An overview of the travel coordinator job
A travel coordinator coordinates the traveling programs of employees in an organization. He or she liaises with employees who have to meet with clients within the country and other nations. Since the traveling program is purely for business purpose, lots of planning and arrangements are necessary in order to use the time of employees' and company's money in a fruitful manner.
To fulfill these responsibilities travel coordinators must have complete knowledge about formalities involved in processing visa and passport, including the time-table and ticket price of domestic and international flights, knowledge of domestic car rental services, and details of hotels and their charges for accommodations. He or she will also prepare an expense report on the travel plan, negotiate hotel and transportation charges, settle bills, schedule meetings, and update knowledge on visa regulations.
Job Requirements
Though a college degree is not a prerequisite to work in this position, preference is usually given to experience by employers. However, a degree in tourism would be an added advantage. Since the job involves making travel arrangements for a single individual or for a large group, it is advantages to hold a certification in a travel agent training program. A diploma or training program in a community college will help in developing a base for your career. Further, advanced training programs are also offered by International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) that can offer solid support to your resume.
As a stepping stone in this career, a job as a travel agent or booking agent is best to understand the fundamentals of arranging travel programs. You will come to know how to make last-minute travel arrangement, prepare a travel package, make changes or cancel the plan at the last moment.
How to apply for this job?
After holding a certification of a reputed institute like IATA and ASTA, try to improve your management, communication, customer service and coordinating skills. Work for a few couples of years at a travel agency and then apply to a company who needs people to send its employees on business trip. Send a travel coordinator cover letter as a backup for your resume and to receive an interview call.
Cory G. Winslow
3414 Middleville Road
City Of Commerce, CA 90040
Email: cgwinslow@bsr.com
December 01, 2012
William P. Barnes
Hiring Manager
ABC Company
4817 Carson Street
City Of Commerce, CA 90040
Subject: Application for the position of Travel Coordinator
Dear Barnes,
I admire the worldwide popularity your product and service enjoy. As your clients are spread across the globe, you may also need to send various employees in a small or big group to promote your business. To help them have a successful business trip, you will also need a travel coordinator who can work according to your plan. Since I have been coordinating travel arrangements for my employer for three and plus years, you will find no one better than me to handle the travel coordinator responsibilities as efficiently as I can.
I have completed a travel and tourism course offered by IATA. After graduating, I served as a travel agent at a local agency and gained enough experience to handle the traveling needs of people for business, and vacation purpose. I have booked domestic and international flights, prepared traveling documents, expense reports, made last-minute changes and cancellation according to clients' needs.
My negotiation and excellent communication skills both written and verbal have helped in building and maintaining good relationships with car rental services, hotels, airline companies, and credit card departments of various banks. Presently, I am managing traveling needs of 250 employees. Our management requires staff to visit clients located in Philippines, Malaysia, India, Australia, and South Africa. My responsibility is to liaise with employees and offer assistance in their traveling plan. I make travel arrangements according to the date of departure and arrival, employees' preference for type of hotel accommodation, window seats, non-vegetarian and vegetarian meals. I monitor traveling expenses and prepare reports. I even coordinate with the credit card departments to settle bills paid by employees.
I am capable of handling not only employees' traveling needs, but also making arrangement of transportation and accommodation during clients visit. Further, I have a lot to offer in this position. Hence, I am extremely anxious for a personal meeting with you. I will appreciate your kind endeavor if you can call me at 626-390-4894 and let me know when we can meet. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Cory G. Winslow
Enclosure: Resume
This cover letter sample along with the overview, requirements and tips to apply for the travel coordinator position can help any aspirant regardless of his or her experience for a rewarding career.