Travel Consultant: Lodge Reservations, Johannesburg

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, service driven team player to join the Lodge Wholesale team.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Constant, consistent interaction and clear communication with colleagues, agents, operators, guests and suppliers, telephonically and via email
• Creative and out of the box planning and designing of leisure FIT tailor-made itineraries
• Managing the reservations process including handling of bookings from quote to finalising, including invoicing and travel documents
• Ensuring turnaround times are strictly adhered to according to standard operating practices
• Proactive selling of products and services ensuring the best possible itinerary for the guests
• Saturday duty on a rotation basis
• Public Holiday duty on a rotation basis
• Backup for colleagues when they are away from the office
• Expanding product knowledge through attending training sessions
• Upholding the values of the company; Care of the people, Care of land and Care of the wildlife

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• A good knowledge on any of the destinations that the company promote within South, Southern and East Africa
• An in-depth geographical, logistical and product knowledge of two of the following regions: South, Southern and East Africa
• Good understanding of delivering excellent service to agents / guests
• An in-depth knowledge of Tourplan or a similar booking system
• A willingness and aptitude to learn
• Good organisational ability
• Lateral thinking ability
• Initiative

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

• Communication skills and fluent in written and spoken English
• Organisational skills which include time management and prioritising of tasks which will require a person who likes dealing with detail
• Computer literate with experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Web reporting portal
• Understanding of travel industry through study or work experience
• Market knowledge and how it operates
• Attention to detail
• Working in an orderly manner to ensure that files can be continued by other Consultants when necessary
• Working knowledge of Tourplan, WETU and GDM
• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative data
• Relevant understanding of the Business to create strategy and making commercial decisions
• Sales process and methodologies
• Sales and Brand representation
• Experiential creativity (crafting experiences)
• Guest / Client delight
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Conflict management and resolution
• Speed reading and speed typing
• Paperless filing and Database filing and management
• Good organisational ability
• Initiative
• High energy levels needed
• Must be able to ADD VALUE
• Able to travel; flexibility in terms of working hours
• Self-driven; very responsible but fun; passionate about the company
• Proactive, have a sense of urgency and be able to act quickly to resolve problems

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good interpersonal skills
• Sense of urgency
• Passionate about guest delight
• Diligence and self-motivation to meet deadlines and keep on top of your job
• Willingness / ability to share information and teach and inspire others

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Must have at least 10 or more years tour operating experience
• Tourplan experience is an advantage
• Wetu experience is an advantage