Groups / MICE Destination Specialist

SUMMARY:
Inbound Travel & Touring company based in Cape Town (hybrid working offered) is looking for a Groups / MICE Destination Specialist to successfully quote profitable itineraries, manage and execute all meetings, incentives and events for existing as well as new clients.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:

Sales: Secure business and effectively cost products. Understand the market and margin control. Build up and maintain agent / supplier relationships. Source new products. Develop own sales strategy to secure more business through existing and new agents. Work closely with the team to achieve goals.
Operations: Quote and design successful, creative itineraries and proposals for all market related Groups / MICE requests. Capture and confirm bookings in Tourplan. Negotiate with suppliers for better rates, cancellation policies and FOC’s. Find new suppliers that offer a good service and better rates. Follow up on quotes that have been sent out. Successfully manage Groups / MICE bookings. Hiring of additional staff for events upon approval of your superior. Onsite management of actual events including meet & greet, check-in, function management, conference coordination, transport facilitation, etc. Travel nationally / regionally if required. Handling the 24-hour emergency phone. Prepare guide documentation and brief guide / freelance staff before travel date. Work closely with tour guides whilst on tour.
Financial: Instruct debtors to raise invoices. Reconcile supplier invoices for processing. Assist debtors’ clerk with invoicing / collection queries. Reconcile tour guide expense sheets on completion of tours / check guide salary. Follow up on invoices.
Additional Responsibilities: Participate in supplier training and workshops. Maintain good product knowledge of hotels, convention venues and services and maintain close working relationships with the relevant personnel. Stay current on events and changes of suppliers / product. Reduce the transaction turnaround time. Produce the quality of service. Demonstrate good communication skills and customer care. Constantly promote a positive image of the company internally and externally. Assist the Reservations Manager in his / her absence with checking quotations. Travel on educational and familiarisation trips.

Requirements:

Grade 12
A formal qualification
At least 5+ years’ experience in INBOUND Travel (Groups / MICE experience essential)
Knowledge of Southern Africa, specifically Cape Town, Sun City, the bush (Kruger & Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve) and Zambia
Knowledge of Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya & Tanzania an added advantage
Knowledge and experience in MS Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
Must be highly organised, energetic, well versed in the world affairs.