Travel and Tour Manager

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the travel agency, including administration and operations
• Manage budgets
• Measure the financial performance of your staff to ensure they're working productively and identify areas for improvement
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of staff as well as payroll matters and staff training
• Organise incentives, bonus schemes and competitions
• Deal with disciplinary matters and customer complaints
• Meet regularly with team leaders to give them sales figures and plan how they approach their work
• Meet company directors who advise on strategy and find out about any local issues and future trends.
• Sell travel products and tour packages, providing personalised service to customers
• Both face-to-face and over the phone so that they will book with you again
• Understand your customer's travel needs and provide tailored holiday recommendations and advice
• Source products and destinations to meet consumer demands for bespoke travel and sustainable tourism
• Liaise with travel partners, including airlines, hotels, cruise liners and tour operators, to
• Manage bookings and schedules, often a year in advance
• Lead and motivate the sales team to achieve and exceed their sales targets and ensure company profitability, providing sales reports to the head office
• Encourage team working and support members of the staff team
• Implement and review effective sales strategies to maximise profitability
• Take part in familiarisation visits to new destinations, to gather information on issues and amenities of interest to consumers
• Keep up to date with the latest travel and holiday trends.
• Promote and market the business, sometimes to new or niche markets
• Develop local marketing initiatives and campaigns to increase sales
• Develop relationships with customers and suppliers
• Implement alternative and innovative ideas for achieving new business
• Attend events and conferences.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in the travel industry, preferably in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to motivate and oversee staff effectively.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal abilities to build relationships with clients and travel partners.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for client interaction and marketing purposes.
• Proficiency in travel booking systems, GDS (Global Distribution Systems), and travel-related software.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor sales performance and financial metrics.
• Strategic thinking to develop and implement effective sales and marketing strategies.
• Passion for travel and knowledge of current industry trends.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail for managing bookings, schedules, and budgets.
• Problem-solving mindset for resolving customer complaints and operational challenges.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Availability to attend familiarization trips, conferences, and industry events.
• Willingness to work extended hours, including weekends or holidays, when required.
• Familiarity with sustainable tourism practices and bespoke travel solutions is an advantage.