Wandi Susan Van Hout
WINDHOEK
Summary
Dynamic Sales Manager with a proven track record at Gondwana Collection Namibia, excelling in developing customized tour packages and fostering strong relationships with travel agents. Adept in proposal development and solution selling, I leverage attention to detail to drive revenue growth and enhance customer satisfaction.
Reference Checks:
1. Janet Fourie, Country Manager
+264 81 300 7051
2. Louise Leach, Sales Manager New Markets
+264 81 250 7412
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager for German and Benelux Markets
Gondwana Collection Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia
05.2024 - Current
- Developed tour packages and itineraries for individual clients and groups across various locations.
- Used knowledge of travel routes and destination sites to plan and coordinate tour itineraries.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries via phone or email.
- Assisted customers with booking tours and activities, providing information about destinations and arranging transportation.
- Managed a team of guides responsible for leading groups on tours.
- Coordinated transportation services including flights, buses, taxis, rental cars. for customers' trips.
- Researched destination-specific attractions, cultural events, restaurants, and lodging options to recommend to customers.
- Designed itineraries centered on customer preferences and budget evaluations, emphasizing Gondwana Collection Namibia Lodges
- Employed multiple computer systems to monitor bookings and payments (Innkeeper and Travel Logic)
- Provided assistance with customs, currency exchange and language translation for international trips.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Conducted regular inspections of vehicles used in touring operations to ensure safety standards are met.
Operations Manager for Namibia2Go Car Rental
Gondwana Collection Namibia
WINDHOEK
11.2018 - 05.2024
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Oversaw product development initiatives from concept through completion stages.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
- Performed sales consultations and educated clients on products and services.
Sales Manager
Avis Rent a Car
Windhoek
03.2007 - 11.2018
- Successful management and development of Namibia sales team
- Setting up and presenting of Proposals
- Acquisition and maintenance of new, existing and target accounts
- Development and implementation of sales strategy
- Aggressive pursuit of target accounts
- Responsible for the management of the Namibian portfolio.
- Innovative and customized rate packages with relevant yield.
- Identify the competitor SWOT analysis on an ongoing basis.
- Maintain and grow existing businesses, both local and outbound.
- Successful and timely handling of customer grievances.
- Administration pertaining to the position.
- Educational, Special Events, Promotions
- Monthly forecasts and annual budgets.
- Continued and focused cost control of expenses.
- Gain new business, and increase market share.
- Implement new sales strategies.
- Handle all Customer queries
- Monthly Travel Management Reports
- Awareness and knowledge of opposition activity
- Arranging all Corporate, Secretary and Golf functions
- Assisting with compiling all car rental Tenders
- Development of any New business
Front Office Manager
Okapuka Ranch
Windhoek
11.2001 - 07.2004
- Daily running of entire operation with specific emphasis on Front Office administration, including cash transactions, banking, foreign exchange
- Guest Liaison and queries
- General Bookings and reservations
- Internal departmental liaison
- Budget planning
- Planning and organization of special events
- Control of staffing and time schedules
- Preparation of payroll for final processing
Foreign Exchange Agent
Standard Bank
Swakopmund
02.1989 - 06.1992
- All Savings account related transactions
- Exchange counter transaction control
- International Telegraphic transfers
- Sales of Foreign Currencies
- Day end/month end balancing of the department
- Control of annual Forex budget plan
- Converting of foreign notes and travelers cheques into local currency
Guest Relations Officer for Hotel and Casino
Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre
- Guest Liaison
- Individual on the floor guest cash transactions
- Organization of various private events and tours
- General liaison with sub contractors and community
- International Marketing and Advertising in liaison with Head Office in Johannesburg
- Special Event co-ordination in conjunction with Sales Office in Johannesburg, Capetown and Durban
- Hosting of general Sales- and Marketing courses for Key Accountants in Johannesburg
- Administration and Supervision of 6 Guest Relations officers, including training and development
- Hosting of life events and presentations in the Casino area
- Change to Finance Department because of Pregnancy
Finance Department
Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre
- Creditors/Debtors and relevant transactions including queries
- Hotels Cash book and Petty Cash control
- Expense and Purchase controlling
- Liaison with internal and external auditors
- Assisting in financial year end statements and analysis
- Assisting in budget planning and implementation
Education
Matriculated -
Deutsche Oberschule Swakopmund
01.1986
Skills
- Microsoft Word, Excel
- TraveLogic used for Tour Quoting
- Wizard - Booking System for Car Rental
- PowerPoint presentation
- Developed and maintained relationships with all Tour Operators and travel agents
- Attention to detail
- Solution selling
- Social media savvy
- Systems and software expertise
- Proposal development
- Review of contracts
- Goal setting
Languages
- German
- Afrikaans
- English
Hobbies and Interests
- Volleyball
- Reading
Personal Information
- Citizenship: Namibian
- Date of Birth: 11/28/68
- Marital Status: Married, 2 Children
Timeline
Sales Manager for German and Benelux Markets
Gondwana Collection Namibia
05.2024 - Current
Operations Manager for Namibia2Go Car Rental
Gondwana Collection Namibia
11.2018 - 05.2024
Sales Manager
Avis Rent a Car
03.2007 - 11.2018
Front Office Manager
Okapuka Ranch
11.2001 - 07.2004
Foreign Exchange Agent
Standard Bank
02.1989 - 06.1992
Guest Relations Officer for Hotel and Casino
Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre
Finance Department
Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre
Matriculated -
Deutsche Oberschule Swakopmund
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