Travel Consultant

Travel Consultant

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.

Qualifications

• High School GED Required
• Associates Preferred
• 1-3 years Travel agency or sales. Preferred
• Customer Relations and Interpersonal Skills – Understanding and anticipating members' needs and expectations, and striving to meet or exceed those expectations; using good customer relations and interpersonal skills in helping solve members' problems and answer their questions.
• Active Listening – Listening to, interpreting, understanding, and processing verbal information; probing to ensure all key information is obtained from member.
• Communication and Telephone Skills – Using proper telephone etiquette and speaking in a clear, understandable manner; tactfully controlling interactions in order to efficiently obtain and give necessary information; clearly explaining itineraries, costs, and other travel related information; preparing written communications and documents.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving – Analyzing information, identifying alternatives, and making sound, logical decisions; deviating from standard procedures when appropriate for delivering excellent member service.
• Teamwork and Cooperation – Helping out others on the team and being a good team player; building smooth, cooperative working relationships.
• Dealing with High Volume – Dealing effectively with high volume and time pressure; displaying a positive, caring attitude with each new member.
• Flexibility and Adaptability – Adapting to change and being flexible in adjusting approach to meet the needs in different situations; rotating among job functions as needed.
• Using Travel Reference Materials – Displaying extensive knowledge of the travel industry, and knowing how to quickly locate and use reference materials.
• Computer and Technology Skills – Using the computer to enter accurate and complete trip information; carrying on conversation with member and entering data simultaneously.
• Selling Travel Products and Services – Asking questions to qualify and understand member's travel interests and needs, and successfully closing the sale; displaying organizational pride.

Travel Requirements

• May require taking educational trips for job knowledge. (10% proficiency)

Remarkable benefits:

• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest club within the national AAA federation. We have nearly 17,000 employees in 24 states helping more than 18 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 1900, 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

Our organization participates in E-Verify