Sonia Gumbs Richards
Polk City,FL
Summary
Accomplished Senior Travel Consultant with a proven track record at Wise Travel Dba Travel Planners, Skilled in airline policies and airport procedures, adept at fostering strong client relationships and negotiating competitive rates, significantly improving client retention and satisfaction. Friendly Reservation Agent with proficiency in interacting effectively by telephone with guests of diverse ages, backgrounds and interests.
Booked cruises on most major cruise lines.
Booked groups to various destinations.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Travel Consultant
Wise Travel Dba Travel Planners
1996.01 - 2022.07
- Achieved revenue growth by upselling additional services like insurance plans, airport transfers, or excursions to clients during the booking process.
- Handled sensitive personal data with discretion.
- Managed high-profile accounts, ensuring seamless coordination of complex international itineraries for VIP clientele.
- Conducted comprehensive destination research to provide clients with up-to-date information and expert advice on travel options.
- 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.
- Provided useful travel materials such as guides, maps and event programs.
- Communicated with clients to confirm itineraries, methods of transportation and travel regulations.
- 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.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive rates for clients'' travel accommodations.
- Delivered exceptional service through prompt responses to customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat platforms.
- Provided customers with brochures and publications containing travel information such as local customs, points of interest and foreign country regulations.
- Resolved customer issues effectively, maintaining a positive reputation for the company within the highly competitive travel market.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions, payments received or pending invoices while adhering to strict financial guidelines.
- Reduced customer complaints through proactive communication of potential scheduling conflicts and offering alternative solutions.
- Streamlined booking processes for improved efficiency and reduced errors in reservations.
- Used Sabre and Galileo and other online computer systems to print tickets and travel itineraries.
- Followed up with customers to increase customer service with travel plans.
- Updated and maintained customer databases to increase customer retention.
- Supervised payments via credit and debit cards and handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
- Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients.
- Provided exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of travel industry trends, regulations and best practices to better serve customers.
- Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Coordinated both international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare, hotel and rental car reservations.
- Helped customers with passport and visa applications.
- Recommended travel insurance plans to customers to reduce uncertainty and risk of financial loss.
- Promoted dedicated customer service and support by promptly resolving customer complaints.
- Consistently fostered business growth by delivering first-rate travel advising and itineraries to develop valuable client relationships.
- Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Generated travel-related reports for clients to facilitate decision-making.
Travel Consultant
S E L Maduro and Sons, Philipsburg
1981.05 - 1995.12
- Built strong relationships with clients through exceptional communication and personalized service.
- Organized trips for individual, family and business travelers.
- Worked closely with clients to understand unique needs and meet specific travel desires.
- Maintained accurate records of bookings, payments, and client information for smooth operations and future reference.
- Assisted clients in navigating visa requirements and other travel documentation, minimizing potential issues during their trips.
- Collected, handled and documented payments for travel services and associated feels.
Airline Customer Service Agent
C H Walters Winward Islands Airways Agent
1979.02 - 1981.03
- Provided exceptional customer service with empathetic listening and effective problem-solving skills.
- Kept up-to-date on flight schedules to provide accurate information for travelers seeking assistance.
Education
High School Diploma -
Basseterre High School
St KittsSkills
- Customer Relations
- Cultural Awareness
- Airline Policies
- Airport Procedures
- Strong empathy
- Exceptional communication
Additional Information
Retired in July 2022 but am now a available for Remote employment.
Timeline
Senior Travel Consultant
Wise Travel Dba Travel Planners
1996.01 - 2022.07
Travel Consultant
S E L Maduro and Sons, Philipsburg
1981.05 - 1995.12
Airline Customer Service Agent
C H Walters Winward Islands Airways Agent
1979.02 - 1981.03
High School Diploma -
Basseterre High School
Similar Profiles
Cindy SugdenCindy Sugden
Co-Owner - Travel Advisor at Cruise Planners - Sugden Travel, LLCCo-Owner - Travel Advisor at Cruise Planners - Sugden Travel, LLC
Genelle WilliamsGenelle Williams
Operations Specialist at Tahiti Travel PlannersOperations Specialist at Tahiti Travel Planners
Kumar ShivamKumar Shivam
Sales Management Trainee at Wise Travel India LtdSales Management Trainee at Wise Travel India Ltd