Job Description

Closing Date: 2025-07-10
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Senior
Experience: Between 5 - 7 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Directs Travel Specialist - Luxury Tour Operator - Johannesburg (Sandton)
Our client, a leading luxury travel brand Tour Operator, renowned for its conservation-led ethos and immersive safari experiences across Africa and beyond, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Directs Travel Specialist. This is a permanent position based in Sandton, Johannesburg and offers the opportunity to craft once-in-a-lifetime journeys for discerning direct guests.
Description
As part of a passionate and professional travel team, the successful candidate will be responsible for designing creative, tailor-made itineraries across Africa's most iconic destinations. This client-facing role demands a calm, organised, and solutions-driven individual who thrives under pressure and takes pride in delivering flawless guest service from first enquiry to travel completion.
You will manage the full reservation process including itinerary planning, quoting, bookings, travel documents, and guest communications. A deep knowledge of Africa's travel landscape and a genuine commitment to excellence are essential.
Key Responsibilities:

• Engaging directly with guests and suppliers via phone and email in a calm, professional manner
• Designing innovative and personalised safari itineraries across multiple African countries
• Managing the full booking process - from enquiry, quoting and confirmation to invoicing and documentation
• Proactively selling products and services to enhance the guest experience
• Handling Saturday, public holiday, and after-hours duty on a rotating schedule
• Supporting team members during absences and contributing to a collaborative work environment
• Continuously expanding product and destination knowledge through training
• Upholding the brand's core ethos of care for people, wildlife, and the environment

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a reservations role within a tour operating environment (hotel or car rental experience not suitable)
• In-depth destination knowledge of regions such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar, and Seychelles
• Familiarity with FIT and group travel operations
• Proficiency in Tourplan (advantageous) and strong computer literacy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and multitasking skills
• Positive, self-motivated attitude with a high level of creativity, energy, and flexibility
• Willingness to work rotational shifts (07:00 - 15:30 & 09:30 - 18:00)

Package:
Market-related salary, commensurate with experience.