HILA SHINA
Scarsdale,NY
Summary
Highly skilled and accomplished, bilingual English/Hebrew Travel Services Manager, with over 30 years of experience within the Travel and Hospitality industry. Specialized with corporate clients, leisure and incentive groups covering all facets of travel with a focus on customer relationship management.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
B2 Travel Group
01.2012 - Current
- Manage travel arrangements for corporate clients, leisure groups handling all facets of travel
- Plan and coordinate accommodations, flights, ground transportation, dining, activities, entertainment, guides & escorts, customized itineraries, and special events
- Pinpoint customers' needs and customize tours based on customers' personal preferences, wishes, and budget
- Establish strategic alliances with hotels, transportation providers, event halls, and restaurants to deliver outstanding service to clients
- Communicate expectations to global partners and track service levels to encourage their accountability for positive customer outcomes
- Use customer feedback as baseline for continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain ongoing contact and follow-up with clients to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms
- Earn and retain customers' loyalty to contribute to steady revenue growth.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
International Travel Consultant
Tal Tours
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Booked and coordinated international flights and accommodation reservations for groups
- Managed and Negotiated hotels and airlines contracts and pricing structures
- Maintained booking and processed transactions using Sabre and Amadeus GDS
- Planned and conducted training for newly hired agents.
- Collaborated with organizations to create and promote special travel packages.
- Developed promotional materials for travel packages to market hot destinations.
Marketing Coordinator
Government Of Israel Ministry Of Tourism
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Responsible for development, implementation and execution of special projects, marketing events, and conferences related to tourism and traveling to Israel
- Coordinated and organized promotion campaigns and projects aimed at increasing tourist traffic
- Consulted and advised travel agencies and Tour Operators with issues related to Israeli traveling market
- Drafted contracts with various travel entities, as well as advertising and public relations agencies
- Evaluated and analyzed trends and changes in travelers' traffic patterns.
Executive Assistant to Commissioner
Government Of Israel Ministry Of Tourism
09.1994 - 01.1998
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents and information with discretion.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and meetings.
- Served as liaison between regional offices and Headquarters.
- Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Handled payroll processing tasks accurately
- Qualified, interviewed, and hired prospective employees
- Liaised between employees and official governmental offices
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within workplace.
Tourist Information Senior Officer
Ministry Of Tourism International Airport
01.1988 - 01.1994
- Managed and supervised workforce of Information Officers
- Liaised with hotels, transportation providers, escorts to determine availability and book passage or stays
- Provide travel brochures, destination literature and information material relevant to customer needs
- Assisted and connected passengers with airport formalities
- Greeted and welcomed VIP and governmental guests
- Awarded official 'Best Tourism Employee 1991' by State of Israel, Ministry of Tourism.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, with Specialization in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY
Hackensack, NJ2001
Certificate -
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
New York, NY1999
Certificate -
TRAVEL CAREERS INTERNATIONAL
New York, NY1997
Skills
- Computer Literate
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Goal Setting/Performance Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Continuous Quality Initiatives
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and ability to work individually
- Attention to details
- Problem Solving/Troubleshooting
- Financial Oversight and Revenue Forecasting
- Negotiation
- Customer Service
- Fluent in English and Hebrew
- Operations Management
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Operations Manager
B2 Travel Group
01.2012 - Current
International Travel Consultant
Tal Tours
01.2001 - 01.2009
Marketing Coordinator
Government Of Israel Ministry Of Tourism
01.1998 - 01.2001
Executive Assistant to Commissioner
Government Of Israel Ministry Of Tourism
09.1994 - 01.1998
Tourist Information Senior Officer
Ministry Of Tourism International Airport
01.1988 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, with Specialization in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY
Certificate -
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
Certificate -
TRAVEL CAREERS INTERNATIONAL
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