Senior Travel Designer - Trade

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, and 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

1. Liaise with Sales and Reservations Managers on sales potential and any development on the agent relationship for all bookings.
2. Build relationships with agents based on trust and support, knowing their business trends and guests needs.
3. Continuous communication and excellent service delivery to agents at all times.
4. Keep Agents' booking information updated in the Wilderness Window (likes / dislikes – booking habits etc.).
5. Understand the agents needs in each booking.
6. 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.
7. Follow up on all outstanding provisional bookings with the agents, consistently understanding the yield implication of provisional space held.
8. 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.