Government VIP Travel Consultant

ADTRAV Travel Management•Columbus, OH

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

ADTRAV Travel Management, established in 1977, is a leading travel management company with over four decades of experience in corporate, government, vacation, group, meetings, and incentive travel programs across the United States. The company is seeking a Government VIP Travel Consultant to manage all aspects of travel for its government VIP clients. This role involves communicating with customers through various channels to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates, financial considerations, and required accommodations. The consultant will be responsible for booking and issuing domestic and complex international airline itineraries, hotel reservations, and transportation reservations using a GDS system. The position is remote, but initial onsite training for 1-2 weeks in downtown Washington, D.C., may be required. Candidates must be US Citizens and pass an extensive government clearance process, which includes reviewing criminal history, credit, employment, and IRS tax information.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least 5 years of experience booking domestic and international travel.
Experience booking travel for government clients.
Experience working with VIP clients and providing high touch, white glove service.
Experience using a GDS System; Sabre required.
Highly knowledgeable of city, airline, hotel, and car rental codes.
Understanding of federal travel regulations, Fly America Act and Open Skies Agreement.
Ability to weigh cost benefits and recommend alternate travel options to traveler within policy.
Strong computer and typing skills, which includes the ability to navigate quickly between programs and using shortcut keys.
Demonstrated experience learning and using technology, and ability to use multiple applications and monitors at one time.
Ability to consistently deliver excellent customer service, internally and externally.
Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Highly proficient in business writing and able to format emails and communication with proper grammar and spelling.
Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent listening skills; able to listen to and respond to the traveler’s needs and clarify as needed.
Strong attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy and quality.
Highly self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to communicate ideas and concepts clearly and concisely, while also being open to receive feedback and direction as needed.
Able to present a professional and positive demeanor with internal and external customers/clients and work cooperatively.
Ability to work remotely and meet the company home-office requirements.
Able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time, without leaving the work area.
Be able to successfully attend and pass new hire and department specific training.
Able to travel on site in Washington, DC for training.
Able to maintain confidentiality of company and client information.
Able to work a schedule that is either Friday-Tuesday or Saturday-Wednesday, and falls between 7am-7pm CT.
Able to successfully pass a credit, criminal, and/or employment reference background check.
Able to successfully pass a government clearance process as required by the client.
Required to be a US Citizen per contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Complex international travel experience.
Prior experience with Visa/Passports preferred.
Amadeus GDS experience.

Responsibilities

Answer calls and emails promptly from clients who are requesting new travel arrangements or changes to existing itineraries.
Utilize Sabre to book and issue airline, hotel, car, and other reservations, accurately and efficiently.
Maintain sufficient account knowledge to assist clients without delay.
Check queues daily to ensure accuracy and that all issued tickets are complete.
Maintain service non-stop programs such as preferred vendors, Waiver/Favors, RezCritiques, and Vacation Referrals.
Provide travel expertise to clients.
Send quotes for international travel; break rules down to see if there are restrictions or are non-refundable, understand open skies and FAA rules.
Maintain knowledge of passport and visa guidelines and federal travel regulations.
Provide accurate information, guidance, and direction to travelers on the requirements, processes, and procedures of securing passports and visas.
Meet KPIs as outlined by management (e.g., productivity, transactions, etc.), including maintaining consistent attendance and adherence to the schedule.
Communicate with airlines on flight changes, seating, and upgrades and provide updates to the client as needed.
Follow ADTRAV policies, procedures, and approved workflows on how to service travelers.
Provide excellent customer service in every interaction with travelers. Show empathy and be able to identify and solve traveler issues.
Communicate effectively with other agents and employees to solve problems, gather information, and service travelers.
Become knowledgeable in ADTRAV's industry and customer base.
Participate in ongoing training to continuously build knowledge and skills in the industry.
Represent ADTRAV by embracing the company values and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, partners, vendors, and clients.
Adhere to company policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.