North York, Ontario, Canada
I am a firm believer that what you put into life, is what you get out of it! I have lived and worked by this ethos and through hard work, a positive mindset, and well-timed opportunities I am fortunate to be where I am today. The world is full of amazing people and places just waiting to be explored and each adventure is incredibly enriching - no experience is ever the same. This is what drew me to the travel industry. I love learning about history and culture and had I followed my childhood interests, I would have been an archeologist, but in the travel industry I still get to explore ancient worlds and experience other cultures, which is always exciting! I started with a small travel company and then moved to one of the largest travel companies in South Africa where I spent 7 years focusing on inbound travel to most of East Africa and Southern Africa. During this time, I gained a wealth of knowledge and was lucky enough to explore most of the countries in those regions. Following this, an opportunity that I couldn't pass up came knocking and I jumped feet first, moving from South Africa to Philadelphia and then 2 years later further North to Toronto, Canada. My friends would describe me as friendly, good natured, loyal and passionate about animals. I am a people’s person, working well with others and am always happy to help where I can with guidance and training, but am also comfortable working on my own. Throughout my career within the travel industry, I have noticed that those outside the industry do not consider it professional, however the skills required to be successful within this industry are multifaceted: Communication - discussing what travelers and industry partners want then using experience and knowledge to bring it all together in an unforgettable travel experience. Planning - piecing together the different aspects of an itinerary to create a seamless experience for the traveler and provider Time Management - important to ensure that you are able to stay on top of the varies duties and responsibilities to travelers and providers alike Account Management - being responsible for and communicating with multiple travelers and industry partners to ensure client satisfaction. Financial Management - ensuring all services are invoiced correctly and then paid to providers timeously Industry leader - keeping informed of changing trends and experiences within the industry. Creativity - using knowledge and experience to craft exciting itineraries. Client Retention Management - resolving issues that arise to ensure brand loyalty.
To consult on South Africa and Southern Africa, via correspondence, to wholesale tour operators and travel agents. To ensure that systems and disciplines are adhered to as per the Reservations Managers instructions i.r.o. accounting and quality control. To supervise my team to ensure that the end product tour is of the required quality and delivered at the required price. To meet with my team on a daily basis to ensure that the work flow is being handled efficiently and effectively. Oversee quality control and assist with prioritising work if necessary. Delegate any new quotes or clients into the team, with a briefing to the consultant (including Reservations Manager & Sales Manager where necessary). Meet with Reservations Manager regularly to update on workload, projects, proposals, complaints or service issues. Maintain excellent communication, ensure the success of the department. Also meet with the Sales Manager regularly. Check quotes, documents and files generated within my team, to ensure that our quality and standards are being maintained, and to keep abreast of what our clients are buying. Distribute information to the department. Read through all specials, deals and information passed on to me, understand its relevance to the department, and lastly pass this on to the team in a meaningful manner. Save general information and itineraries, relevant to my department. Ensure that all USA directories are being used correctly, and maintained and being used in quotes, and information is being filtered through to the clients. To brief the Product & Pricing Department of any proposal or price requirements for my market, when relevant. To arrange training and product knowledge for my team to improve their skills where necessary. Resolve complaints timeously. Work within a budget and motivate my team to achieve the targets set. To build and improve relationships with staff, clients and suppliers by maintaining a friendly, professional and efficient manner.
Switchboard, typing, filing, invoicing and statements