Group Travel Specialist

**POSITION: Group Travel Specialist**

**LOCATION: Hybrid: Work-From-Home / 1031 Bank St., Ottawa, ON**

The Group Travel Specialist actively contributes to the growth of Together, Groups by CAA Travel within the CAANEO region. They collaborate with the Manager Product Development, Travel and Groups to explore and assess opportunities for group development, with the objective of increased sales and incremental revenue for CAANEO.

The Group Travel Specialist is responsible for all aspects of operating Together. Groups by CAA Travel. They design itineraries, provide quotes, reservations, and oversee financial operations to ensure accurate booking processes, smooth departures, and successful on-tour experiences.

The Group Travel Specialist promotes established group departures through in-person or virtual presentations, including presentations to club Members. The Specialist represents CAANEO at industry events, trade shows, or customer service meetings to build and strengthen relationships with customers and stakeholders

The Group Travel Specialist travels throughout CAANEO territory, including driving to CAA Travel Stores, as well as internationally when required. The Specialist may be called upon to host or train group hosts, such as President Cruises, in a work-abroad capacity.

**Responsibilities**:
Group Travel Program Development:

- Work alongside Manager Product Development, Travel and Groups to craft and develop CAANEO’s wholesale group travel program, offering innovative and captivating travel experiences for customers.

GDS and AXIS Diary Management:

- Manage group air space. Create and manage groups in AXIS live and train systems. Create and maintain wholesale costing spreadsheets and work alongside Finance Director and Manager Product Development and Groups for approvals.

Partner Relationship Management:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and industry partners to leverage favorable group terms and conditions.
- The Specialist may be required to travel to World Travel Marketplace on occasions to ensure they are kept up to date on new DMC’s in the market.
- The Specialist will be required to work with the Manager Product Development, Travel and Groups to vet all new partners as per CAANEO company legal requirements.

Data Reporting and Strategy:

- Regularly report group sales data to the Manager, Product Development, Travel and Groups and collaborate on effective business development strategies.

Support for Store Travel Consultants:

- Work alongside the Manager to create and provide training for all CAANEO Travel Consultants
- Assist store travel consultants with inquiries regarding Together. Groups by CAA Travel departures.

Training and Documentation:

- Develop and maintain front-line group travel training materials, including Quick Reference Guides and NEO Training Pages, to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Working with Manager, Product Development, Travel and Groups on new and updated training content regarding Together, Groups by CAA Travel departures.
- Provide training and sales support to other clubs selling Together, Groups by CAA departures.

Presentations and Events:

- Collaborate with the Manager Product Development, Travel and Groups to promote established group departures through in-person or virtual presentations, including presentations to club Members in collaboration with CAANEO’s Travel Marketing team.

**Requirements**:
Education and Experience:

- Travel Agency Diploma from a recognized institution
- TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) certification is required.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in group travel development
- Proficiency with GDS (Global Distribution Systems) and travel booking platforms
- Group Travel Certification is an asset.
- Group Host Certification is an asset.

Knowledge and Skills
- Public speaking and the ability to confidently present to large audiences is an asset
- Familiarity with Microsoft Teams and/or other online presentation software
- Exceptional attention to detail, highly organized, and committed to maintaining accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Product Suite, presentation software, and electronic communication tools.
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment, manage tight deadlines, and handle conflicting priorities effectively.
- Self-motivated and capable of working with mínimal supervision.
- Willingness to work non-conventional hours as required.
- Fluency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or others is considered an asset.

**Requirements**:

- Flexibility to travel throughout CAANEO territory, including driving to CAA Travel Stores
- Ability to travel internationally when required.

**Compensation**:

- Salary: $55,000 - $60,000
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Health & Dental Benefits
- Pension Plan.
- 3 Weeks Vacation
- CAA Membership.

Employment is contingent on a successful