Job description

Title: Destination Specialist

Reports to: Senior Director, Operations and Guest Experience

Status: Non-Exempt

****$500 sign on bonus!****

COMPANY SUMMARY:

At Holiday Vacations, our goal is to enrich lives with valued travel experiences. We offer inclusive guided tours led by a professional Tour Director to more than 65 destinations on six continents. We travel by motor coach, trains, airplanes, and cruises on itineraries that bring the destination alive for our guests. We are headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and are a subsidiary of Xanterra Travel Collection, the largest national park concessionaire in the U.S. Xanterra also operates an upscale biking and walking tour company, a luxury small ship cruise line, and an iconic American railway, just to name a few.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Destination Specialist works in collaboration with a Destination Manager(s) on tour series as specified. Together this team proactively manages tours with multiple dates along with tours that have a single departure date. The Product Specialist supports all aspects of tour planning, buying, contracting, pricing, and bringing the tour to market. This role requires commitment, flexibility, a high level of accuracy, and keen attention to detail. This is an ideal role for a career minded and enthusiastic individual wishing to develop the skills and experience necessary to progress to the Destination Manager level in the future.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

• The Destination Specialist is responsible for supporting the Destination Manager(s) in the day-to-day management of specific destinations, tour programs, and individual departure dates
• Supports Destination Manager with buying activities, meals, attractions, and assists with contract negotiations to achieve the best price and terms while maintaining high standards
• Works closely with internal buyers and subject matter experts for hotels, cruises, and other specialty content they negotiate and contract
• Updates supplier information and vendor services in Peak 15 software system
• Requests dates of service and monitors occupancy and inventory management reports
• Reviews contracts for international package components for tours that have been assigned
• Manages detailed supplier communications and documentation including, correspondence, hotel rooming lists, manifests, group blocks, flight schedules and pre-trip advisements to cruise lines, international ground operators, and others with a need to know
• Schedules onboard cruise events and initiates payment and books group shore excursions
• Sends required supplier deposits and subsequent pre-payments
• Schedules, records and files supplier confirmations and deposit information
• Communicates passenger counts, sales reports, guest and tour cancellations, and special requests with suppliers
• Assists the Destination Manager in evaluating supplier performance, utilizes various supplier sources and makes changes as needed
• Monitors, generates, collates, and assembles guest communications and tour director information for the mobile app and by US mail according to a proscribed distribution schedule. Takes immediate corrective action when distribution falls behind schedule
• Assists Destination Manager and Marketing Department in proofing guest facing and other marketing materials
• Prepares periodic reports for management, as necessary or requested, to track strategic goal accomplishment
• Keeps current in industry by reading publications and by attending approved trade shows, training trips and seminars
• Assists Destination Managers in setting up and preparing training sessions for Tour Sales Consultants
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in purchasing or supply management, or equivalent experience
• Preference provided for undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in travel, business, marketing, or related field
• Preference provided for candidates with one-year relevant travel industry product and commercial experience
• Excellent mathematical, analytical and communications skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organizational skills with good attention to detail
• Must be a team player with the ability to work with a multitude of departments and staff members of all levels
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and ability to problem solve, and work under pressure of immediate deadlines
• Requires competent computer skills with good working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, with preference for advanced skills to include Microsoft Dynamics
• Must be able to travel domestically and/or internationally and possess some destination knowledge, in addition to some experience traveling by the means of conveyance offered in our tour packages such as motor coach, cruise, trains, and aircraft

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is preferred to be performed in the corporate headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A hybrid schedule of 3 days in office/2 days remote may be worked after initial training period. Hours of work will generally be during the regular business week. There will be variation in hours due to the time of year and department demands. Travel may be required.

Work is performed in an office environment with low to moderate noise level, with occasionally distracting noises i.e., office equipment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time, as well as some walking, bending, twisting, stooping, grasping, reaching, and lifting of light/medium materials up to 50 pounds. Frequent mental and visual concentration is required for computer usage.

If Working Remotely:

Position Technical & Home Office Requirements:

• Proficiency with basic computer applications and equipment
• MS Office products (Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams)
• Web conferencing software (Ring Central, Teams)

Must be able to provide:

• A distraction-free workspace/environment
• Space for a desktop computer with two monitors
• Stable power source and internet connection
• Dedicated high-speed internet and ethernet connection
• Connection cannot be Wireless, Wi-Fi extenders, Wi-Fi repeaters, or Hotspots
• Ability to plug in your equipment to Modem/router during work times

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Eau Claire, WI 54701: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Eau Claire, WI 54701

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