Incentives Leisure Sales Reception Front of House

Location:

Posted:

November 17, 2020

Resume:

My Name is Riëtte and I am based in Johannesburg and currently actively looking for my new adventure to fall into place.

I have just returned from working in Saudi Arabia on a contractual basis with Into Africa. My career background mainly is in the Tourism Industry and I have been extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with the very best in the business: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, andBeyond, White Pearl Resorts, Abercrombie & Kent, Sanctuary Retreats – to name but a few. My last one however stands out above all the rest with Dragonfly Africa as an Incentive Account Manager – which I believed was my dream job… however due to COVID – the majority of our Staff was retrenched, sadly I was one of them. From the above thread – it is quite clear that I have not as yet dipped my toe in various fields – but I am always up for challenges, new beginnings and eager to learn more.

I do not want to bore you with the “nitty-gritty” which is evident on my CV (attached), but given the chance – I will “dazzle” where

“dazzling” is required, I will exceed expectations wherever I can, I will go over and above the call of duty and I will not disappoint – as I believe that nothing is impossible!

Due to me being based in Johannesburg – I wanted to highlight that I will definitely be open to looking at opportunities elsewhere. My Family (Husband & 2 Dachshunds fur-Babies) has been extremely supportive in my travels and has never stood in my way. Should there be anything further required from my side – please do not hesitate to let me know. Best regards and please stay safe!

Riëtte Nieuwoudt

CURRICULUM VITAE – RIëTTE NIEUWOUDT

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NAME:

Riëtte Nieuwoudt

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

9 Post Office Street

Randburg Johannesburg North

CELL PHONE:

084-***-****

E•MAIL ADDRESS:

adhwk2@r.postjobfree.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

DATE OF BIRTH:

02 February 1978

PLACE OF BIRTH:

Windhoek – Namibia

CITIZENSHIP:

RSA

GENDER:

Female

MARITAL STATUS:

Married

SPOUSE’S NAME:

Braam Nieuwoudt

CHILDREN:

None

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Word

Excel

Microsoft Outlook Coral Draw/Paint Power

Point Publisher Fidelio

Tourplan, Innsite, TravelStudio Innkeeper

TraveLogic

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Work History Duties:

23rd August 2020 – 04th November 2020 (Contracted with Into Africa) Saudi Arabia

Main purpose

Tuesdays Cruise Front Office /Reception

Welcoming Guests

Assisting with logistics of Sindalah Island

Assisting with activities (snorkelling, kayaking, swimming)

Confirming reservations at 28 Restaurant (Fine Dining)

Confirming reservations at Sindalah Spa as well as taking payments from Guests

Assisting with transport in between various areas (Beach House 28 Restaurant Spa Cabanas Private (Ladies’) Beach)

Recon post each Shift

Thursdays – Sundays (mostly) Royal Visits (Client-facing / Guest Service) 5 x Cabanas (running and managing of)

Running and managing a Team of 3-6 Team Members whom assisted me at the Cabanas

Welcoming Guests

Assisting with logistics of Sindalah Island

Assisting with activities (snorkelling, kayaking, swimming)

Confirming reservations at 28 Restaurant (Fine Dining)

Confirming reservations at Sindalah Spa as well as taking payments from Guests

Assisting with transport in between various areas (Beach House 28 Restaurant Spa Cabanas Private (Ladies’) Beach)

Cabanas Housekeeping

Cabanas Catering – from 28 Restaurant or Beach House Restaurant 26 September 2017 – 31st July 2020:

Dragonfly Africa Incentive Account Manager

Main purpose / day to day life of an Account Manager

Design programmes for existing and new clients

In constant contact with clients and agencies

Ensure and maintain good relations with clients and agencies

Brainstorm ideas based on given briefs and budgets

Complete cost analysis’s, grids, detailed proposals and PowerPoint presentations

Travel onsite inspections or programmes (on average 1 week in every 4 weeks during season)

Compile and book all services based on itineraries

Source relevant information in terms of room-gifts, amendments, re-costs and additions

Travel with groups and assist with on-site coordination

Ensure contracts are drawn up between the company and client

Ensure invoices are sent to clients and ensure timeous payments are made to Green Route Africa

