Chris Balan
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Knowledgeable business owner with experience establishing business goals and objectives that provide organisational growth. Identifies and resolves process inefficiencies to boost productivity. Proven success in meeting financial targets through strong budget management.
Friendly and resourceful person with developed problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Uses exceptional leadership and team-building skills to create strong company culture that boosts productivity. Keeps keen knowledge of trends and developments in Travel market.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Owner - Franchisee
Travel Counsellors LLC
Dubai
11.2024 - 10.2025
- Business Development, Operations through TC virtual Office platform.
- Spearheaded marketing campaigns for brand awareness.
- Coordinated staff training for improved productivity and customer service.
- Resolved complex business problems by utilising analytical skills,.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, resulted in cost savings.
- Organised networking events to build industry connections and partnerships.
Manager – Operation & Sales
ICON Travel LLC
Dubai
04.2011 - 01.2020
- Business Development, Operation and Finance
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business.
- Delivered high-quality products to increase customer satisfaction.
- Managed team dynamics by implementing conflict resolution strategies.
- Facilitated staff training, resulting in better customer service.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
Business Travel Consultant (Corporate Division)
HRG – DNATA (Emirates Group – Dubai)
Dubai
09.2009 - 02.2011
- Based at Mckinsey & Company Implant
- Organised comprehensive itineraries, including flights, accommodation, and transportation for seamless business trips.
- Recommended cost-effective options for accommodation, transport and meals to align with clients' budgets.
- Conveyed critical information regarding visas, passports, and other international documentation to ensure smooth overseas travel experiences for clients.
- Assisted clients in navigating potential difficulties such as flight cancellations or delays ensuring minimal disruption to their schedules.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive prices for clients' travel needs.
- Quickly resolved unforeseen issues or changes in plans whilst maintaining professionalism and poise.
- Managed complex business travel arrangements for top-level executives.
- Enhanced company reputation through meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality service.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies concerning travel expenses and reporting procedures within guidelines set out by the company.
- Delivered exceptional client services by understanding and meeting unique travel preferences.
- Resolved last-minute emergency travel difficulties through the Airlines Airport staff.
Business Travel Consultant (Corporate Division)
HRG – DNATA (Emirates Group – Dubai)
Dubai
04.2007 - 09.2009
- Based at Barclays Bank Implant
- Dealt effectively with last-minute alterations or requests from clients demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Stayed current on industry trends and best practices in order to provide accurate advice and guidance to clients on their business travels.
- Organised comprehensive itineraries, including flights, accommodation, and transportation for seamless business trips.
- Recommended cost-effective options for accommodation, transport and meals to align with clients' budgets.
- Conveyed critical information regarding visas, passports, and other international documentation to ensure smooth overseas travel experiences for clients.
- Assisted clients in navigating potential difficulties such as flight cancellations or delays ensuring minimal disruption to their schedules.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive prices for clients' travel needs.
- Quickly resolved unforeseen issues or changes in plans whilst maintaining professionalism and poise.
- Managed complex business travel arrangements for top-level executives.
- Implemented a feedback system following each trip; improvements implemented based on suggestions received increased overall customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced company reputation through meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality service.
- Delivered exceptional client services by understanding and meeting unique travel preferences.
Sales & Reservation Executive
Via Dubai Travels and Tours LLC
Dubai
05.2003 - 04.2007
- Spearheaded major projects, yield significant improvements in efficiency and productivity .
- Identified growth opportunities, leading to business expansion.
- Conducted extensive market research for better understanding of competitor strategies .
- Provided customers with outstanding service, extending relationships for future business opportunities.
- Facilitated smooth travel arrangements, enhancing customer experience.
- Kept up-to-date with latest industry trends to provide accurate information and advice.
- Responded to clients' questions, issues and complaints, thinking creatively to formulate effective solutions.
- Prepared comprehensive travel itineraries using accessible formats for customers.
- Invoiced customers and chased up unpaid bookings to avoid payment delays and balancing issues.
International Counter Executive
Sultan Travel and Tours LLC
Dubai
08.2002 - 05.2003
- Company Overview: (GSA for Aerosvit Ukraine Airlines)
- Dedicated staff to Aerosvit Ukraine airlines, for issuing Tickets, handling all queries and fares.
- Offered personalised travel advice for enhanced holiday experiences.
- Invoiced customers and chased up unpaid bookings to avoid payment delays and balancing issues.
- Verified customer insurance and documentation ahead of travel for reduced risk.
- Recorded accurate passenger information to eliminate ticketing errors.
International Counter Executive
Travel Mart India.Com Pvt Ltd.
