Inbound Travel Specialist

Our client is Southern Africas leading integrated tourism group operating businesses which range from travel management companies hotels lodges to restaurants. They are driven by a commitment to exceptional quality service and value; its people-centered business philosophy; the development of mutually rewarding partnerships; constant innovation; and world-class technology.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Travel Specialist with strong inbound destination expertise in Southern Africa to design cost and manage high-quality tailor-made travel experiences. The role requires deep regional knowledge excellent supplier relationships and the ability to handle complex itineraries for international clients from enquiry through to post-travel follow-up.

Job Type: Full-time Permanent

Work Type: 4 days in office (to start first 2 months 5 days in office)

Location: Bryanston Johannesburg

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12
• Minimum 57 years experience as an inbound travel consultant/specialist
• Proven expertise in Southern Africa inbound travel
• Strong knowledge of FIT travel luxury and/or experiential travel
• Excellent itinerary-building logistics and costing skills
• Experience working with international source markets
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Confident communicator with excellent written and spoken English

Systems & Tools

• Experience with Tourplan Wetu
• Proficient in Microsoft Office / Google Workspace and applications
• Comfortable working with Customer Rates Manuals and booking platforms
• Excellent South African and Regional geographic knowledge

• Strong logistical knowledge

Competency

Personal Attributes

• Destination-driven and detail-oriented
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving skills
• Commercially aware with a service-first mindset
• Self-motivated accountable and collaborative

• Attention to detail is essential
• A mature approach when dealing with people
• Capacity for dealing with employers and workers at all levels
• Confidentiality tact and discretion when dealing with people
• Excellent planning organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Integrity and Honesty
• Excellent Problem solving skills

• A desirable aspect would be Italian speaking but this is not strongly required.

Responsibilities

Sales & Itinerary Design

• Design bespoke itineraries across Southern Africa (e.g. South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe Zambia Mozambique Eswatini Lesotho)
• Handle inbound enquiries from international trade partners
• Provide accurate creative and well-presented proposals within agreed turnaround times
• Confidently upsell experiences while maintaining value and guest satisfaction

Operations & Booking Management

• Manage bookings end-to-end: confirmations amendments reconfirmations and final documentation
• Liaise with hotels lodges guides transport providers and DMC partners
• Ensure seamless handover to operations and support teams where applicable
• Handle high-value and complex FIT bookings with minimal supervision

Supplier & Destination Expertise

• Maintain up-to-date product and destination knowledge across Southern Africa
• Build and nurture strong supplier relationships
• Negotiate rates allocations and added value where appropriate
• Contribute to product development and itinerary innovation

Quality Control & Problem Solving

• Ensure accuracy of costing and margins
• Proactively resolve issues and manage changes or emergencies professionally
• Deliver a consistently high level of service aligned with brand standards