Senior Travel Designer - Owned Brands

at  Wilderness

PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

• Possess excellent knowledge and intimate geographical understanding of all Southern and East African destinations.
• Stay up-to-date with day-to-day regional logistics and industry trends.
• Maintain in-depth supplier knowledge to provide accurate and valuable information to Sales agents and clients.
• Keep updated with all Wilderness and 3rd party product (AP), as well as technology updates on how it’s booked on the WW.
• Have a detailed understanding of the strategic and preferred suppliers, have intimate knowledge of their deals, specials and packages – know how to negotiate and incorporate these benefits into rate reductions for the client but not compromising the elevated guest experience.
• Continuously update and enhance product knowledge through training and research.

GENERAL

• Participate in industry events, trade shows, and familiarization trips as required.
• Keep apprised of company policies, procedures and system updates.
• Embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement, actively seeking feedback and implementing suggestions for personal and professional growth.

QUALIFICATION:

• Matric certificate – with maths (minimum standard grade or above).Tertiary certificate in Travel & Tourism/hospitality is advantageous.

Experience:

• 4-5 years’ with Senior experience in handling customer relationships and developing. & promoting product and building journeys in the inbound travel industry.
• In depth knowledge of Southern and East Africa.
• Personal or educational travel experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles, an added advantage.
• Computer Literate (Microsoft Office: Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word).
• Working knowledge of TourPlan and WETU or similar booking/operating system.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Skills & Abilities:

• Dynamic, creative, organised and excellent communication skills.
• Thrives under pressure in the fast-paced environment with tight deadlines without compromising accuracy and prioritise demands.
• Ability to problem solve and maintaining high quality output.
• Highly detailed product knowledge – vital for speed in presenting alternatives.
• Strong financial skills, self-starter with high integrity level and ethical conduct.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Senior Travel Designer is responsible for generating and growing sales by securing, costing, and presenting journeys to our Sales agents accurately, efficiently, and timorously. To be equally invested in the “win” of each booking. The role requires a strong focus on sales, building relationships with Sales agents, and providing exceptional customer service in a highly competitive environment with tight deadlines. The Travel Designer must have extensive knowledge of Southern and East African destinations, regional logistics, and in-depth supplier knowledge to maximize the mutually beneficial relationship with our AP partners, their lodges/camps, and areas they are located.
The Travel Designer will play a vital role in driving sales, building relationships, and ensuring exceptional customer service in a highly competitive travel industry. Their knowledge, expertise, and strong focus on sales will contribute to the growth and success of our business.
This position can be based in either Johannesburg or Cape Town, South Africa.