Derek Holt
Portland,OR
Summary
Focused and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in optimizing operational processes within the travel industry. Proven ability to streamline workflows, enhance team efficiency, and manage end-to-end logistics for seamless travel operations. Skilled in coordinating personnel, fostering clear communication, and solving complex challenges to ensure excellent service delivery. Adept at leveraging industry knowledge and customer-focused insights to drive process improvements and operational success. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences, dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and exceeding customer expectations in the travel industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Manager
Avanti Destinations
11.2022 - Current
- Cultivated and managed strong supplier relationships, conducting regular on-site inspections, including DMC visits, trade shows, and evaluations to ensure quality and compliance.
- Led comprehensive marketing outreach initiatives, including email campaigns, co-op campaign organization, webinar hosting, and the planning and execution of educational trips to engage and educate stakeholders.
- Identified and selected new products and services by tracking emerging product trends across 16 countries, ensuring a competitive and relevant product offering for the market.Managed Supplier relationships with frequent on-site inspections involving DMC visits, trade shows and inspections
- Responsible for marketing outreach: email blasts, organizing co-op campaigns, hosting webinars, planning/organizing Educational trips
- Selection of new product and services based on tracking of product trends throughout 16 countries
Reservations Supervisor
Avanti Destinations
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Led, managed and mentored teams of up to thirteen Travel Consultants, closely monitoring performance against adherence standards, sales metrics, and overall KPIs to drive team success and individual growth.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of company policies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Effectively resolved escalations, addressing complex customer issues and ensuring timely, satisfactory resolutions to maintain high levels of client satisfaction.
Lead Travel Consultant
Avanti Destinations
10.2017 - 08.2019
- Acted as a specialist, providing technical support to in-house Travel Consultants, ensuring seamless assistance across various aspects of itinerary building, conflict resolution, and operational communication.
- Trained and mentored team members on the intricacies of constructing airfare and rail itineraries, addressing conflicts, and effectively communicating operation-based details to enhance service delivery and team efficiency.
Travel Consultant
Avanti Destinations
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Designed customized travel itineraries for passengers traveling to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring personalized and seamless experiences tailored to client preferences.
- Coordinated all aspects of travel logistics, including rail, air, accommodation, transfers, and tours, while providing expert advice on optimal routing and time management to maximize trip efficiency.
Teacher
Gloria English School
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Instructed 16 classes of all ages and English abilities in all facets of the language
- Responsible for course scheduling, curriculum, testing and assessment, parent-teacher conferencing and communication
Teacher
Yu Da Senior High School
09.2013 - 05.2014
English Trainer
Sabis International Schools
03.2013 - 08.2013
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature and Linguistics, Ancient History and American History
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA01.2009
Study Abroad - Ancient History
University of Nicosia
12.2007
Skills
- Market Research: Identifying travel trends, customer preferences, and industry demands
- Product Development: Designing travel packages, itineraries, or services tailored to target audiences
- Data Analysis: Using analytics tools to assess customer behavior and product performance
- Vendor Management: Negotiating contracts and partnerships with hotels, airlines, and tour operators
- Pricing Strategy: Setting competitive and profitable pricing for travel products
- Project Management: Leading cross-functional teams to launch new travel products or services
- Customer Experience Design: Ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for clients
- Agile and Scrum Methodologies: Managing product cycles efficiently
- Team Management: Leading and motivating teams, including travel consultants or agents
- Training and Development: Coaching staff on sales techniques, customer service, and travel tools
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing team or customer concerns effectively
- Performance Monitoring: Setting KPIs and evaluating team performance
- Resource Allocation: Assigning roles and managing workloads to meet organizational goals
- Client Relationship Building: Creating long-term relationships with corporate and individual clients
- Upselling and Cross-Selling: Maximizing revenue through tailored add-ons and upgrades
- Sales Forecasting: Predicting trends to meet sales targets
- Negotiation: Closing deals with clients and suppliers effectively
- Travel Booking Tools: Proficiency in GDS systems: Amadeus
- Destination Expertise: In-depth knowledge of popular travel destinations, local culture, and attractions
- Sustainability Practices: Designing eco-friendly travel solutions and promoting responsible tourism
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with travel laws, visa processes, and safety standards
- Travel Insurance Knowledge: Recommending and understanding policies for travelers
- Communication: Articulating ideas clearly to clients, teams, and DMC's
- Problem-Solving: Resolving unexpected travel disruptions or customer issues
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural norms and preferences
- Adaptability: Responding to industry changes like new tech or regulations
- Time Management: Balancing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
- Travel Platforms: Familiarity with booking engines
- Analytics Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
Passions
Travel
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Chinese (Mandarin)
Limited Working
Thai
Limited Working
Kurdish
Elementary
Australian
Professional Working
Timeline
Product Manager
Avanti Destinations
11.2022 - Current
Reservations Supervisor
Avanti Destinations
08.2019 - 11.2022
Lead Travel Consultant
Avanti Destinations
10.2017 - 08.2019
Travel Consultant
Avanti Destinations
09.2015 - 10.2017
Teacher
Yu Da Senior High School
09.2013 - 05.2014
English Trainer
Sabis International Schools
03.2013 - 08.2013
Teacher
Gloria English School
01.2009 - 01.2015
Study Abroad - Ancient History
University of Nicosia
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature and Linguistics, Ancient History and American History
Western Washington University
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