Travel Consultant

AAA • Clairemont, TX

2d • $67,300 - $82,300 • Onsite

About The Position

This position sells Travel Agency products and services and provides key travel related member entitlement services. This position is responsible for servicing the needs of members and non-members and adding member value through MRM by educating members of other products and services available. The position will make outbound calls as needed to support goal achievement up to and including the participation in the club's social media programs. The position is trained to handle multiple transactions for members, eliminating the need to hand off to other areas or staff members. The Travel Advisor position is designed to sell a variety of travel and travel related products to members and non-members alike, while maintaining required sales goals and a high level of service quality. Maintains confidentiality of all client/member information by securing it in accordance with Federal/State laws and Club policies and procedures. Travel Advisors research and compare supplier rates to make trip recommendations based on client’s requested trip experience, budget and needs. The position requires independent thinking and analysis of cruise and tour packages/providers. Through analysis of client expectations, Travel Advisors satisfy the needs of both first time as well as seasoned travelers. Because of the high cost and special nature of the cruise or tour, Travel Advisors anticipate and avoid mistakes and unnecessary delays in service. If problems do occur, Travel Advisors work to resolve difficult situations independently while also seeking assistance through Branch management for those situations which may require escalated discussions and analysis to support final resolution.

Requirements

• High School GED Required
• 4-6 years Travel agency or sales experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge in a variety of the organization’s operating areas, products and services offered, and Branch Operations delivery channels desirable.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills required.
• Moderate analytical and time management skills required
• Ability to create and deliver presentations
• General typing, Windows, Outlook, Word, and Internet/Intranet access skills required.
• General knowledge of Club systems, including but not limited to; TSTApollo, Viewpoint and various preferred vendor websites commonly used to secure cruise and tour packages as well as Travel Insurance.
• Proven track record in travel sales.
• Must maintain systems knowledge for ticketing of airlines, cruises and rail.
• Flexibility to work weekends, flexible hours, and to attend offsite training and events is essential (i.e., Travel Shows, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Associates Preferred
• Advanced knowledge and training on computer systems used to fulfill member travel requests and travel agency accounting systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sell foreign and domestic travel related products and services.
• Effectively utilize all lead management tools and resources to consistently cultivate new business while building a solid base of repeat business, which includes entering all quotes in club technology.
• Advise clients on all foreign and domestic travel requirements, protection plans, and any related trip advisory information.
• Follow all policies and procedures set forth by the organization and provide accurate documentation of all transactions.
• Maintain product knowledge to support the organization’s Preferred Supplier program, and achieve Club established sales and cross sell goals.
• Issue international driving permits and passport photos.
• Provide air, car, hotel, rail reservations and ticketing for members and non-members.
• Utilize appropriate computer systems to fulfill travel requests.
• Track and maintain all transactions for the highest level of accuracy, including required supporting documentation, to include but not limited to all Club and travel policy and procedures. Examples include signature requirements, accuracy in processing payment of funds for new and cancelled bookings, review of documents required for travel (both foreign and domestic), etc.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client/member information by securing it in accordance with Federal/State laws and Club policies and procedures.
• Maintain a high level of expertise regarding all Club related products and services, member value offers and remain current with industry trends and product knowledge to make recommendations with each member interaction as appropriate.
• Research and compare supplier rates to make trip recommendations based on client’s requested trip experience, budget and needs.
• Maintain acceptable levels in all service quality measurements to meet / exceed branch and corporate objectives.
• Identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities based on members’ product needs and service requests.
• Enhance member relationship by diversifying use of products and services.
• Provide sales leads to other departments as appropriate.
• Maintain all administrative requirements at acceptable levels, i.e. wage & hour compliance, expense reports, meeting/training attendance, adhere to scheduled duties and activities as assigned, etc.
• Anticipate and avoid mistakes and unnecessary delays in service for cruise or tour packages.
• Resolve difficult situations independently while also seeking assistance through Branch management for those situations which may require escalated discussions and analysis to support final resolution.
• Document and explain write-offs or shortages to management.

Benefits

• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees