Careers

TOURS & TRAVEL CONSULTANT

A vacancy has arisen, for an experienced Tours & Travel Consultant. The incumbent together with the team, will be part of the pioneer team, and will be expected to position Sunbird Tours & Travel as the “top of mind” tours and travel operator in the country.

Specific key performance areas will include, but not limited to:

• Planning, developing, and executing the sales strategy plans for the Agency,
• Manage sales forecasting activities and setting performance goals, reviewing and analyzing sales performances against programs, and plans.
• Developing and recommending product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategy to produce the highest possible long-term market share.
• Adept at using the Galileo Computerised Reservation System and related software, proficient in the use of industry-standard software application.
• Managing, directing, and overseeing all aspects of itinerary planning and service quality to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Identifying customer needs, plan and develop itineraries that meet clients budgets and requests.
• Developing and maintaining strategic long-term trusting relationships with vendors of direct travel, such as car rentals, hotels, and airlines.
• Negotiating preferred rates with vendors of direct travel.
• Developing and promoting packages in line with emerging trends for targeted clients and segments.
• Adept at customer complaint resolution, and managing cancelations and refunds.
• Promoting destination marketing through attendance of seminars, tradeshows, and exhibitions.
• Developing and organising detailed travel packs inclusive of travelers safety procedures, visa requirements, travel essentials, and any other requirements 
• Developing and maintaining a database of travel- related activities
• Assisting in development and consolidation of relevant information, brochures and publications (guides, local customs, maps, regulations, events etc) for travellers
• Conducting market research on destinations and emerging industry trends for an enhanced product offer and customer experience.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Tourism & Travel Management, or Hospitality Management
• Excellent sales, customer service and communications skills
• Practical experience in sales, e-commerce, travel packaging, agency management experience will be essential attributes.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar or related position.
• IATA certification.
• Previous tour and travel industry experience will be added advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of tourist attractions sites across the country and within the region will be a PLUS.

If you feel you fit the profile, please send in your application letter complete with your resume and three traceable referees with contact phone numbers, no later than 28th February 2025, to:

Head of Corporate Services
Sunbird Tourism Plc
P O Box 376
BLANTYRE
E-mail:stl@sunbirdmalawi.com

SALES MANAGER

Sunbird Tourism plc, Malawi’s largest and leading hotel chain registered on Malawi Stock Exchange, owns and manages nine hotels and resorts across Malawi.
A vacancy for the above mentioned position has arisen. Reporting to the Head of Sales, Marketing & Distribution, the incumbent will have the overall responsibility of developing and implementing strategic action plans for hotels to drive measurable, incremental sales revenue while building and maintaining bankable customer relationships.
Summary responsibilities, will include, but not limited to:

• Planning, developing, and executing the sales strategy plans for the hotels in coordination with Head of Sales, Marketing & Distribution.

• Overseeing management of portfolios of high profile accounts and providing them with a first class account management service for increased account production.

• Identifying major segments and business drivers to each unit to arrive at optimum rates and occupancies so as to maximize revenues.

• Managing sales forecasting activities and setting performance goals, reviewing and analyzing sales performances against programs, and plans to determine effectiveness.

• Developing and maintaining strategic long-term trusting relationships with high volume clients to accomplish organic growth and long-term company objectives.

• Coordinating and participating in business performance reviews and isolating key factors affecting the trading results for each hotel accordingly for “fix it” strategies.

• Monitoring and collecting external and internal business environment data and competitor activity information monthly and compile a comprehensive report of the findings.

• Carrying out reviews and managing the product overview and portfolio of the Group so as to come up with the right price structure for optimization.

• Developing and recommending product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategy to produce the highest possible long-term market share.

• Ensuring an aggressive lead generation strategy for new, and dormant business across all segments.

• Growth and effective Management of Sunbird Loyalty Program-The Sunbird Premier Club.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field.

• Must possess sound Sales knowledge.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position at Managerial level.

• Previous hotel experience and travel industry is an added advantage

Those interested to take up the challenge should send in their applications complete with their current CV to:

Head of Corporate Services
Sunbird Tourism plc
P.O box 376
Blantyre
Email:stl@sunbirdmalawi.com

Closing date is 28th February, 2025