Job Description
Group Travel Advisor Job Description
Job Title: Group Travel Advisor
Department: Sales
Direct Reports: President
Working Hours: 40-hour work week (TBD) with additional hours as required
Job Summary:
The Group Travel Advisor role is to provide guidance, advice and support to group leaders as well as members of the group by planning trips and vacations. Your main duties are to research, recommend destinations, plan travel itineraries, make reservations and coordinate travel arrangements for the whole group. You will use your expertise and knowledge to provide and coach clients on all travel-related services including cruising, excursions, transportation and lodging. You will be responsible for researching, recommending, booking and coordinating the best travel options for the group based upon their needs and budget.
Additionally, you will stay up to date on the latest travel trends and promotions and leverage your knowledge to provide unforgettable journeys and ongoing support for our clients. A deep understanding of and passion for the cruise industry, exceptional customer service and organizational skills are needed to provide outstanding service to our clients. Expertise in building and maintaining strong relationships with all members of the group, but especially with the group leader. A group travel adviser will be tasked with the management of existing group business as well as look for ways to grow Harr Travel’s group business. Our goal is to remove the pain points of travel and ensure that each group leader and their group members have a successful journey.
Performance Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks and have good organizational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must have exceptional customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to speak clearly, ask relevant questions, both in person, by email and over the phone.
- Proficiency in using the written word to communicate with team members, vendors and clients.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a remote environment.
- Ability to think analytically and provide successful outcomes for group leaders.
- Proficiency in using all required and relevant software.
- Stay current on travel trends and industry news.
- Continuously enhance knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities.
- Demonstrates understanding of sales methodology.
- Ability to think critically and outside of the box to facilitate the resolution of issues as they arise.
- Consult with group leaders to understand their cruise preferences, accommodations, interests, and budget to develop customized itineraries tailored to each client.
- Provide information and coach clients on travel destinations, activities and accommodations.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on various cruise lines, ships, itineraries, transportation, excursions, pre and post lodging.
- Provide guidance for onboard experiences including cruise packages, staterooms, onboard amenities, dining arrangements, group shore excursions.
- Research and compare prices, promotions, and special offers from all necessary vendors.
- Stay updated with the latest information on cruise lines, new ships, and onboard experiences.
- A proven ability to provide guidance regarding cruise-related documentation, including passport requirements, visas, and travel insurance.
- Promptly provide exceptional customer service, addressing client inquiries, concerns, and requests.
- Maintain accurate records of bookings, payments, and other relevant information with regards to the group.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with cruise suppliers group department and industry partners.
- Ability to drive sales in alignment with company goals and objectives.
- Responsible for cultivating new group business opportunities.
- Occasionally you may be required to travel with Harr Travel Hosted Groups and represent the company, ensuring the Harr Travel Signature Service.
- Acting as the primary point of contact between the group leader and service providers. Ensuring that all arrangements are clearly communicated and confirmed.
- Working closely with the Harr Travel Customer Experience Team to ensure all necessary travel documents are in order, such as passports, visas, and travel insurance.
- Negotiating with ocean & river cruise lines, land tour operators, hotels, and other service providers to secure the best rates and packages for the group. This may include arranging group discounts or special deals.
- Research and develop current group space held by Harr Travel and Travel Leaders Network Headquarter Group Space.
- Curate comprehensive travel itineraries that accommodate the group's interests and schedule. This includes securing group space, transportation, and activities, such as corporate team building events and group tours.
Communication
- Ensure sales targets and company goals are met and exceeded.
- Communicate with all guests providing all key follow up touch points.
- Work closely with leadership to identify areas of growth / concerns / improvement / opportunity.
- Interdepartmental communication to ensure all customer needs are met in a timely manner.
Competencies
- 3 Years+ of group sales experience, ideally in the travel industry.
- Experience of working with a direct-to-consumer sales model.
- Experience in maintaining and building a book of business.
- Excellent self-motivational skills.
- High level of integrity and strong client service approach
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
- Comfortable working with a variety of technology platforms and communicating through electronic channels
- Independent problem-solving skills and analytic ability
- Planning, organizational, and prioritization skills
- Ambitious for opportunities for personal growth and progression that enhance company goals
- People and relationship focused, but numbers driven
- Ability to successfully work in a remote work environment.