Galileo
Felicia Winile Dlamini-Akulay
Travel Administrator
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic Event Planner, Coordinator, and Project Manager with a robust background in Travel Consultancy, offering a unique blend of creativity, organization, and strategic insight. Passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences and thriving in fast-paced environments where precision and innovation are essential. Proven success in orchestrating a diverse array of events—from large-scale corporate conferences to intimate gatherings—while expertly managing logistics, budgets, and execution from start to finish. Extensive knowledge of travel trends and destinations enables the curation of bespoke itineraries and delivery of personalized recommendations, ensuring every client enjoys unparalleled service and memorable experiences.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Travel Administrator
International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry South Africa (IWFCI)
10.2023 - Current
- Optimized budget allocation across departments through careful analysis of past spending patterns and forecasting future needs based on organizational growth plans.
- Streamlined travel booking processes by implementing an efficient online tool, reducing time spent on administration.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure all necessary documentation was completed accurately and on time for employees traveling overseas.
- Improved cost management for corporate travel by negotiating preferred rates with airlines and hotels.
- Established strong relationships with travel suppliers to secure optimal service levels and pricing options.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of corporate events, coordinating logistics such as venue selection, catering, and transportation arrangements.
- Reduced financial risks associated with international travel by staying current on currency fluctuations and providing guidance on best practices for foreign exchange transactions.
- Coordinated visa applications for employees traveling internationally, ensuring timely processing and adherence to regulations.
- Managed complex itineraries for executive travelers, ensuring seamless coordination of flights, accommodations, and ground transportation.
- Facilitated group bookings for conferences or training sessions held offsite while ensuring attendees had access to resources necessary during their stay.
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
MY ARTS INTERNATIONAL
09.2019 - Current
- Coordinate with various departments to gather requirements and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Create project plans, timelines, and budgets, and monitor progress against established targets.
- Lead cross-functional project teams, providing guidance and support to team members.
- Communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders regularly.
- Led coordination efforts for over 5 projects aimed at enhancing process efficiency and workflow operations, adhering to company regulations.
- Conducted financial analysis on transportation costs and budgets, devising strategies to minimize expenses and enhance service quality.
- Utilized Pivot tables and V-lookup to monitor SharePoint data, and managed virtual meetings and webinars through GoToMeeting.
- Provided extensive support to the director by overseeing project coordination, confirming resource availability, submitting deliverables, and generating status reports.
- Strategized, prepared, communicated, and executed project deliverables within specified deadlines, ensuring adherence to project timelines.
- Identify and mitigate risks that may impact project success.
- Manage resources effectively to meet project deadlines and objectives.
- Evaluate project outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
- Foster collaboration and innovation within the project team.
MICE COORDINATOR
CONSTITUTION HILL
01.2014 - 02.2018
- Plan and coordinate all aspects of MICE events, including meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions.
- Liaise with clients to understand their requirements and preferences for each event.
- Research and recommend suitable venues, accommodations, and vendors for events.
- Manage enquiries for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, filming, entertainment shows, and weddings on a daily basis.
- Ensure all client requirements are met once bookings are confirmed.
- Oversee the entire event management process, including set up arrangements and conducting site recce for potential bookings.
- Handle billing, contracting, catering arrangements, equipment provision, and other logistical tasks.
- Focus on maintaining repeat business and sourcing new clients.
- Actively participate in sales calls to achieve targets.
- Formalize month-end reports to track performance and outcomes.
- Assist with event marketing and promotion, including creating promotional materials and managing social media campaigns.
- Manage attendee registration and accommodations, including handling inquiries and special requests.
- Provide on-site support during events, overseeing setup, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
BANQUETING COORDINATOR
ROYAL SWAZI SUN INTERNATIONAL
10.2008 - 01.2014
- Coordinate all aspects of banqueting events from initial inquiry to event conclusion.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their needs and expectations are met.
- Collaborate with clients to plan event details including menus, seating arrangements, and decor.
- Communicate effectively with internal departments such as catering, housekeeping, and audiovisual teams to ensure smooth event execution.
- Prepare and distribute event orders outlining all necessary details to relevant staff.
- Conduct site inspections with clients to showcase event spaces and discuss logistics.
