Sibongile Khumalo
Johannesburg
Summary
Experienced Travel Manager specializing in luxury travel arrangements, coordination, and customer service. Skilled in managing complex itineraries, resolving booking issues, and negotiating favorable rates. Proficient in using travel software, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and CRM tools. Expertise in visa procedures, risk assessment, and global travel regulations. Goal is to leverage industry knowledge to create custom travel solutions for high-end clients and drive business growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel Consultant
Blacktrotters Afrika
02.2025 - Current
- Increased repeat business by providing outstanding customer service and addressing client concerns promptly.
- Worked closely with clients to understand unique needs and meet specific travel desires.
- Mentored junior consultants on best practices in the industry while fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Informed clients of travel policies and utilized preferred vendors to maximize company profits
- Advised clients on visa, passport and security requirements relating to destinations and confirmed flight details for each reservation.
- Organized group tours, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish for all participants.
- Educated clients on destination-specific considerations such as customs regulations, local attractions, or cultural norms to enhance their overall experience abroad.
- Collected, handled and documented payments for travel services and associated feels.
- Assisted clients in navigating visa requirements and other travel documentation, minimizing potential issues during their trips.
- Kept abreast of all airline rules, regulatory requirements and industry standards when scheduling travel arrangements.
- Streamlined booking processes for increased efficiency and reduced client wait times.
- Organized trips for individual, family and business travelers.
- Handled sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- Recommended travel insurance plans to customers to reduce uncertainty and risk of financial loss.
- Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
Independant Travel Manager
Elate Travel Solutions
02.2021 - 01.2025
- Highlighted images and videos to recommend destinations, activities, and attractions.
- Addressed booking issues and complaints promptly, reducing client inconvenience.
- Designed exclusive travel experiences for distinguished clientele based on their unique requirements.
- Coordinated complex travel itineraries for groups and individual executives, ensuring seamless transitions between destinations.
- Provided expert advice on visa requirements, travel insurance, and safety protocols for international travel.
Senior Travel Consultant & Team Leader
Flight Centre
07.2011 - 09.2020
- Led by example, ensuring new staff provided the best possible customer experience.
- Managed travel logistics for corporate clients, customizing packages to fit detailed business needs.
- Resolved customer complaints through effective problem-solving and negotiation, restoring client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Engaged in industry events and workshops to stay current with travel trends.
- Negotiated favourable rates with airlines, hotels, and tour operators, reducing costs for clients and increasing company profitability.
- Cultivated cordial relationships with clients to increase loyalty and retention.
- Provided clients with distinctive travel opportunities through comprehensive research.
- Utilised web analytics to monitor KPIs, gauge progress and development and meet target objectives.
- Used excellent sales and upselling techniques to add additional services onto itineraries, selecting appropriate services based on client needs.
Reservations Agent
Avis Rent a Car
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Left company after securing new position at Flight Centre.
- Receieved incoming reservations enquiries and updated existing bookings in line with established policies and procedures.
- Implemented strategies to optimise peak season bookings and maximise revenue opportunities.
- Promoted use of travel insurance to protect travellers during trips.
- Managed reservation systems with accuracy, updating customer information and booking details to maintain up-to-date records.
Education
National Diploma - Travel and Tourism Management
Vaal University of Technology
2008
Grade 12 matric - English, Afrikaans, Travel & Tourism, Geography, History, Business Economics
Northview High School
01.2004
Skills
- Hotel and flight reservations management
- Travel planning expertise
- High-end travel planning
- Assessment of travel risks
- Effective multitasking abilities
- Customer engagement
- Visa procedures
- Global Distribution System (GDS)
- Skilled in travel booking systems
- Leisure travel
- Ticket selling system
- Flight booking expertise
- CRM software use
- Geographical awareness
- Decision-Making proficiency
- Tour planning expertise
- Relationship Management
- Store KPI delivery
- Global travel knowledge
- Cancellation and refund procedures
- Travel documentation knowledge
- Refunds and EMDs
- Transport and hotel booking
- Tourism trends awareness
- Global travel regulations
- Credit card payments
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Personal Information
- Health Status: Excellent
- Date of birth: 10/07/87
- Nationality: South African
- Driving Licence: Code 8
- Marital status: Single
Timeline
Travel Consultant
Blacktrotters Afrika
02.2025 - Current
Independant Travel Manager
Elate Travel Solutions
02.2021 - 01.2025
Senior Travel Consultant & Team Leader
Flight Centre
07.2011 - 09.2020
Reservations Agent
Avis Rent a Car
08.2008 - 06.2011
Grade 12 matric - English, Afrikaans, Travel & Tourism, Geography, History, Business Economics
Northview High School
National Diploma - Travel and Tourism Management
Vaal University of Technology
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