Travel Consultant

Travel Consultant

Job Summary

This position sells Travel Agency products and services and provides key travel related member entitlement services. This position is responsible for servicing the needs of members and non-members and adding member value through MRM by educating members of other products and services available. The position will make outbound calls as needed to support goal achievement up to and including the participation in the club's social media programs. The position is trained to handle multiple transactions for members, eliminating the need to hand off to other areas or staff members.
The Travel Advisor position is designed to sell a variety of travel and travel related products to members and non-members alike, while maintaining required sales goals and a high level of service quality. Maintains confidentiality of all client/member information by securing it in accordance with Federal/State laws and Club policies and procedures.
Job Duties

• Sell foreign and domestic travel related products and services. Effectively utilize all lead management tools and resources to consistently cultivate new business while building a solid base of repeat business, which includes entering all quotes in club technology. Advise clients on all foreign and domestic travel requirements, protection plans, and any related trip advisory information. Follow all policies and procedures set forth by the organization and provide accurate documentation of all transactions. Maintain product knowledge to support the organization’s Preferred Supplier program, and achieve Club established sales and cross sell goals. Issue international driving permits and passport photos. Provide air, car, hotel, rail reservations and ticketing for members and non-members. Utilize appropriate computer systems to fulfill travel requests.

• Track and maintain all transactions for the highest level of accuracy, including required supporting documentation, to include but not limited to all Club and travel policy and procedures. Examples include signature requirements, accuracy in processing payment of funds for new and cancelled bookings, review of documents required for travel (both foreign and domestic), etc. Maintain confidentiality of all client/member information by securing it in accordance with Federal/State laws and Club policies and procedures.

• Maintain a high level of expertise regarding all Club related products and services, member value offers and remain current with industry trends and product knowledge to make recommendations with each member interaction as appropriate. Travel Advisors research and compare supplier rates to make trip recommendations based on client’s requested trip experience, budget and needs. Maintain acceptable levels in all service quality measurements to meet / exceed branch and corporate objectives.

• Identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities based on members’ product needs and service requests. Enhance member relationship by diversifying use of products and services. Provide sales leads to other departments as appropriate.

• Maintain all administrative requirements at acceptable levels, i.e. wage & hour compliance, expense reports, meeting/training attendance, adhere to scheduled duties and activities as assigned, etc.

• The position requires independent thinking and analysis of cruise and tour packages/providers.

• Through analysis of client expectations, Travel Advisors satisfy the needs of both first time as well as seasoned travelers.

• Because of the high cost and special nature of the cruise or tour, Travel Advisors anticipate and avoid mistakes and unnecessary delays in service.

• If problems do occur, Travel Advisors work to resolve difficult situations independently while also seeking assistance through Branch management for those situations which may require escalated discussions and analysis to support final resolution.

• Files need to be thoroughly documented to show what was done and why decisions were made.

• Document and explain write-offs or shortages to management.

Qualifications

• High School GED Required

• Associates Preferred

• 4-6 years Travel agency or sales.

• Comprehensive knowledge in a variety of the organization’s operating areas, products and services offered, and Branch Operations delivery channels desirable.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills required.

• Moderate analytical and time management skills required

• Ability to create and deliver presentations

• Advanced knowledge and training on computer systems used to fulfill member travel requests and travel agency accounting systems preferred.

• General typing, Windows, Outlook, Word, and Internet/Intranet access skills required.

• General knowledge of Club systems, including but not limited to; TSTApollo, Viewpoint and various preferred vendor websites commonly used to secure cruise and tour packages as well as Travel Insurance.

• Proven track record in travel sales.

• Must maintain systems knowledge for ticketing of airlines, cruises and rail.

• Flexibility to work weekends, flexible hours, and to attend offsite training and events is essential (i.e., Travel Shows, etc.).

Our Travel Consultants start with an hourly rate of $23.50.  After completion of our training program, Travel Consultants successfully meeting sales goals earn on average between $67,300 - $82,300 with the opportunity of uncapped incentives.

Remarkable benefits:
•    Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
•    401(K) saving plan with company match AND Pension
•    Tuition assistance
•    PTO for community volunteer programs
•    Wellness program
•    Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest federation of AAA clubs in the nation. We have 14,000 employees in 21 states helping 17 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity – we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1902, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.

“Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.”

AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).