- Manage event timelines and ensure events run according to schedule.
- Handle any issues or concerns that arise during events, providing prompt and effective solutions.
- Oversee event setup and teardown, ensuring all equipment and decor are properly arranged.
- Managed daily inquiries for weddings, exhibitions, conferences, meetings, golf outings, and team-building events.
- Formalized function sheets upon booking confirmation to outline all event details.
- Communicated event requirements to relevant departments such as catering, golf, health spa, off-site activities, transportation, and setup arrangements.
MARKETING & CONFERENCING COORDINATOR
FLOREAT RIVERSIDE LODGE
08.2007 - 09.2008
- Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote events and conferences.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure smooth execution of marketing campaigns.
- Manage social media channels and online presence to increase event visibility and engagement.
- Create compelling promotional materials, including flyers, brochures, and digital assets.
- Crafted event proposals for teambuilding activities, conferences, and meetings targeting corporate companies in Nelspruit on behalf of the lodge.
- Assumed the role of concierge to warmly welcome and assist tour groups and individuals staying for one day or longer.
- Ensured seamless coordination of catering, transfers, and transportation arrangements for guests.
- Meticulously followed external activities and itineraries for all in-house guests.
- Provide on-site support during events, including managing registration desks and handling attendee inquiries.
- Evaluate the success of marketing initiatives and conferences through data analysis and feedback collection.
- Maintain relationships with sponsors, partners, and stakeholders to maximize event impact and future opportunities.
TRAVEL ADMINISTRATOR (TEMP)
ANGLO GOLD ASHANTI
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Coordinate travel arrangements for employees, including booking flights, accommodations, and transportation.
- Ensure compliance with company travel policies and procedures.
- Process travel expense reports and reimbursements.
- Communicate travel itineraries and updates to employees.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for management visiting various mining sites across Africa.
- Managed ground transportation, car rentals, and flight bookings.
- Arranged visas and vaccinations as necessary.
- Facilitated currency exchange (forex) for travel purposes.
- Provided detailed itineraries and distributed tickets for all flights through our internal travel agency, American Express.
ASSISTANT CAMP MANAGER (TEMP)
JACI’S SAFARI AND TREE LODGE - MADIKWE
02.2007 - 04.2007
- Assisted camp manager in coordinating camp systems, facilities, activities, and staff.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the lodge.
- Handled guest accounts and check-ins/check-outs.
- Conducted stock take and other month-end tasks.
- Oversaw housekeeping/front-of-house department.
- Conducted room checks before guest arrivals.
ASSISTANT CAMP MANAGER
BIG GAME PARKS ESWATINI - MILLWANE
08.2005 - 01.2007
- Collaborated with the eco-tourism division to support conservation efforts for animal and plant life.
- Managed camp operations, including staff scheduling, front office tasks, and coordinating bookings for game drives, horse riding, special events, and accommodations.
- Contributed to marketing strategies implementation to enhance visibility and engagement.
- Identified training needs to foster staff development and improve performance.
Education
No Degree - Global Trade Nexus
Pillai Institute of India
India 04.2001 -
Skills
Skilled in MS Word functionalities
References
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Software
Communication and collaboration
Design and creative
Office and productivity
Timeline
Travel Administrator
International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry South Africa (IWFCI)
10.2023 - Current
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
MY ARTS INTERNATIONAL
09.2019 - Current
MICE COORDINATOR
CONSTITUTION HILL
01.2014 - 02.2018
BANQUETING COORDINATOR
ROYAL SWAZI SUN INTERNATIONAL
10.2008 - 01.2014
MARKETING & CONFERENCING COORDINATOR
FLOREAT RIVERSIDE LODGE
08.2007 - 09.2008
TRAVEL ADMINISTRATOR (TEMP)
ANGLO GOLD ASHANTI
06.2007 - 08.2007
ASSISTANT CAMP MANAGER (TEMP)
JACI’S SAFARI AND TREE LODGE - MADIKWE
02.2007 - 04.2007
ASSISTANT CAMP MANAGER
BIG GAME PARKS ESWATINI - MILLWANE
08.2005 - 01.2007
No Degree - Global Trade Nexus
Pillai Institute of India
04.2001 -
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