Fit Reservations Specialist, Africa

About Us

G Adventures is the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company and we’ve been making epic travel memories happen on all seven continents for over 30 years.

Our mission is simple: to change lives through travel. And not just our travelers’ either. Since day one, our tours have been built to establish meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places we visit at every step of our tours.

With the demand for travel coming back strong, we are set up and excited for this next chapter in our company’s story — and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

Our DNA revolves around building, nurturing, and developing a diverse culture of people and a true sense of belonging, where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic self to work each and every day. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, and yourself, alongside a passionate, talented, and welcoming community that works hard to spread goodness around the world.

If all that sounds like your kind of thing, well, we can’t wait for you to join us.

About the role

Reporting to the Reservations & Destinations Manager, the Free Independent Travellers (FIT) Reservations Specialist is a key member of the G Adventures Reservations team and is accountable for all reservations for FIT/Group clients, duplicated groups and enhanced groups in the Southern Africa region.

The FIT Reservations Specialist is responsible for providing quotes, creating bookings, confirming and arranging all traveler and group accommodation, special request, special rooming configuration, extras, etc. while coordinating with the Reservations & Air Supervisor to ensure a smooth and proper flow of information for the traveler from the time of arrival until departure.

This role is ultimately responsible for ensuring that FIT/Group reservations tasks are completed efficiently and to the highest possible standard, attention to detail, customer service, teamwork and outstanding communication skills are key to the success of this role.

The FIT Reservations Specialist also attends other day-to-day reservations duties throughout the Southern Africa region.

What you’ll be doing:
Groups Department- Quote for FIT/Group itineraries & give advice to the Sales team on the best possible itinerary. This task is time sensitive.- Good knowledge of the Southern Africa region in order to be able to give ideas, opinions and innovate making sure the best possible product is arranged.- Coordinate with CEO manager the assignment, when needed, of CEOs for private departures.- Coordinate with suppliers before travelers’ arrival and keep track of the service during the tour until the traveler finishes its tour. Be the main contact for any issue during the tour.- Occasionally meet and greet FIT/Group clients when starting in Cape Town.- Look out for suitable new suppliers for possible FIT/Group itineraries.

Multi-Brand- Brand and Region Agnostic (may be required to work across multiple regions/brands)- Assist in ensuring the G Adventures brand and other client brands are properly represented throughout the region

Travelers- Accurate completion of all required reservations, validations and last minute booking request/changes tasks.- Ensure systems and tools (e.g. Block Sheet, Validations) are accurate, report any issues to relevant manager- Ensure suppliers understand and follow our required processes.- Emergency phone duty on a rotational basis.

Commercial- Administrative support for the Global Sales and Base Camp Operations teams (answer enquiries, handle tasks as required etc)- Ensure last minute booking requests and changes are handled and communicated efficiently.- Work on special projects as required.

Financial- Supporting the Reservations & Destinations Manager (and others) to negotiate reduced cancellation charges from suppliers.- Communicate and question any changes in budget irregularities.- Work together with Accounts Payable to explain changes, errors in invoices from providers.- Assist the finance department with invoice queries and related tasks.

Communication, Customer Service and Emergency Call Answering phones in a prompt, professional and polite manner- Delegate & monitor inboxes

Desired Skills & Experience:
Must Have:
- 3+ years experience in the travel industry- Computer skills (G Suite knowledge & word/excel)- Highly proficient in English both written and spoken- Familiarity with Travel Industry Practices- Amadeus GDS proficiency- Excellent Customer Service & listening skills- Ability to hit the ground running and pick up systems quickly- Decision Making Skills- Strong communication skills (Verbal & written)- Experience working remotely- Team Player, Self Motivated and Goal orientated and resourceful- Excellent Attention to Detail, Well Organised- Flexible, Co-operative Approach- Positive and Innovative Attitude- Good time management skills

Nice to Have:
- Presentation Skills- Mac Computer Skills- Excell