Senior Travel Designer

Job Description: Senior Travel Designer (Luxury Inbound Travel)

Our client in the travel and tourism industry is looking for a Senior Travel Designer to create bespoke high-end travel experiences across Southern and East Africa. The ideal candidate is a passionate travel professional with a strong background in luxury itinerary design exceptional client service and in-depth destination knowledge. This role requires a consultative approach strong commercial awareness and a genuine passion for conservation wildlife and sustainable tourism.

You will be responsible for designing and managing tailor-made journeys building strong relationships with agents and ensuring seamless end-to-end delivery of unforgettable travel experiences while optimising revenue and operational efficiency.

Client & Agent Relationship Management

• Maintain and update agent profiles and booking preferences (likes dislikes booking patterns) in relevant systems

• Build and nurture strong relationships with agents and stakeholders through consistent high-quality service

• Provide consultative support to agents to enhance itinerary design and guest satisfaction

Travel Design & Reservations

• Design and manage luxury bespoke itineraries across Southern and East Africa

• Handle FIT bookings scheduled trips and itinerary extensions

• Update and maintain trip booking sheets with accuracy and attention to detail

• Ensure all product rate accommodation and activity information is correctly loaded and linked in booking systems

• Liaise with internal teams to resolve availability routing and operational challenges

Product & Systems Knowledge

• Stay updated on all product offerings and third-party partners

• Maintain strong knowledge of destinations across Southern and East Africa particularly Tanzania and Kenya

• Attend regular training sessions to remain current on product updates policies and systems

• Keep abreast of internal processes procedures and technology developments

• Work effectively with booking systems such as TourPlan WISH or similar platforms

Operational Efficiency & Sales Support

• Streamline booking processes by reducing inefficiencies such as dead beds and waitlist delays

• Collaborate with operations teams to optimize availability and guest experience

• Contribute to achieving sales targets while maintaining healthy margins

Education

• Matric certificate with Mathematics (minimum standard grade or above)

• Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism Hospitality or related field

Experience

• 5 6 years experience in a senior travel design or inbound travel role

• Proven experience managing high-value client relationships and luxury travel itineraries

• Strong working knowledge of travel booking systems (TourPlan WISH or similar)

• Solid product knowledge of Southern and East Africa destinations

• Personal or educational travel experience within Africa advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced service-driven environment

• Strong sales orientation with a focus on client experience and margin management

• Proficient in Microsoft Office email and online systems

• Additional European language skills advantageous

• Passionate about wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism

• Highly customer-focused with a consultative and solutions-driven approach

• Proactive adaptable and committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences

• Strong team player with a professional and positive attitude