TRAVEL RESERVATION SPECIALIST

Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc.•Virginia Beach, VA

14d

About The Position

Overview: The Travel Reservation Specialist is responsible for handling all client interactions over the phone, providing excellent customer service while managing reservations and promoting travel products. This role requires strong communication and sales skills to ensure clients receive seamless booking support, accurate travel information, and opportunities to enhance their travel experience through upgrades, packages, and add-ons. Ideal candidates would demonstrate the ability to deliver compassionate, respectful, and values-centered customer service aligned with Edgar Cayce A.R.E.’s mission and principles

Requirements

Two Year college coursework in any of the following is beneficial: Hospitality & Tourism Business Administration or Communications or equivalent.
1–3 years in customer service, call center, reservations, or sales.
Experience with travel booking or reservation software.
Strong administrative accuracy and multitasking ability.
Relevant and equivalent work experience includes volunteer work, internships, freelance work, and transferable skills.
Previous experience in phone-based reservations, call center, or sales-focused customer service preferred.
Strong sales and upselling abilities with proven success in meeting targets.
Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple calls/reservations efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the travel industry, preferred.
Formal travel industry training is a plus: Certifications such as Travel & Tourism Professional (TTP) or Certified Travel Associate (CTA).
Coursework related to travel booking systems (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre).
Comfort with sales goals and upselling.
Knowledge of travel booking systems or online reservation software is a plus.
Experience with group travel or hosted tours preferred.

Responsibilities

Answer inbound calls, providing friendly, professional, and efficient service.
Handle reservations, modifications, cancellations, and special requests for domestic and international travel.
Provide clients with detailed itineraries, travel recommendations, and accurate information.
Process travel confirmations, payments, and documentation in the booking system.
Assist clients with travel disruptions, schedule changes, or urgent issues in coordination with management and vendors in a calm, solution oriented manner.
Communicates proactively regarding complex bookings, client concerns, and exceptions requiring management approval.
Actively promote and sell additional services such as tours, excursions, insurance, upgrades, and special packages.
Identify client needs and recommend value-added travel options to enhance their trip.
Meet or exceed individual and team sales targets.
Stay up to date on travel promotions, seasonal offers, and partner deals to maximize upselling opportunities.
Participate in ongoing training related to destinations, tours, vendors, and A.R.E. programs.
Balance sales performance with exceptional client care and long-term relationship building.
Maintain high standards of accuracy, follow-through, and client satisfaction.
Ability to quickly learn internal booking processes and vendor platforms.
Maintain accurate records of client reservations, communications with Travel and Tours Operations Manager, and booking platforms.
Generate invoices, confirmations, and travel documentation for clients.
Maintain confidentiality of client personal and financial information.
Ensure compliance with payment processing standards, privacy policies, and data security requirements.
Assist in monitoring travel policies, vendor agreements, and company guidelines.
Support the travel team with reporting, follow-ups, and data entry as needed.