Johannesburg: Senior Travel Specialist (Africa) – Luxury Lodge Collection – Jhb | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

⭐ NEW Travel Roles Vacancy – Johannesburg ✨ Senior Travel Specialist (Africa) – Luxury Travel & Journeys (In office, JHB) ➡️ Live-out Role | Market-related salary – Negotiable (DOE) | Sales-driven, high-touch guest journeys Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Africa Travel Specialist for a luxury travel and journeys division based at Head Office in Johannesburg. This role is suited to a confident, highly knowledgeable travel professional who can design bespoke itineraries across Southern and East Africa , convert enquiries into bookings, and consistently deliver exceptional, detail-perfect guest proposals. This position blends high-level itinerary planning with proactive sales engagement and strong commercial delivery. Key Responsibilities Travel Coordination & Planning • Design and sell tailor-made itineraries including flights, transfers, and accommodation across luxury lodges/hotels and preferred partners • Proactively engage with prospective guests to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings • Upsell and cross-sell experiences, properties, and added-value services where appropriate • Maintain detailed product knowledge across the portfolio, including room types, layouts, locations, and services • Stay updated on third-party partners and destination logistics across Southern and East Africa Sales & Revenue Generation • Meet or exceed monthly and annual sales targets through direct bookings • Track and report on conversion, sales performance, and revenue metrics • Identify new business opportunities and contribute to sales strategies and campaigns • Build and maintain strong relationships with high-value guests and repeat clientele Booking Management & Administration • Capture bookings accurately and maintain complete reservation files from enquiry through guest departure • Confirm bookings timeously via email and ensure all operational notes and requirements are correct • Work confidently across reservations and CRM platforms, ensuring clean data and consistent follow-through Financial Management • Ensure timely payment collection and follow-ups on outstanding balances • Submit monthly reconciliations, booking breakdowns, and required reporting Guest Service Excellence • Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally and promptly, ensuring service recovery • Ensure proposals and communication are accurate, polished, and aligned to brand standards • Follow up with guests post-travel to ensure satisfaction and strengthen loyalty Professional Development • Attend educational trips and trade events as required • Contribute to departmental profitability through excellent service delivery and conversion Requirements Education • Grade 12 essential • Tourism or Hospitality Degree/Diploma advantageous Experience • Minimum 8 years’ experience in a similar travel sales role with proven sales performance, ideally within a tour operator environment • Strong exposure to luxury travel planning and complex itinerary building Technical Skills • Proficiency in MS Office essential • Tourplan and Res Request essential • Strong understanding of CRM systems and KPI/target-driven work environments • Comprehensive Southern and East Africa destination knowledge essential Core Competencies • Excellent written and verbal English communication • Strong time management, discipline, and ability to manage multiple files simultaneously • Commercially strong, confident closer, and skilled negotiator • Guest-centric mindset with high attention to detail • Professional, calm under pressure, and a strong team player To Apply Please submit your CV, contactable references, and a recent head and shoulders photograph ASAP. Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.