career objective                              

results-driven senior travel specialist eager to contribute superior communication and technical skills toward actively supporting the employer as a motivated and productive team member

profile                                                

ø  offer numerous years of business development and account management experience in the travel industry, with expertise in utilizing technology to provide exceptional customer service

ø  extensive experience arranging air, cruise, car, and hotel reservations for corporate, government, and individual clients in line with varied schedule and budget requirements; depth of knowledge in ticketing procedures and travel regulations

ø  facilitate client-focused, service-oriented environment vital to maximizing customer satisfaction and retention; ensure error-free ticketing and efficiently resolve escalated issues

ø  successfully identify and capitalize on opportunities to penetrate and develop markets in extremely competitive arenas; demonstrated ability to succeed despite unstable market conditions

ø  proactively monitor account performance to pinpoint areas for service improvement, cost savings, and product recommendations 

ø  design and conduct highly effective training programs to continually educate internal staff and external client base on emerging technologies and new products

ø  strategically develop and implement marketing plans, advertising campaigns, and travel incentive programs

ø  dynamic communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills

ø  sharp technical proficiencies including ms office (word, excel, powerpoint, access, outlook), apollo reservations system, proprietary software applications, and internet research

 

~ key achievements ~

• successfully drive multi-faceted marketing efforts to expand client base at roy thomas travel; grow online presence, coordinate advertising campaigns, and strategically restructure client incentive programs c generate $1m in annual sales
• provide comprehensive travel support for major corporate accounts and work closely with clients of roy thomas travel to define and fulfill individual needs; serve as a quality control agent and conduct ongoing travel counselor training to ensure optimal levels of customer satisfaction
• recognized for exceptional customer service at carlson wagonlit travel while serving as a corporate travel agent dedicated to arthur anderson account
• in addition to creating highly effective wholesale air travel advertising programs and consistently growing chicago area client base, specialized in far east markets as a travel consultant with vision air of chicago

professional experience                

senior corporate travel consultant, roy thomas travel, itasca, il                                                        2001 c present

 

teacher s assistant, school district 25, arlington heights, il                                                                 2000 c 2001

clerical assistant (temporary positions), manpower services, chicago metro area, il                          1996 c 2000

corporate travel agent, carlson wagonlit travel, chicago, il                                                                 1996

 
travel consultant, omega world travel, rosemont, il                                                                           1995 c 1996  

travel consultant / office manager, vision air of chicago, rolling meadows, il                                     1992 c 1995

~ prior background information available ~

education                                           

instructional assistant diploma, with honors, waukesha county technical institute, pewaukee, wi

 

travel agency and airlines diploma, mcconnell travel school, minneapolis, mn