PHILIPPA LOUISE LAWRENCE
Senior Inbound Tour Specialist
Hout Bay
Summary
Experienced tour consultant with 24+ years in both outbound and inbound tourism across Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, and international markets. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service , and ability to design bespoke and exciting itineraries for FIT and group travel. Strong background in flight logistics worldwide, supplier relations, and managing high-value client portfolios. Recognized for attention to detail, listening skills, and ability to deliver seamless travel experiences.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Tour Consultant
Gondwana Tours & Safaris
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed tailormade safari itineraries throughout Botswana and Southern Africa.
- Delivered high client satisfaction through personalized service and attention to detail.
Senior Consultant (Pro Golf Safari & Gecko Africa)
Kiburi Holdings
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed luxury USA golf club group tour portfolios (South Africa)
- Responsible for additional pre and post safari extensions mainly but not limited to safari destinations within Southern Africa
- Coordinating ground handlers and ensuring smooth execution of group logistics.
Senior African Specialist
Giltedge Africa
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Handled direct US and worldwide FIT client enquiries
- Created tailor-made itineraries across Africa (South, Southern and East) and Indian Ocean Islands.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets
- Built notable repeat client base and consistently delivered high percentage of top ratings across all travel review platforms
Senior Travel Consultant
Rhino Africa
01.2016 - 01.2016
- Specialised in inbound African travel (South, Southern,East and Indian Ocean Islands), designing tailor made FIT itineraries
Team Leader & Consultant
Flight Centre Ltd
01.2000 - 2014
- Domestic and International retail flights and land package sales consultant
- Award winning achiever (national and global recognition), consistently surpassing commission targets on both a personal and shop (team) level
- Team Leader of retail shop for 12 years
- Motivating and incentivizing staff to manage highly demanding workloads in a timeous, accurate and professional manner.
- Effective management of daily, monthly and yearly financial budget and goals.
- Identifying core KPI's to increase productivity, profit and customer experience
- Regular staff training and complaint resolution
- Expert in global flight logistics.
US Inbound Consultant
Rennies Travel
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Coordinated inbound travel for US clients visiting South Africa.
Education
Travel Diploma (COTAC 1) -
Travel Training Institute
Johannesburg01.1994
Skills
- - Tailor-made FIT & group itineraries (Southern & East Africa, Indian Ocean)
- - Flight logistics & routing expertise
- - Client relationship management & sales conversion
- - Exceptional customer service - pre, during and post travel
- - Effective problem solving and complaint resolution
- - Team leadership, training & performance management
- - Financial reconciliation & forecasting
- Galileo Globe Track Travelogic Tourplan TripClip WETU Microsoft Excel
References
Available on request
Timeline
Senior Tour Consultant
Gondwana Tours & Safaris
01.2023 - 01.2024
Senior Consultant (Pro Golf Safari & Gecko Africa)
Kiburi Holdings
01.2022 - 01.2023
Senior African Specialist
Giltedge Africa
01.2017 - 01.2021
Senior Travel Consultant
Rhino Africa
01.2016 - 01.2016
Team Leader & Consultant
Flight Centre Ltd
01.2000 - 2014
US Inbound Consultant
Rennies Travel
01.1995 - 01.1997
Travel Diploma (COTAC 1) -
Travel Training Institute