Tour Operations Director: Cape Town Day Tours – Jan 2006 To Oct 2020
• Operational Managemento Back-office administration – quotes, bookings, cancellations, database management, deposits, payments, change requestso Marketing – company marketing initially - print-based brochures to digital (Facebook PPC, adverts etc), developed website & through word of mouth referrals and outstanding Trip Advisor reviews expanded client portfolio consistentlyo Payroll for tour guides – overtime, fuel, authorisation of invoices• Tour Group Managemento Group tours of 1 to 60 touristso Safety of clients & kept the days proceedings on track & to scheduleo Extensive knowledge of history, culture, beauty spotso Arranged transport, flights, accommodation & any other special requests• Business Development | Relationship Managemento Client base was UHNW & HNWIo Gathered information from clients – interests - historical, cultural, adventure, food & drink, fun & created bespoke day tour packages to meet their requirementso Created set day tours & designed totally bespoke optionso Engaged with tour operators & negotiated specialist rack rateso Built relationships with major conference facilitators i.e. annual medical conferences, securing preferred supplier status for post conference day tours or family party tours during the conferenceso Partnered with specialist excursion provider for additional unique experiences – wine tasting tours, safaris, walking tours, adventure days out etco Liaised with private flight charter companies & negotiated own rates• Tour Guide Managemento Sourced & appointed freelance tour guides with own vehicleso Matched guides knowledge & personality to each tour party – with consideration for language ability, local knowledge, interests etco Ensured all tour guides were fully equipped with tour itinerary & ability to re-arrange the day based on weather or changes in requirement, often going off the beaten track and/or adding in an additional surpriseo Managed a team of 10+ freelance tour guides
