Tour Consultant - Bryanston

Sport & Leisure Touring Company based in Bryanston is looking for a Tour Consultant to design, quote and book various inbound and outbound journeys for B2

B and B2

C markets, specially focused on travel through Africa, Ski and Sports and to exceed customer expectations, meet operational deadlines and achieve set sales targets.

Duties:

Quoting & Reservations:

Assess client / agent needs in terms of special interests, special needs, and affordability / budget.

Quoting of all services requested by clients / agents within the required turnaround time via Tourplan

Checking rates before quoting as dynamic rates may apply

Reservations of all services requested by clients/agents.

Acknowledge receipt of written requests received from agents.

Respond to written requests and provide written confirmations.

Opening of client files according to company standards.

Loading reservations on Tourplan and Zoho

Ensure confirmation of services with suppliers.

Stay in constant communication with clients/agents with regards to status of reservations, payment requirements, deadlines, and conditions of reservations.

Documentation Management of all Reservations:·           Itinerary planning and layout·           Compile travel packs for clients·           Vouchers·           Rooming lists·           Filing

Handling and escalating client complaints

Manage MOD phone and queries as required

Client Care:

Maintain contact with client during period of travel

Manage client complaints and emergencies

Maintain contact with travel trade

Obtain feedback from clients / travel trade following client departure

Payments & Account Queries:

Ensure that clients invoiced for all services and invoices provided to clients timeously.

Manage payments and Account queries:·           Follow up on payments·           Liaise with Finance department with regards to queries·           Ensure payment conditions are strictly adhered to·           Keep Operations Manager informed of possible problems·           Arrange pre-payments

Financial Reporting:

Explanation of variances

Margin Management (high & low)

Reconciling of files

Administration:

Full understanding and follow-through of all divisional procedures and policies.

Submit timeous reports as requested and adhere to deadlines

Maintain complete confidentiality with all company intellectual capital

Ensure that all documentation has been filed and that files are updated

Client Relationships:

Ensure client expectations are met, and the highest delivery of service is driven through the business.

Ensure that clients are offered the best available price and product.

Continually look at creative ideas and review products which are offered to clients.

Build and retain relationships with clients

Establish and maintain good relationships with all Tstaff.

Ensure effective communication with clients at all times.

Ensure that all correspondence, documentation, proposals, presentations are delivered accurately and timeously.

Follow-up with clients and any leads

Supplier Relationships:

Ensure that the best rates are always negotiated and secured.

Understanding supplier products as well as supplier strategy.

Establishing best product with Ski and Sport environments

Personal development on destinations and products.

Actively source new products and creative ideas

Requirements:

Matric / Grade 12

Travel & Tourism qualification would be preferable

At least 5+ years outbound tourism industry experience

Tourplan knowledge and execution

Knowledge of customers’ needs

Ability to negotiate with suppliers for availability and rates

Excellent geographic knowledge  Strong hospitality product knowledge

Strong logistical touring knowledge

Attention to detail is essential

Knowledge of Southern Africa products a must

Knowledge of outbound environment an advantage

A mature approach when dealing with people

Capacity for dealing with employers and workers at all levels

Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people

Excellent planning, organisational, and analytical skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Integrity and Honesty when dealing with finances, cash and all business-related matters

Good interpersonal skills

Good problem-solving skills

Negotiation and liaison ability

Research skills