Senior Travel Consultant - Africa

Come and join one of the world’s leading luxury travel brands.

60 years after Geoffrey Kent founded A&K, we’re still setting the standard for adventurous, luxury holidays. Whichever role you join us in, whether customer facing or behind the scenes, everyone has their part to play in creating one-of-a-kind journeys that go beyond our clients’ high expectations.

With 55 offices worldwide and an unmatched network of connections across the globe, we offer adventures that can’t be experienced with any other tour provider. Working with a team of passionate and knowledgeable people, you’ll be able to open doors to private palaces, book Michelin-starred meals in the most remote locations and arrange out-of-hours museum tours.

PURPOSE: The role of a Senior Travel Consultant is to take responsibility for existing Abercrombie & Kent clients and build upon our rapidly growing client base. You will be creating memorable journeys, looking after the client from initial contact through to building itineraries, confirming travel arrangements, making contact upon their return, and setting up their next exciting experience with Abercrombie & Kent.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Client contact

• Contact enquiries requesting a brochure to nurture this initial enquiry into an active sales lead.
• Ensure familiarity with all product developments in your region, especially those promoted on the A&K website, in brochures, magazines, and any other marketing collateral, including special offers.
• Attend product training sessions and participate in company-sponsored educational trips.
• Participate in all learning opportunities, offering your expertise to the training team where requested.
• Complete the relevant educational pre and post-trip paperwork, including preparation and delivery of a presentation to your team.
• Use effective questioning techniques to establish client requirements and create bespoke itineraries.
• Deliver itinerary proposals with quotes to the client within 24 hours.
• Maintain an efficient, professional, and friendly relationship with the client throughout the booking process.
• Call the client pre-travel and post-travel to seek feedback and maintain a courteous relationship.
• Encourage clients to complete a post-travel questionnaire.
• Handle any post-travel problem-solving professionally and diplomatically.
• Work in close partnership with the Sales Manager, providing updates on enquiries and to-do lists.

• Follow all company processes and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Participate in hard and soft skills training.
• Provide cover for absent colleagues to maintain service delivery.
• Represent Abercrombie & Kent at client events and trade exhibitions.

• Manage the progress of itineraries from initial quote through to bookings and repeat business.
• Be aware of individual and team sales targets, working to achieve or exceed them.
• Maximise margin through adherence to margin guidelines.
• Ensure client balance payments are received 8 weeks before departure.
• Pay attention to fare rules and ticketing deadlines when including international air travel.
• Promote A&K DMCs and end-user products.
• Collect and retain relevant client information.
• Record reasons why proposed trips did not result in bookings.
• Sign off the file post-travel to secure repeat business and recommendations.

ABOUT YOU:

• Passionate about travel in Africa
• Excellent knowledge of the luxury travel industry
• Experience within Senior Luxury Travel Sales
• Sales driven and focused
• A positive team player
• Articulate and creative
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Keen to progress and develop a career within the travel industry
• Enthusiastic and fun

This role can be based in either our London or Cheltenham office.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary plus commission
• Company pension plan from start of employment
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Life Assurance
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season Ticket Loans
• Regular Social Events

Why work for A&K: What makes A&K a great place to work is the people. It’s our people who foster the supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K.

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