer service skills through training.

Skills

Travel sales

Client relationships

Organisation

Written comms

Verbal comms

English

Google Sheets

Tools

Google Workspace

Google Sheets

Job description

Founded in Edinburgh in 2004, Absolute Escapes is an award-winning specialist in walking holidays and tailor-made travel across the UK & Ireland.

We pride ourselves on our first-hand knowledge and attention to detail, which ensures we exceed the expectations of our clients from all over the world. By listening closely to our clients’ needs, we craft unique itineraries that perfectly balance adventure with seamless logistics.

We help people reconnect with nature, their loved ones, and themselves – offering them the time and space to rejuvenate, no matter how busy their lives may be. Every holiday we create is as unique as the person it’s designed for.

Job Description

We’re looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic individual to join our experienced sales team as a Travel Specialist Assistant for a minimum of four months, with the opportunity to develop your skills and build a career within the tourism industry.

Working at Absolute Escapes, you’ll have the opportunity to turn your passion for travel into a career. You’ll join our dedicated team, helping to create personalised holiday itineraries, build relationships with clients and deliver exceptional customer service throughout the sales journey.

You’ll be involved in the full sales process, from responding to new enquiries, through to creating tailored proposals, following up with clients and converting leads into bookings. You’ll also develop your knowledge of our destinations and products, helping clients choose the right holiday for their needs.

You’ll be highly organised, with meticulous attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’ll be confident communicating with clients, enjoy building genuine relationships and be motivated and driven to turn enquiries into bookings.

This role would suit someone with a keen interest in travel, the outdoors and communication, as well as a good knowledge of the UK and Ireland as tourism destinations.

• Convert Leads into Bookings: Manage the full sales journey from initial enquiry through to confirmed booking, ensuring every detail is clearly communicated and handled professionally.
• Build Client Relationships: Develop strong relationships with clients from around the world, using your destination knowledge and expertise to understand their preferences and requirements.
• Create Exceptional Holidays: Build inspiring tailormade and walking itineraries that are practical, meticulously planned and designed to exceed client expectations.
• Develop Product Knowledge: Research destinations, routes, accommodation and new travel experiences to strengthen your product knowledge and support itinerary planning and sales.
• Be Part of the Team: Work alongside our experienced sales team in a friendly, dynamic environment, learning from their expertise, sharing ideas and contributing to team targets.
• Develop Your Skills: Take part in training and develop your skills in travel sales, customer service and the wider tourism industry.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• A genuine passion for travel, walking and the outdoors, coupled with good familiarity of the UK and Ireland as tourism destinations
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build genuine client relationships, understand their needs, inspire them with ideas and confidently convert enquiries into bookings.
• Commercially aware and results-focused, with a willingness to take ownership of sales targets and contribute to the wider success of the business.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with an ability to interact clearly and professionally by phone and email
• Excellent organisation skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential
• A strong commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences and exceeding expectations
• A real people person who thrives on interacting with a variety of people and relishes working as part of an energetic and enthusiastic team
• A high level of motivation and outstanding work ethic with the ability to work on your own initiative within a small entrepreneurial business
• Excellent computer literacy with fluency in Google Workspace, including Google Sheets
• Although a degree is not essential, an excellent command of both written and spoken English and strong numerical skills are required

Hours

• Monday to Friday
• 09.00 – 17.00
• 35 hours per week with 1 hour for lunch

Start Date

Ideally, the start date for this role will be November 2026. However, we can be flexible by a few weeks for the right candidate.

Why Choose to Join Our Team?

• Competitive starting salary of £23,250 pa
• Participate in a performance-driven bonus program tied to the company’s sales objectives, accessible upon the successful completion of the probationary period
• Enrolment in the Company’s Pension Scheme
• 20 days annual holiday, increasing to 23 days after 3 years service and 25 days after 5 years service
• 8 public holidays
• An additional 5 days unpaid leave can be taken per annum after successful completion of probationary period
• Flexible working hours including a blend of office-based and remote work arrangements
• Monthly social nights including a company allowance towards entertainment
• Enrollment in Pirkx benefits platform, offering a comprehensive selection of more than 40 well-being benefits aimed at enhancing health, prosperity, and overall happiness
• Join company volunteering days such as tree planting in the Scottish Borders for the John Muir Trust
• Regular team meetings as well as learning and development opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career within the company