Senior Holiday Planner | Kenya, Nairobi

Senior Holiday Planner

Location: Kenya, Nairobi
Industry: Tourism
Role: Operational
Salary Range: Confidential
Closing Date: 07/05/2024
Client: Confidential

Our client, a prominent player in the Tourism and Travel sector, managing numerous Hotels and Camps across the region, is currently in search of a seasoned Senior Holiday Planner to join their team.

JOB PURPOSE

As a Senior Holiday Planner, you will be responsible for meticulously organizing holiday plans for clients and providing them with expert advice. Your role will encompass sales and promotional activities targeting potential clients, managing reservations, and ensuring the smooth execution of holiday plans. With a focus on achieving revenue goals and targets, you will prioritize exceptional customer service and cultivate enduring relationships with agents and clients alike.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Address International Travel Agents’ Needs: Responsively and accurately handle the requirements of international travel agents, including booking services such as flights, accommodation, and transportation.
• Sales Lead Management: Manage sales leads and inquiries, adeptly converting them into confirmed sales to drive revenue growth.
• Quotation and Itinerary Preparation: Efficiently prepare quotations, itineraries, and invoices to facilitate seamless holiday planning processes.
• New Account Onboarding: Assist in onboarding new accounts and contribute to the preparation of sales reports.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with international agents and business suppliers to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.
• Sales Reporting and Strategy: Prepare and submit sales reports regularly, offering valuable insights to inform sales strategies and execution plans.
• Market Intelligence: Provide valuable market intelligence to support sales and marketing efforts, staying abreast of industry trends and client feedback.
• Sales Promotion Campaigns: Actively participate in sales promotion campaigns aimed at driving increased sales and brand visibility.
• Customer Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional customer service as required, consistently enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND TRAITS

• Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Industry Experience: Demonstrate proven experience in sales and reservations within the hospitality industry, with a particular focus on safari tourism.
• Communication and Negotiation: Possess effective communication, negotiation, and customer service skills to engage with clients and stakeholders.
• Target Orientation: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, meeting and exceeding set targets with consistency.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in relevant software applications to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
• Destination Knowledge: Exhibit a solid understanding of safari destinations, accommodations, and activities, enriching the planning process.
• Team Player: Embrace teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to adhering to company policies to foster a collaborative work environment.

All applicants are encouraged to meticulously follow the application guidelines for consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A SENIOR HOLIDAY PLANNER

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Hiring Manager’s Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Senior Holiday Planner position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a robust background in hospitality management and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed organization.

Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in sales, reservations, and customer relationship management within the tourism industry. My ability to effectively address the needs of international travel agents, coupled with my proficiency in preparing quotations and itineraries, has consistently resulted in heightened client satisfaction and increased revenue streams.

Furthermore, my hands-on experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and participating in sales promotion campaigns has equipped me with valuable insights into market dynamics and client preferences. I am confident in my capacity to leverage this expertise to drive sales growth and elevate the brand presence of [Company Name].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism sector. The opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team dedicated to delivering unforgettable holiday experiences aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details regarding my professional background and accomplishments. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of [Company Name] in more detail.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE SENIOR HOLIDAY PLANNER ROLE

1. Understand the Industry: Familiarize yourself with the tourism and hospitality industry, including emerging trends and destination preferences.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase your experience in sales, reservations, and customer service within the tourism sector to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
3. Emphasize Communication Skills: Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, as effective communication is crucial in engaging with clients and stakeholders.
4. Demonstrate Target Orientation: Provide examples of your ability to meet and exceed sales targets in a fast-paced environment to underscore your target orientation.
5. Showcase Software Proficiency: Highlight your proficiency in relevant software applications used in the hospitality industry to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
6. Exhibit Destination Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of safari destinations, accommodations, and activities to enhance the holiday planning process for clients.
7. Illustrate Team Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work effectively as part of a team, fostering a collaborative work environment and adhering to company policies.
8. Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to reflect your understanding of [Company Name]’s values, mission, and commitment to excellence in the tourism sector.
9. Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere to the application guidelines provided to ensure your application is considered for the role.
10. Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate potential interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Possible Senior Holiday Planner Interview Questions With Answers

1. Question: How do you handle inquiries from international travel agents efficiently? Answer: I prioritize timely and accurate responses to inquiries from international travel agents, ensuring their needs are addressed promptly and comprehensively. By maintaining clear communication channels and leveraging my knowledge of destination offerings, I strive to exceed their expectations and facilitate seamless booking processes.
2. Question: Can you provide an example of a successful sales promotion campaign you participated in? Answer: Certainly. In my previous role, I collaborated with the marketing team to launch a targeted sales promotion campaign focused on highlighting unique safari experiences. By leveraging digital marketing channels and strategic partnerships, we saw a significant increase in bookings and brand visibility within a short timeframe.
3. Question: How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and business suppliers? Answer: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and business suppliers is essential in the tourism industry. I prioritize open and transparent communication, actively seeking feedback to ensure alignment with their needs and expectations. By demonstrating reliability and professionalism, I aim to cultivate enduring partnerships built on mutual trust and respect.
4. Question: How do you stay updated on market trends and client preferences in the tourism industry? Answer: I stay updated on market trends and client preferences by regularly monitoring industry publications, attending relevant conferences and networking events, and engaging with industry professionals. By proactively seeking insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences, I can adapt strategies to meet evolving market demands and stay ahead of the competition.
5. Question: How do you handle challenging situations or dissatisfied clients? Answer: When faced with challenging situations or dissatisfied clients, I prioritize empathy and active listening to understand their concerns fully. I then work collaboratively to identify practical solutions and ensure a positive resolution. By demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, I aim to turn challenging situations into opportunities to strengthen client relationships.

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Best wishes in your job search journey, and thank you for considering a career with us. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee, whether refundable or not.