Everyone looks forward to a big getaway once in a while, but things get a little difficult when you start trying to line up flights, make sense of entry rules, and figure out cruise schedules. That’s why having a real person in your corner makes all the difference. When people book a group tour, they aren’t just buying a vacation package off a screen; they are entrusting someone else with their hard-earned money and time.
Craig Travel gets that responsibility. They are looking to hire a full-time group sales specialist who genuinely cares about making sure every guest feels looked after from their very first phone call right up until they pack their bags. Reporting directly to the sales manager, you will be the go-to person clients count on for honest answers, the right itineraries, and total confidence in their plans.
What the Day-to-Day Actually Looks Like
This role is really about being a good listener, solving problems, and taking the stress out of travel logistics for people who are eager to see the world.
As the main point of contact for group tour and cruise guests, you will spend your time connecting with prospective and returning travelers over the phone and through email. You will learn what they are looking for in a trip, walk them through daily itineraries, answer their questions, and suggest the Craig Travel packages that best fit their style. You will also make friendly follow-up calls and keep clean records in the system so no client’s request falls through the cracks.
On top of client care, you will need to know the company’s catalog inside and out. That means rolling up your sleeves to research local health guidelines, visa entry requirements, and destination details for every group file assigned to you so you can speak with total confidence whenever a guest calls in worried about the fine print.
Expected Hiring and Onboarding Timeline
Here is a realistic look at the timeline from application to getting up to speed on the job:
- Days 1 to 7 (Application & Initial Review): The internal recruiting team reviews incoming resumes, checks work history in the travel industry, and verifies active TICO certification details.
- Weeks 2 to 3 (Introductory Screening): A conversational 20-to-30-minute phone call with HR to chat about your background, why you love travel, and how you handle customer conversations.
- Weeks 3 to 4 (In-Depth Manager Interview): A deeper interview with the Sales Manager to walk through real-world scenarios, how you organize multiple group files, and your comfort level with booking software.
- Weeks 5 to 6 (Offer & Background Checks): Official job offer letter, routine background references, and setting up your start date and initial orientation schedule.
- Weeks 7 to 8 (Systems & Workflow Integration): Hands-on training on Craig Travel’s internal booking databases, client management tools, and group manifest software.
Key Skills and Qualifications You Need to Bring
Before you pull your application together, run through this quick checklist to make sure your background lines up with what the team is looking for:
Required Credentials & Industry Background
Active TICO certification (or an equivalent provincial travel counseling license).
Hands-on experience working in group travel, tour operations, or cruise line sales.
Up-to-date knowledge of international travel paperwork, entry requirements, and health guidelines.
People Skills & Communication Style
Strong spoken and written English skills with a warm, patient, and reassuring phone manner.
Comfort making proactive follow-up calls and staying in touch with past clients over time.
Good listening skills to figure out what a traveler actually wants rather than just reading from a brochure.
Organization & Computer Skills
Real ability to juggle multiple group files, deadlines, and guest details at once without losing track of things.
Familiarity with standard workplace tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and travel reservation systems.
Good administrative habits for logging client inquiries, payments, and booking adjustments accurately.
What Sales Managers Actually Look For When Hiring Group Travel Managers
If you get called in to speak with the sales manager, try not to stress. The hiring team isn’t trying to trick you; they just want to see how you treat people and how you handle a busy workload. Here are a few practical ways to prepare:
1. Lead with Real-Life Empathy
Prepare a couple of real stories from your past experience showing how you helped a frustrated or anxious traveler. Whether you helped someone deal with a sudden flight cancellation or talked a nervous first-time cruise guest through their itinerary, show that you know how to put people at ease.
2. Show How You Keep Your Files Organized
You are responsible for managing group trips, like keeping track of dozens of names, dietary needs, flight extensions, and payment dates all at the same time, so be sure to talk clearly about the exact organizational habits, checklists, or personal routines you use to keep complex projects running smoothly.
3. Demonstrate Curiosity for Destinations
Demonstrate substantial knowledge and show the interviewer that you enjoy learning about new places, travel trends, and changing entry rules. They want someone on the team who takes genuine pride in being a knowledgeable, trustworthy resource for guests.
4. Keep the Conversation Natural
A friendly attitude goes a long way in a job that revolves around human connection, so keep the interview warm, clear, professional, and conversational.
How to Apply for Travel Consultant Jobs at Craig Travel
If you love the idea of helping people plan unforgettable, worry-free journeys and have the travel background to back it up, Craig Travel wants to hear from you.
To read the original job listing or send in your resume and cover letter directly, check out the official link below:
