Independent Travel Advisor & Cruise Specialist

Melody Wilson

Houston, TX

******@************.***

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melodywilson-grows

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Customer-focused travel professional with 30+ years of experience building relationships, providing exceptional service, and helping clients make confident purchasing decisions. As an independent Travel Advisor specializing in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and customized vacations, I guide clients from initial inquiry through booking while delivering personalized recommendations and outstanding support.

Known for strong communication, consultative sales, problem-solving, and creating memorable customer experiences. Experienced working independently in fast-paced environments while managing multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

* Top 10 Travel Sales Team recognition for outstanding sales performance.

* Built and continue to grow an independent travel business through referrals, repeat clients, and digital marketing.

* Publish the bi-weekly travel newsletter Sunshine, Stories & Suitcases with a growing audience of 164+ LinkedIn subscribers.

* Successfully develop engaging social media content that generates inbound travel inquiries and client engagement.

* Maintain ongoing supplier certifications and destination training to provide current, informed travel recommendations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Travel Advisor Cruise & Luxury Vacation Specialist

Will Travel Co. 2024 – Present

* Consult with clients to recommend cruises, all-inclusive resorts, guided tours, and customized vacations.

* Match travelers with destinations and cruise lines based on their travel style, interests, and budget.

* Manage reservations, supplier communications, itinerary planning, and travel documentation.

* Build long-term client relationships through exceptional customer service and personalized follow-up.

* Generate new business through social media marketing, referrals, and educational travel content.

* Publish a bi-weekly travel newsletter while maintaining an active online travel community.

* Complete ongoing cruise line, destination, and supplier training to remain current on industry products and promotions.

Buyer / Purchasing Specialist

The Ground Up Current

* Manage purchasing for a high-volume wholesale horticultural operation.

* Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships.

* Negotiate pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.

* Analyze inventory levels to meet customer demand and business objectives.

* Coordinate multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Owner & Operator

Retail Greenhouse & Garden Center - Pea Patch Gardens & Greenhouse

* Owned and operated a successful retail greenhouse and garden center for nearly 20 years.

* Managed all aspects of business operations, including sales, purchasing, merchandising, inventory, marketing, and customer service.

* Built long-term customer relationships through knowledgeable, personalized service.

CORE SKILLS

* Cruise Sales

* Vacation Planning

* Inbound Sales

* Consultative Selling

* Customer Service

* Relationship Building

* Reservation Management

* Travel Documentation

* CRM Systems

* Microsoft Office

* Vendor Relations

* Negotiation

* Problem Solving

* Social Media Marketing

* Time Management

* Multitasking

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

* Certified Travel Associate (CTA) – In Progress

* Ongoing Cruise Line & Supplier Certifications

Contact this candidate