Trade Reservations Consultant
- Salary: R 10068.00 R 13424.00
SUMMARY
The Trade Reservations Consultant is responsible for managing and processing reservations from travel agents tour operators and corporate trade partners. This role ensures seamless communication between clients and internal departments maintains accurate booking records and maximizes revenue through effective reservations management. The consultant plays a key role in supporting the sales strategy by handling inquiries and ensuring an excellent booking experience for trade partners.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION: Grade 12 or equivalent
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 2 years experience in hotel reservations hotel front office or a similar role
- Proficiency in hotel reservations systems Opera preferred
- Understanding of hotel trade reservations processes pricing structures and revenue management principles
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Competencies
- Strong relationship management and customer service skills
- Excellent negotiation and problemsolving abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy in handling bookings and contracts
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong teamwork and collaboration with sales and operations teams
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint)
- Strong understanding of trade partner needs booking patterns and travel industry trends
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Trade Reservations & Booking Management
- Handle all reservation requests from trade partners including travel agents tour operators and corporate clients
- Process bookings accurately ensuring correct details for rooms rates meal plans and special requests
- Liaise with trade partners to confirm booking details payments and contract agreements
- Monitor booking trends and adjust allocations based on demand and availability
- Ensure proper documentation of bookings contracts and correspondence
Communication & Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the point of contact for trade partners regarding reservations
- Maintain strong relationships with key travel agents tour operators and corporate clients
- Respond promptly and professionally to all trade inquiries via phone and email
- Assist trade partners with any booking modifications cancellations or special requests
- Provide regular updates to trade clients regarding special offers availability and promotions
Coordination with Internal Departments
- Work closely with the Sales Revenue and Front Office teams to ensure alignment on availability and pricing
- Communicate all traderelated bookings and special requirements to relevant departments
- Liaise with the Food & Beverage Housekeeping and Operations teams to ensure smooth guest experiences
Revenue & Sales Support
- Maximize revenue by upselling additional services such as dining packages spa treatments and excursions
- Track and report trade booking performance cancellations and rebooking trends
- Assist in identifying new trade clients and supporting the sales team in prospecting efforts
Administrative & System Management
- Maintain accurate records in the reservation system
- Process invoices and ensure timely payment from trade partners
ProblemSolving & Issue Resolution
- Assist in resolving booking discrepancies lastminute changes and special requests
- Troubleshoot issues with payments overbookings and other reservationrelated challenges
- Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure trade client expectations are met
REVIEW CRITERIA:
- Accuracy & Efficiency: Ensuring trade bookings are processed without errors and in a timely manner
- Revenue Contribution: Ability to optimize trade revenue through upselling and effective negotiation
- Customer Satisfaction: Feedback from trade clients regarding booking experience and service levels
- Communication & Coordination: Effectiveness in liaising with internal departments and external clients
- System Utilization: Proper use of Opera Cloud
- ProblemSolving Ability: Handling challenges such as lastminute changes cancellations and special requests