I am a passionate traveler and photography enthusiast
Violeta Valentina Pavlović
Cruise Expert And Travel Professional
Poreč
Summary
Dynamic and highly knowledgeable Travel and Cruise Expert with over 20 years of experience designing unforgettable travel experiences across luxury cruises, bespoke vacations, and global destinations. Recognized for deep industry insight, exceptional customer service, and a proven ability to match clients with tailored itineraries that exceed expectations. Skilled in leveraging destination expertise, vendor relationships, and trend forecasting to create seamless, high-value travel experiences. Passionate about cultivating client loyalty, driving sales growth, and sharing the joy of exploration through personalized, stress-free travel planning.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Expert Cruise Consultant - Head of sales Croatia, Romania and Hungary
Cruisetopic, Milan
Milan
01.2022
- Dedicated Cruise Expert specializing in delivering exceptional travel experiences through personalized cruise planning and world-class customer service. Skilled in matching clients to ideal cruise itineraries, managing end-to-end bookings, and exceeding sales targets in a fast-paced travel environment. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Provided expert advice on cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and destinations, ensuring each client received a tailored experience. Managed complete booking processes, including quotations, reservations, payments, and travel documentation. Maintained in-depth product knowledge across major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, Princess, etc.). Consistently achieved and exceeded monthly and quarterly sales and revenue targets. Delivered high client satisfaction ratings through proactive communication, follow-up, and personalized service. Collaborated with suppliers and partners to secure competitive pricing, upgrades, and exclusive promotions. Resolved client inquiries and issues efficiently, maintaining brand reputation and customer loyalty. Contributed destination insights and travel tips for marketing and customer engagement initiatives. Utilized CRM and booking platforms (e.g., Polar, CruisePRO, Traveltek) to manage leads and bookings efficiently. Key Skills: Cruise Sales Customer Relationship Management Travel Planning Product Knowledge Upselling & Cross-Selling Problem Solving Destination Expertise Communication Booking Systems Client Retention
Head of sales - Assistant project manager
Aquapark Istralandia, Brtonigla
Brtonigla
01.2009 - 01.2021
- Dynamic and results-driven Head of Sales responsible for driving revenue growth, partnership development, and brand visibility for a leading aquapark. Proven track record in developing sales strategies, managing high-performing teams, and exceeding financial targets through innovative marketing and customer engagement initiatives. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Led the sales and marketing strategy for ticketing, group packages, corporate events, and annual memberships. Developed and managed relationships with travel agencies, schools, and corporate clients to increase group sales. Designed and implemented seasonal promotions and loyalty programs to boost visitor numbers and revenue. Analyzed sales performance data to forecast demand, optimize pricing, and adjust marketing strategies. Recruited, trained, and supervised the sales team, fostering a culture of performance and accountability. Collaborated with marketing and operations teams to create integrated campaigns and ensure exceptional guest experiences. Represented the aquapark at tourism fairs, corporate events, and community outreach programs to build brand awareness. Consistently exceeded annual sales targets through strategic partnerships and customer retention initiatives. Implemented CRM systems to track leads, manage client relationships, and streamline reporting. Key Skills: Sales Leadership Revenue Growth Strategic Partnerships Team Management Marketing Collaboration Customer Relationship Management Negotiation Pricing Strategy Event Sales CRM Tools
Reservations and excursions manager
ATLAS d.d. Dubrovnik Destination Management Company, Porec
Porec
03.2007 - 01.2009
- Experienced and customer-focused Reservation & Excursion Manager with a proven track record of optimizing booking operations and delivering unforgettable guest experiences. Skilled in managing reservations, coordinating excursions, leading high-performing teams, and ensuring seamless service from inquiry to post-visit satisfaction. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Directed all daily operations of the reservations and excursion departments, overseeing bookings for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Managed end-to-end reservation processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to company standards. Developed and maintained relationships with local tour operators, transport providers, and activity partners to expand excursion offerings. Designed and implemented excursion programs that enhanced guest satisfaction and increased revenue. Trained, supervised, and motivated a team of reservation agents and excursion coordinators to deliver outstanding customer service. Monitored booking trends and implemented strategic pricing and promotional initiatives to maximize occupancy and sales. Handled VIP and special group bookings with meticulous attention to detail and discretion. Ensured all guest inquiries and issues were resolved promptly, maintaining high satisfaction and repeat booking rates. Collaborated closely with marketing and operations teams to align excursion offerings with seasonal campaigns and guest feedback. Utilized reservation and CRM systems (e.g., Opera, Fidelio, or similar) to manage bookings, generate reports, and analyze performance metrics.
Interpreter
CNN Macedonia
03.2002 - 05.2002
- Facilitated live translations during high-stakes broadcasts, ensuring audience comprehension and accurate messaging in real-time.
- Collaborated with production teams to prepare multilingual content, enhancing viewer engagement and broadening audience reach.
- Utilized advanced interpretation techniques to convey nuanced political discussions, maintaining clarity and cultural context for diverse viewers.
- Advised on language and cultural sensitivities, improving communication strategies and fostering positive viewer relations across platforms.
Human resources manager for locally hired personnel
NATO/SFOR American contingent
12.1995 - 10.2001
- Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures, enhancing compliance and streamlining personnel management processes across the organization.
- Collaborated with management to address employee relations issues, promoting a positive workplace environment and enhancing team cohesion.
- Led recruitment efforts for locally hired personnel, resulting in a diverse and skilled workforce aligned with organizational needs.
- Conducted performance evaluations and facilitated feedback sessions, fostering employee development and improving overall team productivity.
- Managed employee onboarding and training programs, ensuring new hires quickly adapted to workplace culture and operational expectations.
Assistant & Interpreter
ECMM – European Community monitoring mission
01.1995 - 12.1995
- Interpreter and assistant on humanitarian and economic issues. Translation and interpretation of all relevant documents and laws, assistance to refugees and displaced persons, complete office and financial management, organization and interpretation/simultaneous translation of meetings with different officials and institutions Field work throughout Croatia and Bosnia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Education
SEO copy/content writing, digital marketing, and marketing campaigns in tourism
University “Algebra”, Zagreb
Zagreb01.2023
Tour guide national/EU licence - undefined
University of Pula, University in Opatija
Opatija01.2019
tour guide licence - undefined
University of Pula, University in Opatija
Opatija01.2013
Certificate of Proficiency in English - undefined
Thames Valley University, London
London01.2002
diploma - Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Agency Management
University of Zagreb
Zagreb01.1998
Faculty of law and history
Osijek University, Croatia
Osijek, Croatia01.1998
Assistant in cultural and scientific institutions
Gymnasium, Požega
Požega01.1991
Skills
Customer relationship management
Cruise industry experience
Travel bookings processes
Multitasking
Excellent communication
Travel planning
Upselling and cross-selling
Cruise sales
Problem resolution
Destination expertise
Team leadership
Strategic partnerships
References
References available upon request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Single, career oriented, extremely fast learner, always willing to go an extra mile to accomplish the task, excellent communicational and interpersonal skills, team player but able to work independently.
- I live with a functional disability that has enhanced my adaptability, focus, and problem-solving skills. I am fully capable of performing all key duties within the travel and hospitality environment with professionalism and care.
- Desirable workplace: combination of travel and homebased work.
Interests
Timeline
Expert Cruise Consultant - Head of sales Croatia, Romania and Hungary
Cruisetopic, Milan
01.2022
Head of sales - Assistant project manager
Aquapark Istralandia, Brtonigla
01.2009 - 01.2021
Reservations and excursions manager
ATLAS d.d. Dubrovnik Destination Management Company, Porec
03.2007 - 01.2009
Interpreter
CNN Macedonia
03.2002 - 05.2002
Human resources manager for locally hired personnel
NATO/SFOR American contingent
12.1995 - 10.2001
Assistant & Interpreter
ECMM – European Community monitoring mission
01.1995 - 12.1995
Tour guide national/EU licence - undefined
University of Pula, University in Opatija
tour guide licence - undefined
University of Pula, University in Opatija
Certificate of Proficiency in English - undefined
Thames Valley University, London
diploma - Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Agency Management
University of Zagreb
Faculty of law and history
Osijek University, Croatia
Assistant in cultural and scientific institutions
Gymnasium, Požega
SEO copy/content writing, digital marketing, and marketing campaigns in tourism
University “Algebra”, Zagreb