Senior Travel Consultant- Africa in Cheltenham

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

• Contact enquiries promptly to nurture them into active sales leads and ensure familiarity with all products in your region, including those promoted on the A&K website, brochures, magazines and other marketing collateral, including special offers.
• Regularly attend product training sessions and participate in company-sponsored educational trips. Actively participate in learning opportunities and share expertise with the training team where requested.
• Complete the relevant educational pre- and post-trip paperwork, including preparation and delivery of a presentation to the team and office.
• Use effective questioning techniques to establish client requirements and then use product knowledge to create bespoke itineraries that match preferences and requirements.
• Ensure itinerary proposals, with quotes, are produced and delivered to the client within 24 hours; if this is not possible, keep the client updated on progress. Prepare quotes within the acceptable margin parameters as set out by management.
• Maintain an efficient, professional and friendly relationship with the client throughout the booking process. Maintain regular contact with clients (and travel agents) to keep them informed of progress and the status of bookings, including updates on developments.
• Call the client pre-travel (2–3 days) and post-travel (2–3 days) to seek feedback, pre-empt problems and maintain a courteous relationship. Encourage the client to complete a post-travel questionnaire, ideally achieving at least 50% response.
• Take responsibility for post-travel problem solving in a professional, expedient and diplomatic manner, always aiming to exceed expectations and deliver total client satisfaction.
• Work in close partnership with the Sales Manager to provide a clear view of current enquiries, facilitate assistance, and re-distribute sales leads as required. Provide a comprehensive daily update with visibility of your to-do list.
• Reliably follow all company processes and procedures, contribute recommendations for enhancements, participate in learning and training, provide cover for absent colleagues, and represent Abercrombie & Kent at client events and trade exhibitions as a brand ambassador.
• Proactively manage itineraries from initial quote to bookings and repeat business, following up on all itinerary proposals to maximise conversion and revenue. Be aware of individual and team sales targets and strive to achieve or exceed them. Maximise margin by adhering to margin guidelines and using the reservations system precisely. Ensure client balance payments are received 8 weeks before departure (or as soon as practical for late bookings). For itineraries with international air travel, pay attention to fare rules and ticketing deadlines, ensuring payment covers related costs.
• Actively promote A&K DMCs and end-user products. Collect and retain client information, elicit and record reasons for non-bookings to learn from clients, and sign off the file post-travel to secure repeat business and referrals.

Qualifications

• Passionate about travel
• Excellent knowledge of the luxury travel industry
• Experience within 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

What We Offer

• Competitive salary plus commission
• Company pension plan from start of employment, with employer contributions increasing after 5 and 10 years of service
• 25 days annual leave – in addition to bank holidays, plus the ability to buy an additional 5 days or sell 5 days
• Discounted trips through A&K Travel Group Travel Benefit Program (includes friends and family)
• Discounted Gym Membership – up to £35 a month at Virgin Active Gym (London) or other gyms via GymFlex
• Private Healthcare through BUPA paid via salary sacrifice
• Life Assurance
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with wellbeing resources and counselling
• £1,000 Recruitment Referral Bonus
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season Ticket Loans
• Regular Social Events

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. A&K Travel Group is a global lifestyle and travel company that sets the standard for refined and personalized travel experiences. Abercrombie & Kent is an international travel company, renowned for creating thrilling, innovative and ultra-luxurious journeys all over the world.