Sales and Operation Support Executive (NZ Destination)

About Kuoni Tumlare:

At Kuoni Tumlare, we deliver truly inspiring and innovative solutions and experiences that create value both for our Partners and Society at large. Our wide portfolio of products and solutions is built on 100+ years of destination management experience. Our solutions include series tours, technical visits, educational tours, Japanspecialist travel consulting, as well as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Our product portfolio includes MyBus excursions at destinations as well as guaranteed departure tours devised and delivered by our Seat-in-Coach specialists, Europamundo (EMV) and MyBus Landcruise. We cater to a wide range of customer needs in close collaboration with our trusted suppliers and powered by our team of destinations experts - enabling us to make a real difference to the world.

About the Role:

This position is a Sales and Operation Support Executive (NZ Destination) role within the DO Department, responsible for securing preliminary availability and tentative reservations for hotels, attractions, venues, transportation, and activities in support of proposal development and quotation preparation. This role ensures timely communication with suppliers, accurate collection of rates and availability, and maintenance of strong supplier relationships to support efficient sales conversion and event operations.

Key Responsibilities: 

Transportation & Coach Sourcing:

• Request and compare coach, bus, and transportation rates from suppliers.

• Obtain vehicle availability, capacity information, route feasibility, and operating conditions.

• Coordinate transportation quotations for airport transfers, sightseeing tours, excursions, and event movements

• Recommend the most suitable transportation solutions based on group size and itinerary requirements.

Hotel Pre-Booking:

• Source and request room availability, rates, and special offers from hotels according to client requirements.

• Secure tentative room blocks and hold space during quotation and proposal stages.

• Negotiate preliminary pricing, value-adds, and concession agreements with hotel partners.

• Monitor release dates, deposit requirements, blackout periods, and booking conditions.

• Maintain accurate records of hotel communications, quotations, and availability updates.

• Follow up regularly with hotel partners to ensure holds remain valid until client confirmation.

Activities & Attractions Pre-Booking:

• Coordinate with attractions, venues, experience providers, restaurants, and activity operators to secure provisional reservations.

• Obtain detailed information regarding capacity, operating hours, pricing, inclusions, and booking terms.

• Verify availability for group activities, special events, cultural experiences, and custom programs.

• Ensure all activity options meet client requirements, budget, and itinerary objectives.

• Track expiry dates and release periods for tentative bookings.

Supplier Coordination:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel partners and activity suppliers.

• Act as the primary point of contact during the pre-confirmation phase.

• Resolve availability challenges and identify alternative options when required.

• Maintain updated supplier databases including contacts, contracts, and preferred partner information.

Administrative & Documentation:

• Prepare and organize supplier quotations, confirmations, and supporting documents.

• Update booking status in Company system

• Ensure all information provided to Sales, Quotation, and Operations teams is accurate and current.

• Maintain filing systems for supplier correspondence and booking records.

• Assist in generating reports on booking status, supplier response times, and pending releases.

Sales Support:

• Collaborate closely with Sales team to support proposal preparation.

• Recommend suitable hotel and activity options based on client brief, budget, and destination requirements.

• Provide timely updates on availability, alternative options, and pricing changes.

• Support urgent requests and last-minute proposal requirements

 YOUR TEAM

You will be part of the DO team reporting to the Regional Account Manager.

WE CHALLENGE YOU TO

• Work with our internal system.

• Learn tourism industry, especially for Europe and Worldwide destinations.

• Dealing with people from different countries.

• Meeting with Client if needed.

TO SUCCEED IN THE ROLE YOU SHOULD HAVE

Education:

• Minimum Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field.

• Background in travel agency, tour operations, or DMC environment is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 1–3 years of experience in Sales Support, Quotation, or Travel Operations within a Destination Management Company (DMC), Tour Operator, or Travel Agency.

• Experience preparing itineraries, quotations, and booking coordination with hotels, transport, and local suppliers.

Language Proficiency:

• Required language(s): Fluent in English, other second language will be an advantage.

Technical skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word, and Outlook).

• Knowledge of quotation and booking systems or CRM tools is an advantage.

• Good numerical accuracy and ability to manage pricing components.

• Comfortable working with internal databases and digital filing systems.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Able to manage multiple requests simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Service-oriented with good communication and follow-up ability.

• Positive attitude, team player, and adaptable to dynamic work environments.

• Self-motivated, responsible, and results-driven.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A PERSON WITH:

Competency:

• Attention to Detail – Ensures all quotations, itineraries, and supporting documents are accurate and consistent.

• Communication Skills – Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and internal teams.

• Customer Orientation – Understands client needs and provides timely, appropriate solutions.

• Time Management – Manages multiple requests and deadlines efficiently without compromising quality.

• Analytical Thinking – Analyzes information to identify issues, compare options, and make sound decisions.

• Problem-Solving – Anticipates challenges and takes initiative to find practical solutions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork – Works effectively with Sales, Operations, and other departments to ensure smooth processes.

• Adaptability – Responds positively to changes in client requests, priorities, or market conditions.

• Commercial Awareness – Understands pricing structure, profit margins, and the business impact of offers.

• Technology Literacy – Uses quotation systems, CRM tools, and Microsoft Office applications effectively.

• Organizational Skills – Maintains proper documentation, version control, and filing systems for easy reference.

• Service Excellence – Delivers high-quality service standards in every client interaction.

• Professional Integrity – Adheres to company policies, confidentiality, and ethical business practices.

• Result Orientation – Focuses on achieving targets such as quotation turnaround time and conversion rate.

• Continuous Learning – Keeps updated with market trends, destinations, and internal processes to improve performance.

Career Development and Rotation
We encourage continuous learning and professional growth. Team members in this role may be considered for rotation or cross-functional assignments within the company, in line with our culture of developing versatile talent and promoting internal mobility.