Tailormade Travel Consultant

Abercrombie & Kent • Downers Grove, IL

21d • $49,000 - $53,000

About The Position

Position Summary: The Travel Consultant is responsible for designing, pricing, and selling itineraries tailored to meet guest requirements and expectations.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on telephone sales
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Strong worldwide geographic, destination, cultural, and world affairs knowledge
• Drive to achieve results, initiate personal goals, and close sales
• Intermediate computer skills required (Microsoft Office) and the ability to quickly master new technologies
• Good judgment and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Basic Sabre skills required, intermediate skills preferred
• Must be able to read/write/speak in English
• High School diploma required
• Two years travel industry experience required
• Two years of sales experience required
• Evening, weekend, and approved overtime may be required
• Domestic travel in conjunction with the Sales Director's sales calls
• International travel may be required (and maintain a current passport)

Nice To Haves

• Foreign language skills preferred
• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed established sales goals
• Develop and maintain a network of existing and new clientele through outbound sales calls in order to build relationships
• Actively manage guest relationships with a variety of touch points (i.e., acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• Design custom Tailormade itineraries in consultation with guests and Travel Agents
• Evaluate pricing received from DMC or Third-Party suppliers to ensure value (A&K value and price value)
• Communicate and advocate product and price value in support of successful conversions
• Confirm required services with DMC and Third-Party suppliers
• Manage all financial aspects of booking in Travel Studio according to company guidelines
• Ensure all Travel Studio and OneIs booking details are complete and accurate in accordance with department guidelines
• Maximize conversions by following up on Option Quote and Quote Pending bookings in CRM within the established timeframe
• Demonstrate competency of destination knowledge
• Research flight schedules, hotel availability, and other Sabre procedures as necessary
• Meet or exceed established A&K Service standards
• Maintain a minimum number of hours available on the phone per department guidelines
• Make recommendations for process, procedure, and technology improvements
• Collaborate with Sales Assistants to coordinate all pre- and final documents, and assist with guest/TA contact
• Collaborate with internal departments to facilitate the booking process and sales
• Assist Guest Relations on post-tour issues to ensure guest satisfaction is maintained
• Sales projects as determined by management

Benefits

• A&K offers a large portfolio of competitive benefits to all eligible, full-time employees.
• Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee, such as group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and travel discounts.
• Other elective benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental life insurance, pre-tax healthcare and dependent FSAs, and a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees