MELISSA ROSS
Hammond,WI
Summary
Dynamic travel agent with over 33 years of comprehensive experience in the travel industry, specializing in geography and computer reservation systems. Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service and tailor travel experiences to meet individual client needs. Seeking a position as a travel consultant or trainer/instructor to leverage extensive industry knowledge and expertise in guiding others. Committed to fostering a passion for travel while enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Massage Therapist
Be Well Bodyworks
Eagan, MN
09.2012 - Current
- ### Step 1: Identify High-Value Responsibility Gaps
- **Client Assessment**: Conduct client assessments to determine individual needs and preferences for massage therapy.
- **Therapeutic Techniques**: Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to clients' specific conditions and goals.
- **Post-Treatment Guidance**: Provide post-treatment care recommendations to enhance recovery and overall wellness.
- **Scheduling Management**: Manage appointment scheduling to optimize client flow and minimize wait times.
- **Compliance Adherence**: Ensure adherence to state regulations and industry standards related to health and safety protocols.
- **Utilized diverse therapeutic techniques, adapting approaches for optimal client outcomes during sessions.**
- **Managed scheduling efficiently, optimizing appointment flow while ensuring minimal client wait times.**
- Effectively managed time to ensure all appointments ran smoothly without compromising the quality of service provided to clients.
- Improved overall wellness for clients by performing various massage techniques, including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages.
- Provided safe, effective, and appropriate massage therapy techniques during customer appointments.
- Cultivated a calm atmosphere within the massage space using soft lighting, tranquil music, or other desired elements that enhanced the therapeutic experience for clients.
- Assisted with administrative tasks such as updating patient records, processing payments, and managing inventory of supplies when necessary.
- Performed sanitization tasks to keep massage environment clean and safe.
- Utilized hot stones, aromatherapy and other therapeutic treatments.
- Assessed guest needs and identified muscle issues, medical conditions, and contraindications before beginning session.
Senior Travel Consultant
Self Employed Services
Hammond, WI
01.2004 - Current
- Responsible for promoting, marketing and sales for a home based travel agent business.
- Sold Domestic and International Airline tickets, vacation packages, cruises, escorted tours, etc.
- Worldspan Computer Reservation system
- Attended vendor special events and training sessions.
- Attended FAM trips on a regular basis.
- **Client Relationship Management**: Build and maintain relationships with clients to ensure repeat business and satisfaction.
- **Destination Expertise**: Provide detailed information on travel destinations, including attractions, accommodations, and local customs.
- **Booking Coordination**: Coordinate complex travel itineraries for clients, ensuring seamless transitions between flights, hotels, and activities.
- **Travel Documentation Guidance**: Assist clients in understanding necessary travel documentation based on destination requirements.
- **Crisis Management Support**: Offer support to clients during unforeseen travel disruptions or emergencies.
- Coordinated comprehensive travel itineraries that integrated flights, accommodations, and activities seamlessly for clients.
- Guided clients through essential travel documentation requirements tailored to specific international destinations.
- Negotiated favorable terms with vendors to optimize pricing options for vacation packages and services offered.
- Provided timely support during travel disruptions by facilitating alternative solutions to ensure client satisfaction.
- Conducted comprehensive destination research to provide clients with up-to-date information and expert advice on travel options.
- Provided useful travel materials such as guides, maps and event programs.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized travel recommendations and itinerary planning.
- Booked reservations for travel, hotels, rental cars and special events such as tours and excursions.
- Coordinated group bookings to ensure seamless logistics for large-scale events such as weddings or corporate retreats.
- Assessed client needs and recommended appropriate products and services to meet preferences and budget.
- Communicated with clients to confirm itineraries, methods of transportation and travel regulations.
- Delivered exceptional service through prompt responses to customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat platforms.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions, payments received or pending invoices while adhering to strict financial guidelines.
- Assisted in the development of new product offerings based on emerging trends in luxury travel experiences.
- Used company and vendor marketing resources to educate customers and close sales.
- Used [Type] computer systems to print tickets and travel itineraries.