Ensure payments are made timeously to suppliers

Responsible for final invoicing and reconciliation

Maintain and increase gross profits on programmes

Attend all weekly and status meetings

Inherent requirements

A highly professional and presentable individual

Self-starter with excellent attention to detail

A high level of integrity and ethical conduct

A team player

Quality focus

Excellent administrative and coordination skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Excellent negotiation ability

The ability to perform under pressure

Problem-solving ability

Strong decision-maker

Excellent time management skills

The ability to plan and organize efficiently

Strong financial skills

01st

March 2017 – 26 September 2017:

Dragonfly Africa Leisure Consultant

Main purpose

Design tailor-made programs for existing and new clients

Demonstrate ability to write creatively

Maintain constant contact with clients and agencies

Ensure and maintain good relations with clients and agencies

Brainstorm ideas based on given briefs and budgets

Complete cost analysis’s, grids, detailed proposals and PowerPoint presentations

Travel on educationals, when opportunity is made available

Meet and greet clients at the airport

Compile and book all services based on itineraries

Source any relevant information the client may require i.e. day tours, amendments, recosts and additions

Ensure contracts are drawn up between the company and client

Ensure invoices are sent to clients and ensure timeous payments are made

Responsible for final invoicing and reconciliation

Ensure payments are made timeously to suppliers

Maintain and increase gross profits on programmes

Attend all weekly status meetings

Copying in of all relevant parties on correspondence

When requested, provide assistance and support to Senior Leisure Specialists. Inherent requirements

A highly professional and presentable individual Self-starter with excellent attention to detail

A high level of integrity and ethical conduct A team player

Quality focused Excellent administrative and coordination skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Excellent negotiation ability

Cognisant of punctuality The ability to perform under pressure

Problem-solving ability Strong decision-maker

Excellent time management skills The ability to plan and organize efficiently

Strong financial skills

October 2015 – 17th February 2017:

White Pearl Resorts Team Leader

Handling of e-mail and telephonic enquiries.

Liaison with potential, current and repeat Guests.

Liaison with Tour Operators and other members of the Trade.

Liaison with various departments at the Resort.

Processing of bookings from start to finish in accordance with booking procedures and policies.

Ensuring that all bookings have the correct detail and accuracy in order for the Guest Relations Team to adequately handle the booking thereafter.

Work closely with the Sales and Marketing manager and the Marketing Specialist in ensuring the achieved ABNR

{Average Bed Night Revenue} for the month and annually is achieved.

Adhering to and communicating booking procedures and strict timelines of policies.

The creation and maintenance of client information and profiles on various platforms.

The creation and updating of transfer scheduled.

Staying up to date with and implementing marketing activities relating to reservations.

Presenting monthly reports on reservation activities.

Know and keep updates with latest product knowledge.

Ensure all information provided to Guests and Agents is the correct information.

All policies {new and old} must be refreshed {worked through} by Reservations and Reception to maintain a consistent message.

Innkeeper – managing the system inputs correctly. Staff Management

Provide effective leadership through professional management and encouragement of all subordinates.

Carry out regular, meaningful meetings for coaching of Team Members and performance appraisals at bi- annual intervals.

Ensure that training is implemented and maintained. Motivate, train, supervise, making sure Guest expectations are met and exceeded.

Assist Team Members to understand the value that they bring to the business. March 2014 – August 2015:

Sanctuary Retreats Sales Co•Ordinator

Meet and exceed Lodges and Camps occupancy and revenue targets.

Maintain and grow the trade database through the currently employed CRM system.

Controlling of the Southern Africa sales inbox.

Distribution of rates to the trade and updating of the rates document.

Have an intimate understanding of the competition.

Understand market trends and influences.

Participate in and implement the sales plan.

Communicate market related feedback to key stakeholders in the business.

Ensure the inclusion of Lodges and Camps in to the target Clients’ brochures, websites, at the best possible deal within budgetary parameters.

Assist the International Sales Manager with the preparation of the budget and operate within the budgetary guidelines.

Provide an office bound point of contact for all international

Agents, especially while the International Sales Manager is travelling.

Work in conjunction with the International Sales Manager to service our international Agents.

