Chris Liekens Email & Phone Number

New York, New York

In my current role I am expertly supervising all logistics and daily operations of the Escorted Tours Department of a full-service DMC, including a variety of mission-critical tasks such as guide management, vendor sourcing and negotiations, market research, sales strategy development, trip creation, yield and inventory management, budget planning, while providing leadership to a team composed of 8 employees across several offices and more than 40 Tour Guides for nationwide multi-day tour groups bringing in over 13,000 international travelers and $15 million in revenue annually.My key accomplishments in this role include:• Led the development and implementation of innovative new itineraries and tour packages from inception all the way through sourcing, negotiating, costing and execution.• Secured more than $2,500,000 in new business through launching and promoting new itineraries.• Brought in countless new long-term clients through attendance of industry-leading international trade shows while also cementing relationships with current customers.• Helped drive effective new strategies that boosted revenue by collaborating and giving presentations to existing and prospective clients as well as to internal stakeholders.

New York, Ny

In this role I oversaw a variety of key logistical activities including product development, negotiating with contractors, customer service, client consultations, staff training, and supplier management for international groups in the northeastern region of the country.My key accomplishments in this role include:• Boosted both revenue and inventory efficiency by proactively analyzing and monitoring booking patterns and other market trend data.• Commended for increasing customer satisfaction via new complaint evaluation, resolution, and follow-up efforts involving attentive service and drafting of documentation.• Slashed supplier costs and hotel expenses through strategic negotiations and deal-making with industry partners.

New York, New York

Here I served in a critical leadership role focused on oversight of NYC operations and FIT reservations and a team of 3 internal employees and more than 15 Tour Guides. Also handled a wide range of important tasks such as logistics coordination, issue identification and resolution, quote generation, ad-hoc group management, and the organization of client invoices and supplier payments.My key accomplishments in this role include:• Streamlining a number of daily logistics procedures leading to an improvement in the coordination process for FIT and group series arrivals in New York and Washington, DC.• Minimizing expenses and reducing costs through market research, vendor negotiations, and relationship building with hotels and other industry groups.

Usa

As a Tour Director I managed large and diverse groups of international tourists throughout the USA with a sharp focus on providing engaging and informative narration to groups in multiple languages, minimizing and resolving any personal conflicts, and ensuring a top-notch experience for every single client.My key accomplishments in this role include:• Building a reputation for flawless execution of tour operator itineraries and adding unique and memorable touches to each experience.• Reorganizing the booking and scheduling process to maximize accuracy and efficiency in the handling of transportation, accommodations, and other tour features.• Maintaining flawless financial records and eliminating discrepancies in supplier payments, expenses, and optional excursions sales.

Europe

At Image Tours I provided leadership to diverse groups of American travelers from numerous backgrounds and provided key information and narration during guided tours of Europe. Also maximized group knowledge of international and cultural differences while ensuring that transportation, accommodation, and other included items were handled.My key accomplishments in this role include:• Being praised by numerous passengers for providing them with "A journey of a lifetime".• Building strong relationships with both clients and industry partners, drawing in new business.

Europe

Tour Director for multi-day escorted tours through Belgium and The Netherlands for British visitors• Provide leadership towards groups of British tourists (15 to 55 travelers)• Flawlessly execute the itinerary exactly as advertised by the tour operator• Provide engaging and informative narration to the group• Book, reschedule and/or reconfirm transportation, accommodation, admissions and other inclusions of the tour • Tactfully resolve personal conflicts within the group• Accurately maintain financial records of supplier payments, expenses, optional excursions sales and commission payouts• Provide each passenger with a “journey of a lifetime”.