Senior Travel Designer - Trade

Wildernessdestinations; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company in South Africa is seeking a Senior Reservations Manager to enhance sales and maintain agent relationships. The candidate will have a strong background in the inbound travel industry with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Excellent communication skills are essential, alongside a passion for wildlife and sustainability. This position offers an opportunity to create world-class travel itineraries and support agents effectively.

Qualifications

• Min 5 years’ experience at a Senior level in Reservations managing guest relations/camp operations.
• Experience in handling customer relationships in the inbound travel industry.
• General destination knowledge on Southern & East Africa.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with Sales and Reservations Managers on sales potential.
• Build trust-based relationships with agents.
• Design itineraries around company guidelines and product knowledge.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Foreign language skills

Education

Tertiary certificate in Travel & Tourism/hospitality

Matric certificate with maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

TourPlan

WISH

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

To generate and grow sales, great agent relationships and high-level customer service by offering world-class itineraries to exceed agent & guests' expectations. Secure cost and present product to the agent/guest accurately, efficiently, timeously by creating inspirational luxury travel. Have an excellent knowledge and good geographical understanding of all Southern and East African destinations as well as day-to-day regional logistics.

This position is based in Johannesburg or Cape Town

Detailed Responsibilities

• Liaise with Sales and Reservations Managers on sales potential and any development on the agent relationship for all bookings.
• Build relationships with agents based on trust and support, knowing their business trends and guests needs.
• Continuous communication and excellent service delivery to agents at all times.
• Keep Agents’ booking information updated in the Wilderness Window (likes/dislikes – booking habits etc.) Actual Agent Contact information will be updated by Sales/Reservations Operations Managers
• Understand the agents needs in each booking.
• Design itineraries around company guidelines and product knowledge e.g. area, variety, product status and service consistency in accommodation standard, distances travelled and time saving aspects.
• Follow up on all outstanding provisional bookings with the agents, consistently understanding the yield implication of provisional space held.
• Keep apprised of company policies, procedures and system updates.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualification:

• Matric certificate – with maths (minimum standard grade or above).
• Tertiary certificate in Travel & Tourism/hospitality.

Experience:

• Min 5 years’ experience at a Senior level in Reservations managing guest relations/camp operations.
• Experience in handling customer relationships and developing & promoting product and services in the inbound travel industry.
• Previous camp experience beneficial.
• Computer Literate (Microsoft Office, email, Internet).
• Proven English literacy.
• Working knowledge of TourPlan and WISH or similar booking/operating system.
• General destination knowledge on Southern & East Africa.
• Personal and work travel experience in Southern and East Africa.
• Problem solver and good with guest interaction.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills written and oral, in English.
• Foreign language skills advantageous.

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]