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POSITION INFO:
SALES REPRESENTATIVE \/ KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER – TOURS & TRANSPORT Location: Port Elizabeth \/ Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Industry: Tourism, Transport & Group Travel Employment Type: Permanent About the Role Our client is an established transport and tourism business offering coaches, buses, Quantum vehicles and shuttles , with services extending across South Africa and neighbouring countries. They are looking for a driven Sales Representative \/ Key Accounts Manager to grow their tourism and group travel business, with a particular focus on coach and group tour bookings . The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with key decision-makers and developing partnerships with organisations such as schools, churches, corporates, sports clubs and other groups requiring transport and organised tours. The opportunity goes beyond selling transport. The focus will be on developing and marketing complete group travel experiences , including transport, accommodation, activities and tour itineraries. Key Responsibilities Proactively identify and approach new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, referrals and face-to-face visits . Develop relationships with decision-makers within schools, churches, corporates, sports organisations, tour groups and other potential clients. Promote the company's coach, bus, Quantum and shuttle services , with a strong focus on group and coach tourism. Assist with developing and selling all-inclusive group tour packages , combining transport with accommodation, activities, excursions and other tourism services. Identify opportunities for local, national and cross-border tours , including neighbouring countries such as Botswana. Develop tailored travel proposals and quotations according to client requirements and budgets. Manage the full sales process from prospecting through to booking and ongoing account management. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing key accounts to encourage repeat business. Develop partnerships with schools and churches for educational tours, youth trips, church groups, conferences, retreats and other group travel. Work with accommodation providers, attractions, activity providers and other tourism partners to develop competitive tour packages. Attend networking events, tourism opportunities, exhibitions and industry functions to generate leads. Maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, quotations and sales activity. Monitor competitor offerings and identify new opportunities within the group travel and tourism market. Achieve agreed sales and revenue targets. Minimum Requirements Proven sales \/ business development experience , preferably within the tourism, travel, transport or hospitality industry . Previous experience dealing directly with decision-makers and key accounts . Understanding of the tour operator \/ group travel environment . Strong knowledge of tourism products, destinations and the practical requirements of organising group tours. Experience developing quotations, itineraries or travel packages would be advantageous. A proven ability to prospect, cold call and generate new business . Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills. Strong relationship-building and networking abilities. A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel when required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general CRM\/sales administration. Added Advantage National Diploma in Tourism, Sales, Marketing or a related field. Existing network within schools, churches, corporate groups, sports organisations, tour operators or the tourism industry . Experience selling group tours, transport solutions or complete travel packages. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a hunter-type salesperson who is comfortable picking up the phone, walking into businesses and organisations, introducing themselves and creating opportunities from scratch. They should have the tourism knowledge to understand what makes a group tour work , while also having the commercial ability to package and sell the complete experience. Someone with an existing network within schools, churches, corporate groups, sports organisations, tour operators or the tourism industry would be highly advantageous. Key Performance Areas New Business Development | Key Account Management | Group Tours | Coach Sales | Tourism Packages | Schools & Churches | Cross-Border Tours | Partnerships | Sales Growth
