Africa Travel Specialist

SUMMARY:
A portfolio of luxury hotels, lodges and camps is looking for a  SENIOR AFRICA TRAVEL SPECIALIST

POSITION INFO:
If you have a deep appreciation for luxury, sustainability, and the breathtaking beauty of the African continent, and you are dedicated to crafting personalized journeys that enrich lives, this might be the position for you. This role is for a storyteller, a curator of unforgettable moments, and a guide to the continent's most cherished wonders.

Key Responsibilities:
Travel Coordination & Planning:

• Design and sell bespoke, tailor-made itineraries for guests, including flights, transfers, and accommodation with the portfolio of properties and independent lodges/hotels
• Pro-actively engage with prospective guests to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.
• Promote upselling and cross-selling opportunities across the portfolio of properties and experiences.
• Maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of the portfolio properties, including rooms, locations, layouts, and services.
• Stay updated on third-party preferred partners with specialised knowledge of Southern and East Africa.

• Meet or exceed monthly and annual sales targets through direct bookings.
• Track and report on sales performance, conversion rates, and revenue metrics.
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the development of sales strategies and campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with high-value clients.

• Ensure accurate booking information is recorded for each reservation according to property requirements in Res Request, Tourplan, Safari Portal and CRM systems.
• Confirm all bookings via email in a timely manner.
• Manage reservation files from inception through guest departure

• Ensure timely payment collection for reservations
• Submit monthly reconciliations for bookings and financial breakdowns

• Resolve guest complaints promptly and professionally
• Ensure all responses and proposals exceed the portfolio standards with accuracy and brand alignment
• Follow up with guests post-travel to ensure satisfaction

• Attend educational trips and trade events as required
• Contribute to departmental profitability through excellent service delivery

• Grade 12 certificate (essential)
• Degree or Diploma in Tourism or Hospitality (advantageous)
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a similar role with proven sales performance, preferably with a tour operator (essential)
• Hospitality/Tourism industry experience (advantageous)
• Proficiency in MS Office, Tourplan, Res Request (essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of Southern & East Africa travel (essential)
• Excellent command of English language and communication skills (essential)
• Strong time management and self-discipline
• Proactive approach with initiative and creative flair
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to close sales.
• Experience working with sales targets, KPIs, and CRM systems.
• Confident negotiator with excellent interpersonal and persuasion skills.