Action any leads that the International Sales Manager gathers whilst on sales trips.

Prepare all information required by International Sales Manager for sales trips.

Follow up after press trips/photographers/journalist/Agent visits to ensure contractual obligations are met.

Working with International Sales Manager to ensure successful implementation of sales strategies and initiatives.

Development and maintenance of Agent database • Salesforce.

Creation and distribution of all reports necessary to Management team and Central Group where applicable.

Control and update Brochure Barter budget/analyse production stats of brochure partners to ensure return on investment.

Although predominantly office based, must have the ability to attend adhoc international/domestic trade shows.

Marketing support role including extraction of mailing lists, update rate sheets, costing of packages, etc.

Co•ordination of the sales and marketing purchase order system, and allocation against budgets. March 2012 – February 2014:

Abercrombie & Kent Sales Executive:

Motivating and mentoring staff Business Relationship with current Agents

Sales Communication with current and new Agents

Distribution of work in conjunction with Operational Supervisor

Inspect 24hour response

Training Consultants on market specific requirements and assisting them in growing these markets in line with the overall company policy

Ensure we have sufficient Sales Tools for the business

Ensure our Operational Team fully understand what we are selling

Manage Agent database

Manage Sales Directors and General Sales Agent and communicate their requirements internally

Reviewing monthly General Sales Agents and Sales Directors’ reports and summaries Southern Africa requirements Abercrombie & Kent

Operations & Sales Co•Ordinator:

Handle all information distribution to new agents as required

Provide feedback from agents to Director of Sales & Marketing.

Distribute information as required internally to action any requests from the contact with the agents.

Provide assistance to the Sales & Marketing Director with all Sales related requirements.

Send brochure quotes as required

Follow up on all new business as directed by the Director of Sales.

Provide a support function for the Director of Sales and 3rd Party Reservations Manager.

Create and maintain 3rd

party agent database with all information required by the Director of Sales

Managing the welcoming of new agents and the data inputting as required.

Always know who our top agents are and what business is outstanding with them to follow up on.

Ensure the New Agent form is completed by all new agents

Update all relevant systems with all new agents details, using the New agent form.

Amend and maintain as required.

Printing of all marketing collateral for sales trips/trade shows etc.

Design of and creating of Power Point, hard copy and slide presentations for selling purposes.

Ensure information/tone/speak is in line with DMC Marketing Head Office directive (London).

Using the sales strategy, revenue reports and 3rd party Agent database plan sales calls with the Director of Sales for each trip with action plans

Book accommodation for each sales trip as required.

Assist with inbox management while Director of Sales is on sales trips

Assisting with the organising of Trade Shows, Indaba etc.

Book stand/manage costings/organise sales functions, when required.

Ensure all collateral is correct, in line with directive from DMC Marketing Head Quarters.

Assist in the set up and co•ordination and running of stand, when required.

Ensure collateral is ready and distributed as per quantities required by sales.

Filing and general administration work.

Filing correspondence.

Manage Director of Sales correspondence, which need actioning in his/her absence.

Maintain a good inter office relationship.

Assist with the maintenance of relationships with all Offices – regional and worldwide. May 2011 – February 2012:

The Gym On Eleventh

Personal Trainer / Floor Manager:

Opening & Closing of facility.

Floor Manager whilst on shift – making sure that everything runs smoothly in the Gym • attending to Clients should they require assistance.

Personal Training.

Organizing events for example Member of the Month / “Lazy Cow Walking Club” May 2009 – April 2011:

&Beyond

Sales Co•Ordinator:

Managing and loading of all agent information and profiles in Tourplan & GDM.

Managing and loading of all preferred 3rd

party supplier and &Beyond lodge rates and information into Tourplan.

Pro•active and continuous sourcing of all product information (current, new and experiential) relevant to preferred partners and &Beyond lodges and country logistics.

Pro-active and continuous “self learning” by means of research on destinations we sell

Packaging, designing and distribution of: Safari offers Lodge offers

Itineraries and brochure quotes for trade partners

Itineraries and quotes for &Beyond rate manual

Product support internally as well as to trade partners on all &Beyond lodges and preferred partner properties.