- Reduced customer complaints through proactive communication of potential scheduling conflicts and offering alternative solutions.
- Used promotional techniques and prepared promotional materials to sell itinerary tour packages.
- Resolved customer issues effectively, maintaining a positive reputation for the company within the highly competitive travel market.
- Updated and maintained customer databases to increase customer retention.
- Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients.
- Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Supervised payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
- Coordinated both international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare, hotel and rental car reservations.
Flight Attendant Instructor
Ransted
Bloomington, MN
05.2006 - 08.2006
- Attended training sessions on emergency procedures and announcements.
- Was responsible for following FAA guidelines and regulations and implementing them into training.
- Trained flight attendants on emergency procedures and announcements in a mock airplane setting/airplane hangar.
- Supervised trainees before and during testing sessions.
- Demonstrated integrity and time management for this special project, was available and worked all shifts including overnights until completed.
International Travel Consultant
Hobbit Travel
Woodbury, MN
01.2002 - 05.2004
- Provided customer service to international travelers in a call center, high volume call environment.
- Sabre Computer Reservation system
- Sold international airline tickets, tours, vacation packages, cruises, etc.
- Specialized in all-inclusive travel to Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Personally sold over $1 million in travel each year employed, member of Hobbit Travel's Diamond Club.
- Utilized marketing skills by packaging air/hotel together and creating advertisements for the Sunday Star Tribune advertisement.
- Member of Million Dollar Club for producing over $1 million in sales per year
Senior Travel Consultant
Travel Explorers
Hudson, WI
05.1996 - 03.2005
- Sold all types of travel including: vacation packages, cruises, groups trips, corporate travel, to walkin customers and phone customers in both an office setting and home office.
- Experience with Amadeus and Worldspan computer reservation systems.
- Attended various FAM trips, vendor training sessions, etc.
Travel Instructor
Rasmussen College
Eagan, MN
09.2000 - 04.2001
- Developed a class syllabus for a Travel Agent reservations class.
- Trained students on how to build PNR's, issue airline tickets, book car rentals and hotels in Worldspan.
- Trained students on selling vacation packages and how to build packages using various vendors, selling methods.
- Explained and used role playing on how to qualify clients.
Trainer
State Of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
05.1999 - 08.1999
- Worked as a contractor, hired by the State of Minnesota to train Sun Country airline employees on Sabre computer reservation system.
- Assisted Sun Country management in implementing Sabre Computer Reservation system.
- Trained all Sun Country employees in a classroom setting at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
- Assisted Sun Country gate agents at the airport, checking customers in and deplaning customers.
- Developed training procedures and manuals for employees.
Education
Certification - Massage Therapy
ST CROIX CENTER FOR THE HEALING ARTS
Hudson, WI11-2011
Certificate - Travel Agent/customer service
Carlson Travel Academy
Bloomington, MN07-1993
Skills
- Mentoring, Training, Sabre, Worldspan GDS, Marketing, Amadeus, Vax, Customer service, Etiquette, Sales, problem solving, Microsoft Office, Organizational Skills
- Marketing strategies
- Email and phone etiquette
- Client relations
- Inbound phone call management
- Administrative support
- Scheduling software
Affiliations
IATA
Certification
IATA
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Not actively lookingWork Type
Part TimeLocation Preference
RemoteSalary Range
$45000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Licensed Massage Therapist
Be Well Bodyworks
09.2012 - Current
Flight Attendant Instructor
Ransted
05.2006 - 08.2006
Senior Travel Consultant
Self Employed Services
01.2004 - Current
International Travel Consultant
Hobbit Travel
01.2002 - 05.2004
Travel Instructor
Rasmussen College
09.2000 - 04.2001
Trainer
State Of Minnesota
05.1999 - 08.1999
Senior Travel Consultant
Travel Explorers
05.1996 - 03.2005
Certification - Massage Therapy
ST CROIX CENTER FOR THE HEALING ARTS
Certificate - Travel Agent/customer service
Carlson Travel Academy