Travel Designer

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
• 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