Location: Eau Claire,WI, USA
Overview Are you passionate about crafting unforgettable travel experiences? At Holiday Vacations, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional tours that surprise and delight our guests, all while fostering a company culture that values innovation and teamwork. COMPANY SUMMARY At Holiday Vacations, our mission is to enrich lives with valued travel experiences. We offer inclusive guided tours led by professional Tour Directors to more than 70 destinations on six continents. We travel by air, motor coach, trains, and cruises on itineraries that bring the destination alive for our guests. We are headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and are a subsidiary of Xanterra Travel Collection, the largest national park concessionaire in the U.S. POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Destination Specialist. A Destination Specialist works collaboratively with the Destination Managers in the proactive management of a portfolio of tours, including planning, buying, contracting, pricing, market release, and tour support. The ideal candidate is organized, goal-oriented, passionate, and ready to develop skills for a career in the travel industry. This opportunity offers both professional development and a long-term career path. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a remote position; the successful candidate must live in the State of Wisconsin and must be within a reasonable commute to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Responsibilities AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES Support Destination Managers for day-to-day management of specific destinations and tours. Assist in buying activities, contract negotiations, and maintaining high quality standards. Coordinate with internal buyers and subject matter experts for negotiations and contracting. Maintain accurate and up to date supplier information and vendor services in our Peak 15 software system. Manage detailed supplier communications, contracts, and documentation. Coordinate onboard cruise events, initiate payments, and book offshore excursions. Monitor occupancy, generate reports, and communicate with suppliers. Assist in evaluating supplier performance and manage changes, as necessary. Collaborate on guest communications, marketing materials, and training sessions. Provide support while the tour is running to ensure an exceptional guest experience. Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications CORE COMPETENCIES A successful Destination Specialist possesses and demonstrates: Accountability by taking ownership of their actions and outcomes. Collaboration by working effectively with others, leveraging individual strengths, and fostering a cooperative environment. Communication Skills by conveying information clearly and effectively across various channels. Negotiation by skillfully finding common ground, managing conflicts, and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Attention to Detail by thoroughly reviewing their work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks. Critical Thinking by analyzing situations carefully, identifying potential challenges, and evaluating solutions. Organization & Prioritization by managing their time and resources effectively to meet deadlines. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE Associate degree in purchasing, supply management or equivalent experience required. Preference given for an undergraduate degree in travel, hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field. At least one year of relevant travel industry product and commercial experience preferred. Strong proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams). Excellent mathematical, analytical, and communication skills (verbal and written). Experience traveling by motorcoach, cruise, trains, and aircraft. WORKING CONDITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS Work Location: The location for work is the Holiday Vacations corporate headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Schedule: Work hours are generally during the regular business week, but there may be variations due to the time of year and department demands. Physical Requirements: The job requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, as well as the ability to frequently walk and lift or carry up to 35 lbs. BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Holiday Vacations offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Paid Time Off and Holiday Paid Time Off; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance; and Employee Discounts and Travel Deals. EEO: Holiday Vacations is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. J-18808-Ljbffr