Groups and Incentives Travel Specialist

Andbeyond; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

AndBeyond in Sandton is seeking an experienced Groups Reservations Coordinator to design Creative Leisure Group itineraries and oversee the end-to-end reservations process.

You will qualify groups, manage lead times, quotes, invoicing and travel documents while proactively selling products to deliver memorable guest experiences. Strong Tourplan skills and SA regional knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Groups specific role.
• Experience delivering excellent service to agents/guests.
• In-depth knowledge of Tourplan or similar booking systems.

Responsibilities

• Design Leisure Group itineraries with a creative, out-of-the-box approach.
• Manage reservations process from quote to invoicing and travel documents.
• Ensure lead times for responses meet SOPs and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Under pressure

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Writing explanations

Customer focus

Excel

Word

Education

Tour operating knowledge

Tools

Tourplan

Job description

&Beyond is built, almost entirely, on the strength of remarkable people who give passionately to their roles, work tirelessly, and have the guest experience at the core of their focus daily and care of the sustainability of our communities and environment. Every single '&Beyonder' makes a huge difference to our success and our contribution to the world, regardless of their role or function. For this reason we choose '&Beyonders' very carefully - they are the strength and the future of this company.

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Creative and out of the box planning and designing of Leisure Group itineraries (incentive specific
• experience advantageous)
• A good understanding of specific requirements for Groups itineraries including general groups policies
• Managing the reservations process including qualifying the requirements of the group to ensure can meet their budget
• Ensuring lead times for responses are met according to standard operating practices
• Handling of bookings from quote to finalising, including invoicing and travel documents
• Proactive selling of products and services ensuring the best possible itinerary for the guests
• Constant, consistent interaction and clear communication with colleagues, agents, guests and suppliers
• Upholding the values of &Beyond; Care of the people, Care of land and Care of the wildlife
• May from time to time be required to travel with a group or undertake site inspections with
• agents/guests

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Good understanding of delivering excellent service to agents/guests
• An in-depth knowledge of Tourplan or a similar booking system
• An in-depth geographical, logistical and product knowledge of South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya required
• Additional experience in Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique advantageous
• A willingness and aptitude to learn

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Communication skills and an excellent command of the English language (spoken and written)
• Time & desk management including working in an orderly focused manner
• The ability to work under pressure and show initiative
• Understanding of travel industry and preferably Tour Operating specifically
• Attention to detail
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Elaborating in writing explanations or descriptions
• Exceptionally customer focused
• Must be computer literate and have an in-depth knowledge of Word and Excel
• Calm and professional manner of servicing agents/guests
• An independent, curious and "can do it" nature

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of at least 5 years previous Groups specific experience.

The successful candidate should have an enquiring mind, be methodical, pay attention to detail, be creative, show perseverance and patience, ability to work under pressure, ability to accept routine and mundane tasks, have high energy level, be flexible, have the ability to overcome obstacles and persist with the task at hand, be decisive and adaptable.

We reserve the right to not make an appointment.