Tour Consultant (Sport & Leisure) at Phoenix Recruitment

• Sport & Leisure Touring Company based in Bryanston is looking for a Tour Consultant to design, quote and book various inbound and outbound journeys for B2B and B2C 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