Senior Travel Designer

Wildernessdestinations; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel design company is seeking a Senior Travel Designer to craft exceptional, personalized travel experiences across Southern and East Africa. You will enhance guest relationships and curate bespoke itineraries, while maintaining high service standards. Ideal candidates will have 4-5 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for wildlife conservation. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a dedicated team focused on luxury travel and sustainability.

Benefits

Ongoing training opportunities

Familiarisation trips

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 4–5 years in a senior travel design or reservations role.
• Proven experience in itinerary planning, customer service, and sales.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver prompt, professional service to agents and guests.
• Curate bespoke travel itineraries reflecting guest preferences.
• Build trust-based relationships with agents.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Ability to upsell

Customer service

Education

Matric with Maths

Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality

Tools

TourPlan

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location

Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town
Reports to: Reservations Manager
Company: Wilderness

Join Wilderness as a Senior Travel Designer

Are you passionate about luxury travel, conservation, and creating unforgettable journeys? Join Wilderness as a Senior Travel Designer and help craft extraordinary experiences across Southern and East Africa!

About the Role

As a Senior Travel Designer, you’ll deliver exceptional, personalised travel experiences for our guests and agents. You’ll combine deep product knowledge with high-touch service, fast response times, and a consultative approach. Your mission: build strong relationships, curate bespoke itineraries, and drive sales while maintaining healthy margins.

Key Responsibilities

• Service Excellence: Deliver prompt, professional, and solution-oriented service to agents and guests. Communicate proactively and with clarity.
• Itinerary Design & Upselling: Curate bespoke journeys reflecting guest preferences and Wilderness standards. Identify upselling opportunities to enhance guest experiences.
• Agent Relationship Management: Build trust-based relationships, understand agent preferences, and collaborate with Sales and Operations teams.
• Booking Accuracy: Quote accurately and timeously, maintain meticulous booking files, and ensure seamless execution of itineraries.
• Operational Coordination: Work closely with Operations Specialists to ensure a high-quality guest experience and manage all booking logistics.
• Performance & Margin Focus: Optimise bed nights and margins, track financial performance, and ensure revenues are secured.
• Product Knowledge: Stay current on Wilderness camps and experiences across Southern & East Africa, and confidently position our offerings.
• Systems & Technology: Use industry systems (Wilderness Window, WETU, Smartbox, Tourplan, etc.) to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.

Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Matric with Maths (Standard Grade or higher); tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality.
• Experience: 4–5 years in a senior travel design or reservations role; proven experience in itinerary planning, customer service, and sales; familiarity with TourPlan and Microsoft Office.
• Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication (English required, European languages advantageous), organisational skills, and ability to upsell and personalise travel experiences.
• Personal Attributes: Creative, proactive, service-driven, passionate about wildlife and conservation, able to work under pressure, and dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Why Wilderness?

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to conservation and luxury travel.
• Deepen your destination expertise through ongoing training and familiarisation trips.
• Be part of a company that values creativity, initiative, and going the extra mile.

Interests

A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Apply for this position with us on WhatsApp. Simply send the word ‘Hi’ to [phone]