April Mirando
Sharjah,SH
Summary
Experienced travel management professional with 18 years of experience in organizations of varying size, value, and business scale. Collaborates with business executives and staff at all levels to provide high-quality booking options tailored to individual schedules. Committed to ensuring timeliness, and cost-effectiveness, and facilitating the achievement of ambitious business objectives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Travel Manager
Dealcation LLC
Dubai, UAE
04.2022 - Current
- Directed operations encompass the processes, activities, and logistical functions involved in managing and facilitating business travel and staff activities.
- Managed multiple business accounts with a strong focus on achieving high levels of client praise and loyalty.
- Organized memorable and exquisite travel itineraries and vacations for high-level clients, influencers, politicians, and business executives.
- Assisted HR teams in ensuring employee compliance with travel policies and guided addressing non-compliance issues.
- Handled all aspects of client complaints by maintaining quality communications and establishing productive relationships.
- Developed a loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and a keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Supported marketing efforts by creating engaging content for social media platforms, showcasing the latest travel deals and promoting the agency''s brand value.
- Proactively identified areas for improvement in the corporate travel program, leading to a more efficient and sustainable structure.
- Ensured accurate expense reporting by training staff on appropriate documentation and reimbursement procedures.
- Established strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, leading to exclusive deals and discounts for the organization.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and policies.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Awards Received - Sales Performance Awards and Employee of the Month Awards.
Senior Travel Expert, Team Lead
Musafir.com
Sharjah, UAE
08.2012 - 12.2020
- Arranged complex flight itineraries, travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients.
- Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of travel industry trends, regulations and best practices to better serve customers.
- Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Educated employees on available resources such as online booking tools, and mobile applications to facilitate self-service options when needed.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Lead with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
- Awards Received - Chief of Happiness Award
Senior Business Travel Consultant
Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA)
Dubai, UAE
03.2013 - 04.2014
- Analyzed client preferences and requirements, crafting unique travel experiences that exceeded expectations.
- Identified opportunities for upselling additional services to existing customers, generating increased revenue without sacrificing satisfaction levels.
- Streamlined booking processes for improved efficiency and quicker turnaround times.
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing client needs or organizational priorities, maintaining high levels of productivity and effectiveness throughout.
- Conducted thorough research on travel destinations, accommodations, and transportation options to create customized proposals for clients.
- Collaborated with team members to share insights and expertise, enhancing overall service quality.
Senior Business Travel Consultant
BCD Travel
Dubai, UAE
08.2006 - 04.2010
- Provided and managed corporate and leisure travel portfolios with the best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Provided exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
- Utilized Sabre, proprietary systems, and vendor websites for comprehensive research.
- Processed air tickets, exchanges, refunds, hotel, and car bookings via Galileo and SABRE.
- Engaged in employee training, billing disputes, collections, and competitive price adjustments.
- Negotiated exclusive wholesale arrangements with vendors.
- Achievement unlocked - Coordinated the BCD Travel UAE Launching Event and Annual Networking Event in The Netherlands.
- Directed marketing and facilitated events at prominent venues in Dubai, UAE
Holiday Consultant
Sun Far Travel and Todavia Travel
Bangkok, Thailand - Makati, Philippines
02.2001 - 05.2006
- Conducted thorough research on various destinations to maintain an extensive knowledge of available offerings for clients'' unique vacation needs.
- Managed client inquiries effectively, providing timely responses to questions regarding destinations, activities, and accommodations.
- Achieved target sales goals by implementing effective selling techniques and demonstrating extensive knowledge about available products and services.
- Adapted to changing industry conditions, staying abreast of developments in technology and market trends to continuously improve service offerings for clients.
- Developed tailored travel itineraries to create memorable experiences for clients, taking into account individual budgets and time constraints.
- Facilitated group travel arrangements, working closely with suppliers to secure discounted rates and special promotions for clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Tourism Management
Centro Escolar University
Manila, Philippines06.2000
Skills
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Microsoft Office
- GDS - Amadeus, Galileo and Sabre
- Presentation software
- Itinerary development
- Multitasking Abilities
- Professional Demeanor
- Customer Service
- Employee Training
- Supplier Relations
- Crisis Management
- Email Management
- Social Media Marketing
Languages
English
Filipino
Certification
- Time Management for Personal and Professional Productivity, University of California, Irvine, Online Division of Continuing Education - June 2020
- Building Leadership Skills, HEC Online Paris, France, - June 2020
- Galileo Core System, Emirates Aviation College Dubai, UAE - November 2006
- PAL Reservation and Manual Ticketing System, Philippine Airlines Manila, Philippines - September 2000
- Tourism Research and Statistics, Department of Tourism, Philippines - January 2000
- Ground Support Equipment and Facilities Division, Philippine Airlines Manila, Philippines - January 2000
Personal Information
Visa Status: Residence Visa under Husband's Sponsorship
Timeline
Corporate Travel Manager
Dealcation LLC
04.2022 - Current
Senior Business Travel Consultant
Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA)
03.2013 - 04.2014
Senior Travel Expert, Team Lead
Musafir.com
08.2012 - 12.2020
Senior Business Travel Consultant
BCD Travel
08.2006 - 04.2010
Holiday Consultant
Sun Far Travel and Todavia Travel
02.2001 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Tourism Management
Centro Escolar University