Retail Travel Advisor - Bournemouth

Retail Travel Advisor - Bournemouth

Bournemouth Part-Time 30285 - 37015 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Inspire guests with travel expertise and create unforgettable holiday experiences.
  • Company: Join Virgin Atlantic Holidays, a leading name in premium travel.
  • Benefits: Enjoy industry-leading staff travel perks and uncapped commission opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and guest satisfaction.
  • Qualifications: Passion for travel and excellent customer service skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30285 - 37015 £ per year.

Location: Bournemouth

Hours: Part Time (Between 22.5 - 30 hours)

Shift Times: Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 18:00, Sunday 10:30 - 16:30

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

At Virgin Atlantic Holidays, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it's our vision to become the most loved travel company. We’re proud to offer a supportive work environment, where no two days are the same. You’ll enjoy a dynamic shift pattern that includes weekends, bank holidays and evenings. This is all part of helping us create unforgettable experiences for our guests, every single day!

Join Virgin Atlantic Holidays as a Personal Travel Advisor and help create unforgettable holiday experiences. You'll inspire guests with your travel expertise, recommend and sell holidays, and work towards achieving high sales targets. Enjoy comprehensive training, fantastic travel benefits, and a dynamic work environment!

Day to day, you will:

  • Deliver premium service during every interaction, both pre-and post-sale, while actively identifying opportunities to maximise sales and create memorable guest experiences.
  • Consistently achieve and exceed personal and team performance targets including sales and guest experience metrics.
  • Maintain expert knowledge of destinations, products, hotels and travel trends.
  • Work collaboratively with your team to support the day-to-day success of the store.
  • Provide exceptional after-sales support, taking ownership of guest enquiries, amendments and travel-related requests.

About you:

  • Demonstrated customer service skills with a passion and desire to deliver a premium experience.
  • Proven ability to achieve performance targets and key KPIs in a fast-paced sales or retail environment.
  • Previous experience within the airline, travel, tourism, hospitality, or luxury service industry is desirable.
  • A passion for premium travel, with a commitment to staying informed about destinations, trends, and exceptional travel experiences.
  • Strong ability to build long-term guest relationships through personalised service, trust, and tailored recommendations.
  • Confident in creating genuine connections to convert enquiries into bookings.
  • Adaptable and resilient, with a positive, solution-focused approach to working in a fast-changing environment.

Our guests love to travel outside traditional office hours, so our stores are open seven days a week. You'll work a variety of shifts across mornings, evenings and weekends, with plenty of notice through our rota planning. This isn't a traditional retail role. Every conversation and every holiday is unique.

What we offer:

  • Industry-leading Staff Travel benefits with up to seven flights a year to any Virgin Atlantic destination.
  • Uncapped commission scheme rewards great guest experiences and outstanding sales performance.
  • Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance.
  • Our iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform in your choice of styles!

Virgin Atlantic are committed equal opportunities employers and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible applicants regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity.

Please be aware as part of our recruitment process we may look to use a variety of resourcing tools to help us understand your skills and experience in relation to the role you have applied for.

This role requires flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and accept these working requirements. This role is based fully onsite.

Retail Travel Advisor - Bournemouth employer: Virgin Atlantic

At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Cargo Route Optimisation Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and innovation, all while working in the vibrant locations of London Heathrow or Crawley. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and has the resources they need to succeed in their career journey.

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Contact Details:

Virgin Atlantic Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Retail Travel Advisor - Bournemouth

Get in on Local Events

In the travel and tourism industry, local events are golden opportunities to meet potential employers. Attend tourism fairs, travel expos, and local meetups where you can connect with companies looking for part-time help. Bring a smile and business cards—you never know who you'll chat with!

Hit Up Travel Agencies

Don't just apply online—walk into local travel agencies or tourism offices! You can showcase your enthusiasm in person and make a memorable first impression. Bring your CV and chat about your passion for travel; you’ll stand out more than a standard applicant.

Join Travel & Tourism Communities

Dive into online communities related to travel and tourism. Platforms like Facebook Groups, Reddit, and Meetup are great for finding part-time gigs and mentorship. Plus, connecting with folks in the industry can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't publicly advertised.

Keep an Eye on Seasonal Hiring Trends

Many travel companies ramp up hiring during peak tourist seasons. Be proactive and start applying a month or two ahead of busy periods, like summer or holidays. Also, keep an eye on Virgin Atlantic for updates on part-time roles—they often look for passionate individuals to join their team during these high-demand times.

We think you need these skills to ace Retail Travel Advisor - Bournemouth

Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Customer Service

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Travel Experience:In the travel and tourism industry, your personal travel experiences can really set you apart. In your CV, highlight any destinations you've visited, special skills you've learned abroad, or even unique cultural experiences that can show your passion for travel. This not only adds a personal touch but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role at Virgin Atlantic.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Since this is a part-time role, let us know how it fits into your plans. In your cover letter, explain why you're looking for part-time work at Virgin Atlantic and what you hope to gain from the experience. It's also a good idea to mention any relevant customer service experience, as that's super important in this field!

Highlight Local Knowledge:Working in travel and tourism often means guiding clients through their experiences, so demonstrating your knowledge of local attractions or hidden gems is key. If you've got any local certifications or have worked with tourism boards, make sure to include those details in your CV.

Keep It Flexible:Since part-time roles often come with varied hours, in your application, be sure to mention your availability. Employers at Virgin Atlantic will appreciate knowing when you can work. A little flexibility can go a long way in this industry!

How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Atlantic

Know Your Destinations

For a role in travel-tourism, it’s essential to have a good grasp of popular destinations and trends. Brush up on travel hotspots, local customs, and emerging travel preferences—this will show that you aren't just passionate but also informed.

Customer Scenarios Practice

Expect to handle customer-centred questions, as part-time roles often involve direct interaction with clients. Think about common travel queries or issues and practice your responses. How would you handle a booking change or a complaint? Let’s show them you can think on your feet!

Flexible Schedule Enthusiasm

Since this is a part-time gig, it’s likely they’ll want someone who’s adaptable with their hours. Be honest about your availability, and maybe even show off your eagerness to take on different shifts or tasks—a big plus in the dynamic travel industry!

Portfolios of Experiences

While portfolios aren't as common in tourism, if you’ve previously organised trips, internships, or even participated in travel blogging or vlogging, bring that along. Share any interesting itineraries or recommendations you’ve created—they add a personal touch and showcase your enthusiasm.