At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage bespoke cultural tours across Europe for diverse clients.
- Company: Join a multi-award-winning tour operator with a passion for travel.
- Benefits: Exciting career prospects in a rapidly growing business with a dedicated team.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and lead tours in person.
- Why this job: Combine your love for travel and culture while making unforgettable experiences.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in organising tours, with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
V&C are delighted to be recruiting an Senior Experience Manager to join the European Sales team of a multi-award-winning tour operator, in a role offering excellent prospects within a rapidly growing business. This award-winning operator specialises in arranging and coordinating bespoke European cultural tours for leading international museum groups, private clients and garden societies. As part of a small, dedicated team, you will take ownership of your own tours from concept through to delivery.
The successful candidate will have at least five years' experience organising special interest tours to Europe, with a genuine passion for travel and a solid understanding of the industry. The ability to lead a tour in person is essential. A background in art history and a European language would both be advantageous.
Key responsibilities:- Designing, planning and costing tours
- Sourcing and liaising directly with European hotels and restaurants
- Working with ground agents
- Liaising with US clients, including pitching for new business and managing client documentation
- Managing tour finances
- Writing itineraries and other promotional material
- Processing tour booking forms and pre-tour client documentation
- Providing office support when colleagues are travelling abroad
- Working knowledge of Galileo or a similar GDS
- Ensuring all arrangements run smoothly and to plan
- Taking responsibility for group welfare and day-to-day logistics while on tour
- Working with expert lecturers and/or local guides
- Background in art history and/or an interest in gardens
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and a keen eye for detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Good judgement, initiative and imagination
- Comfortable working in a multicultural and diverse environment
- Strong decision-making ability under pressure
- Naturally diplomatic, patient and calm
- Meticulous administrative skills with a fine attention to detail
- A foreign language is preferable
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Travel Designer in London
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like V&C who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Travel Designer.
✨Showcase Your Travel Know-How
Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your School
Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like V&C and give you a leg up for your Travel Designer application.
✨Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails
If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Travel Designer openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!
We think you need these skills to ace Travel Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Travel Designer role at V&C.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Travel Designer position at V&C.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of V&C.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to V&C's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Travel Designer.
How to prepare for a job interview at V&C
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at V&C.