Bombay, India
08.2001 - 06.2002
- Streamlined booking procedures, improving operational efficiency.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing competitive prices and terms.
- Assisted customers with all aspects of travel planning leading to successful holidays.
- Promoted premium travel packages for increased sales conversion.
- Offered personalised travel advice for enhanced holiday experiences.
- Handled complex itineraries ensuring seamless journeys for clients.
- Tracked flight prices to secure best-possible prices for customer trips.
- Prepared comprehensive travel itineraries using accessible formats for customers.
- Recommended hotel packages and initiatives to customers for increased business profits.
- Offered exemplary service to new and existing clients, helping to build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
International Counter Executive
TPH Travel Services Pvt Ltd.
Bombay, India
06.1998 - 06.2001
- Handled complex itineraries ensuring seamless journeys for clients.
- Dealt efficiently with last-minute changes to minimise disruption.
- Utilised industry software proficiently for efficient booking and scheduling.
- Coordinated with suppliers to secure best rates and services.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
- Facilitated smooth travel arrangements, enhancing customer experience.
- Kept up-to-date with latest industry trends to provide accurate information and advice.
- Responded to clients' questions, issues and complaints, thinking creatively to formulate effective solutions.
- Conducted calls professionally and politely to maintain excellent service standards.
- Advised customers on visas and travel safety.
International Counter Executive
Arika Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd.
Bombay, India
11.1995 - 05.1998
- Streamlined booking procedures, improving operational efficiency.
- Promoted premium travel packages for increased sales conversion.
- Assisted customers with all aspects of travel planning leading to successful holidays.
- Achieved customer satisfaction by providing tailored travel solutions.
- Handled complex itineraries ensuring seamless journeys for clients.
- Implemented effective communication skills to build strong client relationships.
Education
Cambridge International Diploma - Travel and Tourism
Cambridge International
DubaiDiploma - IATA/UFTAA Certificate
Emirates Aviation College
Dubai04.2006
Higher Secondary Certificate -
Rizvi College
Mumbai06.1990
TY B.com - Commerce
Madras Open University
Madras Open University 06.1994
Skills
- Proficient in Ms Windows (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
Languages Known
English
Fluent
Hindi
Fluent
Marathi
Intermediate
Gujarati
Beginner
Tamil
Intermediate
Malayalam
Beginner
Accomplishments
- Received NAJM – Award in appreciation for Teamwork and extra efforts to ensure excellent service delivery to Barclays Bank.
- Received Appreciation letter from Vice President – Corporate Travel of HRG – Dnata for excellent Service.
PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS / SEMINARS ATTENDED
- Successfully completed GET Online Emirates In-house Training.
- Successfully completed training in DFO Fundamentals Emirates In-house Training
- Successfully completed Cardiac Emergencies Emirates In-house Training.
- Successfully completed training in Galileo Computer Reservation System, Bombay
- Successfully completed training in Abacus Computer Reservation System, Bombay
- Successfully completed training in Sabre Computer Reservation System, Bombay
- Successfully completed training in Indian Airlines Reservation System, Bombay
- Attended Several Seminars of Emirates Airlines in Dubai.
- Attended Malaysian Tourism Seminar in Kuala Lumpur.
- Attended International Tour Operator Seminar in Nairobi.
- Successfully Completed Training for the Special Assistance Team of Emirates Airlines.
PERSONAL PROFILE
- Date of Birth: 1972-12-25
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Married
- Driving License: Holding Valid UAE license
Timeline
Business Owner - Franchisee
Travel Counsellors LLC
11.2024 - 10.2025
Manager – Operation & Sales
ICON Travel LLC
04.2011 - 01.2020
Business Travel Consultant (Corporate Division)
HRG – DNATA (Emirates Group – Dubai)
09.2009 - 02.2011
Business Travel Consultant (Corporate Division)
HRG – DNATA (Emirates Group – Dubai)
04.2007 - 09.2009
Sales & Reservation Executive
Via Dubai Travels and Tours LLC
05.2003 - 04.2007
International Counter Executive
Sultan Travel and Tours LLC
08.2002 - 05.2003
International Counter Executive
Travel Mart India.Com Pvt Ltd.
08.2001 - 06.2002
International Counter Executive
TPH Travel Services Pvt Ltd.
06.1998 - 06.2001
International Counter Executive
Arika Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd.
11.1995 - 05.1998
Cambridge International Diploma - Travel and Tourism
Cambridge International
Diploma - IATA/UFTAA Certificate
Emirates Aviation College
Higher Secondary Certificate -
Rizvi College
TY B.com - Commerce
Madras Open University