Africa Travel Specialist | Luxury Property Group | Johannesburg

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Africa Travel Specialist to join a luxury property group based in Johannesburg. This role requires a highly motivated and knowledgeable professional with extensive experience in designing and selling bespoke itineraries across Southern and East Africa. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong sales ability, excellent guest service skills, and a deep understanding of the luxury travel market.

Key Responsibilities:

Travel Coordination & Planning

• Design and sell tailor-made itineraries, including flights, transfers, and accommodation with the groups properties and selected independent lodges/hotels.

• Proactively engage with prospective guests to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.

• Promote upselling and cross-selling opportunities across the property portfolio.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all properties, including rooms, layouts, locations, and services.

• Stay informed on third-party preferred partners, specialising in Southern and East Africa.

Sales & Revenue Generation

• Achieve or exceed monthly and annual sales targets.

• Track and report on sales performance, conversion rates, and revenue metrics.

• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the development of sales strategies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with high-value clients.

Booking Management & Administration

• Accurately manage bookings through systems such as Res Request, Tourplan, Safari Portal, and CRM platforms.

• Confirm reservations promptly and maintain comprehensive files from initial enquiry to guest departure.

Financial Management

• Ensure timely collection of payments.

• Submit monthly reconciliations and financial reports.

Guest Services Excellence

• Resolve guest complaints promptly and professionally.

• Deliver proposals and responses that meet or exceed concierge service standards.

• Follow up with guests post-travel to ensure satisfaction.

Professional Development

• Attend educational trips and trade events as required.

• Contribute to departmental profitability through excellent service delivery.

Skills and Experience:

Education & Qualifications

• Grade 12 certificate (essential).

• Degree or Diploma in Tourism or Hospitality (advantageous).

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years experience in a similar role with proven sales performance, ideally with a tour operator (essential).

• Background in the hospitality/tourism industry (advantageous).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office, Tourplan, and Res Request (essential).

• Comprehensive knowledge of Southern and East Africa travel (essential).

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English (written and verbal).

• Strong time management, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Proven ability to work with sales targets, KPIs, and CRM systems.

• Commercially minded with strong negotiation and closing skills.

• Proactive, creative, and adaptable with a guest-focused mindset.

• Team player with enthusiasm, resilience, and emotional control.

Package:

• Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.