Job Description

Job Title: Direct Travel Consultant

Department: Sales

Reports To: Sales & Marketing Director

Location: Cape Town, South Africa (Hybrid)

Role Overview

The Direct Travel Consultant plays a key role in driving direct-to-consumer revenue by engaging high-quality web and digital enquiries and converting them into confirmed bookings. This role requires a balance of strong sales ability, expert product knowledge, and exceptional client service to create seamless, personalised travel experiences.

In addition to selling in-house properties, the role involves packaging and selling partner properties across Southern Africa, ensuring that clients receive the highest standard of service, value, and authenticity.

This position works closely with Marketing, Operations, and Account Management teams to ensure brand consistency, effective lead management, and a premium customer experience throughout the booking journey.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Conversion and Sales Delivery

• Convert qualified web and digital enquiries into confirmed bookings.
• Manage the full sales cycle, including coordination with third-party suppliers and flights, maintaining a zero-error execution standard.
• Proactively upsell and cross-sell to maximise client value through multi-property itineraries.
• Meet or exceed monthly and quarterly sales targets, achieving conversion rates of 35–40%.

2. Client Engagement and Relationship Building

• Deliver high-touch service from initial enquiry to post-travel follow-up.
• Build strong, lasting relationships to drive repeat business and referrals.

3. Digital Channel Optimisation

• Collaborate with Marketing to improve lead quality and conversion rates.
• Provide feedback on website usability, enquiry behaviour, and content effectiveness.

4. Product Knowledge and Brand Representation

• Act as an expert and passionate advocate for all company and partner properties.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on rates, seasonal offers, and new experiences.
• Ensure all communication reflects the company’s brand values and premium positioning.

5. CRM and Pipeline Management

• Manage all leads, sales activities, and interactions through HubSpot (or similar CRM).
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records and maintain a clean pipeline aligned with company standards.

6. Internal Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Account Management and Product teams to ensure information accuracy and operational alignment.
• Participate in team meetings, sales strategy sessions, and support on-call rotation schedules when required.

7. Continuous Learning and Industry Insight

• Stay informed about travel trends, competitor offerings, and market changes.
• Engage in regular product and destination training to strengthen sales expertise.

Success Profile

• Experience: 3–5 years in luxury travel sales or direct-to-consumer booking environment.
• Sales Focused: Proven ability to close high-value bookings and meet or exceed conversion goals.
• Relationship Driven: Strong interpersonal skills with a client-focused mindset.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficient in Tourplan, HubSpot (or similar CRM), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Work Ethic: Organised, dependable, and adaptable with the ability to perform under pressure.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Monthly and quarterly revenue and conversion targets.
• Enquiry response time and lead management efficiency.
• Accuracy and zero-error record in Tourplan.
• CRM pipeline management and data accuracy.
• Client satisfaction, feedback, and repeat business rate.
• Contribution of partner property sales to total revenue.

Summary

This role offers the opportunity to represent a premier collection of travel experiences across Southern Africa, combining sales excellence with a passion for authentic, conservation-led travel. The Direct Travel Consultant will thrive in a dynamic, client-focused environment where expertise, relationship-building, and service excellence drive every interaction.