Designing and distribution of all additional support documentation for &Beyond Lodges and preferred partners.

Initiating and implementing product initiatives

Proactive monitoring of touring revenues

Constant communication with agents, reservations teams and preferred partners.

Compilation of Rate manuals and CD’s

Monthly newsletter contributions

Ensuring Trading Terms are sent, signed, received and recorded

Managing the welcoming of new agents (database form, rates allocation, profile) – in conjunction Relationship / Sales Manager

Co•ordination of Educationals, ensuring lodges are briefed, and ensuring feedback received from the lodges

Management of Agent brochures – scanning, filing, recording in a brochure feature / competitor analysis spreadsheet

Effective handling of inboxes / support when Sales Managers are travelling

Pulling and regular distribution of stats / incentive tracking reports to particular agents – once these reports are setup and running

Databases are kept up to date & GDM profiles are up to date with all relevant trade partner information

Assistance to Sales / Relationship Managers before going on trips May 2008 – May 2009

&Beyond

Travel Co•Ordinator / Team Leader:

Providing assistance to General Manager – Travel with regards to reports / forecasts etc: Forecasting – every 2nd week

Monthly Statistics: Guest feedback report Year on Year Ratio Comparisons Top Performer Stats Commissions

Airline Analysis Report SAA Monthly Report Cancellation analysis Monthly Revenue Reports Voyager Miles First

Response Audits

Assisted in processing of all refunds

Assisted in processing of bed night bookings

Assisted in logging of Web•enquiries

Supervising of Switchboard Staff

05 February 07 – May 08

Engel & Völkers Johannesburg PA to COO:

Putting together agendas for meetings

Setting up meetings

Arranging catering for meetings/functions/training/social events

Putting HR files in place DTP/Advertising:

Providing training

Layouts of publications: Saturday Star/Speckled Bean/Local Guide/Absolute Magazine 03 September 2004 – 05 February 2007

CC Africa

Reservations Consultant:

Itinerary planning

Checking availability of flights/accommodation

Recommending alternatives – if not available

Booking flights/accommodation

Requesting pre•payments

Sending flight tickets to Guests prior to travel

Arranging special requests for special occasions

Sorting out any crises – during Guests’ travel

24 July 2000 – 30 August 2004

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve Reservations Manager:

Checking availability

Booking accommodation, flights to/from Lodge

Arranging special requests for special occasions

Requesting full pre•payments from Guests prior to travel 01 August 1999 – 24 July 2000

Villa Via – Radisson SAS Hotel DMC Africa – Travel Desk:

Dealing with the public, Travel Agents and Tour Operators regarding reservations for transport

Arranging and booking activities/tours for Guests, confirming of flight tickets, making bookings at restaurants etc. Strong liaison with the Management and Staff at Villa Via (Radisson SAS) regarding occupancies, charges to Guest accounts and monthly commission payable to the Hotel.

01 June 1999 – 31 July 1999

Villa Via – Radisson SAS Hotel Waitress:

Cleaning, preparing and serving of food, taking of bookings and daily cash ups. 01 June 1998 – 25 May 1999

Foresters Protea Hotel Duty Manager:

Making sure that all departments i.e. Front Office, Restaurant, Housekeeping etc – runs smoothly, whilst on duty eg. Reception, telephone/faxing, filing, checking of cash ups/floats, banking, posting, maitre’d, issuing of money, stock taking, supervising of Staff, co•ordination of functions and meetings and overall sales of property. 01 February 1998 – 30 May 1998

Penny Farthings (Coffee Shop) Assistant Manager:

Opening/closing, issuing of floats, cash ups, preparing food/drinks, waitressing, supervising of Staff. 01 November 7997 – 30 January 1998

Sanlam

Personal Assistant:

Reception, telephone/faxing/filing, writing (insurance & investment group) policies with Clients, preparation of documents for meetings, travelling with Broker.

01 April 1997 – 30 October 1997

Keg & Loerie Waitress:

Cleaning, preparing and serving of food, taking of bookings and daily cash ups. EDUCATION:

HIGH SCHOOL:

Outeniqua High School – George

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Personal Trainer – HFPA {2006}

INTERESTS:

Reading

Music

Sport

REFERENCES: