Cynthia Huerta
Temecula,CA
Summary
Highly experienced Travel Professional with over 20 years in coordinating group travel, specializing in corporate retreats, destination weddings, and sports travel. Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service, manage complex travel logistics, and negotiate favorable terms. Adept at using Apollo/Travelport systems, with a strong aptitude for multitasking and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Travel Consultant
Archer Travel Services
01.2023 - Current
- Expert Coordination for Various Groups: Specialize in planning travel for corporate retreats, family reunions, destination weddings, and sports events of all sizes
- Tailored Travel Solutions: Provide personalized service, closely collaborating with group leaders to align with their specific needs and preferences
- Destination & Activity Research: Recommend ideal destinations, accommodations, transportation, and activities based on group interests and budgets
- Hotel Contract Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating and maintaining hotel contracts, adept in handling attrition clauses, F&B requirements, and cancellation policies
- Comprehensive Air Travel Management: Manage all aspects of group air travel, from contracting to ticketing, with detailed attention to names and gender due to the complexity of tariffs and fare basis codes
- Proficient in Travelport and Apollo GDS: Experienced in booking air, car, and hotel reservations using Travelport and Apollo Global Distribution Systems
- Ground Logistics Expertise: Handle all ground logistics, including contract negotiations, arranging group discounts, and managing reservations
- Primary Contact & Support: Act as the main point of contact for group members, ensuring clear communication and support throughout planning and travel
- Leveraging Industry Expertise: Utilize in-depth industry knowledge, extensive network, and passion for crafting memorable experiences to guarantee successful group travel.
Overnight Dispatcher
La Costa Limousine
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed all inbound calls and emails, handling client inquiries and reservations promptly
- Coordinated ground transportation per client specifications, ensuring all details met travel requirements
- Accurately applied billing types and account details for new reservations
- Verified reservation details including names, email addresses, dates, and times for precision
- Monitored flights for delays or cancellations, updating chauffeurs and clients as needed
- Assigned chauffeurs based on availability, ensuring timely arrivals and punctual service
- Quoted accurate travel rates, factoring in time and distance
- Reconciled daily reservations, addressing any discrepancies promptly
- Handled last-minute requests with creative problem-solving
- Confirmed national and international reservations, ensuring seamless service.
Agent Support Specialist
GATE 1 TRAVEL
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Managed client reservations, bookings, and service modifications via phone, ensuring prompt and accurate assistance
- Demonstrated keen attention to detail, verifying dates, times, and service availability for precision
- Advanced from novice to proficient in Apollo GDS, enhancing efficiency in handling client requests
- Ensured compliance with company policies by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of terms and conditions
- Delivered timely and clear responses to client inquiries through email and service requests
- Provided clients with destination insights and travel requirements, enhancing their travel experience
- Met deadlines for payments and other time-sensitive processes, ensuring smooth reservation handling
- Resolved client issues and reconciled fees accurately, maintaining high levels of satisfaction
- Mentored new agents, supporting their understanding of company procedures and systems.
Travel Agent
Vacation Innovations
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Conducted over the phone personalized consultations to understand client preferences and requirements
- Created customized travel itineraries, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities
- Utilized industry knowledge and in-house sales systems to secure the best available options and rates for clients
- Delivered exceptional customer service and support throughout the travel process
- Provided guidance on travel documentation, assistance with travel disruptions, and ongoing communication
- Focused on delivering tailored solutions and creating memorable travel experiences for clients
- Serviced time share owners and assisted in the rental of their properties.
Group Travel Specialist
Princess Cruises
08.2015 - 12.2018
- Acted as a liaison between Princess Cruises and corporate clients, travel agencies, and group organizers, facilitating group travel bookings
- Provided personalized assistance for group bookings, including itinerary planning, cabin selection, and special requests
- Negotiated pricing, discounts, and amenities, ensuring clients received maximum value and satisfaction
- Managed a high volume of inquiries and reservations, maintaining precise records and documentation
- Coordinated with internal departments (sales, reservations, operations) to ensure smooth execution of group travel from booking to departure
- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and consistently met monthly goals and performance metrics.
Ground Transportation Coordinator - Entertainment Industry
Music Express
04.2001 - 08.2018
- Managed global ground transportation for high-profile entertainment clients, coordinating logistics across various time zones and locations
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information and requests
- Provided prompt assistance in a high-volume call center, handling up to 75 calls and processing over 150 reservations daily
- Oversaw top accounts, ensuring exceptional service and seamless execution of travel arrangements
- Collaborated with domestic and international partners to deliver top-tier service at clients' destinations
- Assisted clients in locating chauffeurs and provided directions to meeting points, ensuring smooth pickups
- Conducted quality control checks on reservations, ensuring accuracy in dates, times, vehicle types, and client preferences
- Addressed billing inquiries, clarifying charges and ensuring client satisfaction
- Maintained an accurate and comprehensive transportation database for all reservations.
Groups and Incentives Travel Coordinator
Montrose Travel
07.2005 - 01.2011
- Facilitated group and leisure travel arrangements to enrich clients' vacation experiences
- Monitored the progress of each group throughout the entire travel process to ensure successful outcomes
- Collaborated with group organizers to maximize the utilization of amenities and marketing efforts
- Managed group space, deposits, and payments, adhering to deadlines to prevent loss of space or revenue
- Demonstrated effective listening and communication skills to anticipate and fulfill client needs
- Maintained an extensive client contact database to enhance guest retention for future group and individual travels
- Promoted fundraising groups and managed all financial transactions and donations
- Accompanied groups of over 150 guests during travel, providing exceptional service from departure to return
- Scheduled, confirmed, and co-hosted group activities, meetings, and excursions to enhance the overall travel experience
- Identified customer needs and applied appropriate company procedures to ensure client satisfaction.
Education
Certification in Hospitality Management -
Academy Pacific Travel College
Hollywood, CA06.2005
Associate in Communications -
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA06.1996
High school diploma or GED in General Studies -
John Muir High School
Pasadena, CA06.1989
Skills
- Travel Coordination
- Public Speaking
- Hospitality
- Account Management
- Upselling
- Time Management
- Fundraising
- CRM Software
- Contract Negotiation
- Transportation Management
- Group Coordination
- Itinerary Planning
- Travel logistics
- Destination knowledge
Accomplishments
- Consistently Achieved High Client Satisfaction Rates: Maintained a client satisfaction rating of over 95% across all group travel arrangements, resulting in repeated business and strong client relationships.
- Successfully Managed Large-Scale Group Bookings: Coordinated and executed travel plans for groups of over 150 participants, including complex itineraries, multiple destinations, and diverse activities, ensuring seamless experiences for all members.
- Enhanced Revenue through Efficient Contract Negotiations: Negotiated favorable hotel and vendor contracts, leading to cost savings and added value for clients, while boosting company profitability by an average of 15% annually.
- Exceeding Sales Targets and Boosting Revenue: Surpassed sales targets by an average of 20% annually, contributing significantly to the company's growth in the group travel segment.
- Innovative Travel Solutions and Itinerary Planning: Developed customized travel itineraries that met and exceeded client expectations, often incorporating unique experiences and exclusive offers, which enhanced overall client satisfaction and engagement.
- Recognized for Exceptional Service and Commitment: Received multiple commendations and awards for outstanding customer service, dedication, and excellence in managing complex group travel logistics.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlined booking processes and reduced administrative time by 30% through the implementation of more efficient workflow strategies and use of advanced reservation systems.
- Pioneered New Group Travel Programs: Launched successful new group travel programs, including themed cruises and international tours, expanding the company's portfolio and attracting new market segments.
- Strong Network Building and Partnerships: Established and maintained robust relationships with global travel suppliers, airlines, and hotels, securing exclusive deals and preferred rates for group travel clients.
- Proven Expertise in Managing Crisis Situations: Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills in handling last-minute changes, emergencies, and client issues during trips, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining high client trust and satisfaction.
- Increased Client Retention and Referrals: Maintained a 90% client retention rate and high referral rates through exceptional service, leading to sustained business growth and long-term client loyalty.
- Effective Training and Mentorship: Mentored and trained new agents, sharing expertise and best practices in group travel management, contributing to team success and professional development.
Certification
Travel Agent - September 2005 to Present
Awards
- Achievement award - December 2005
- Achievement Award - December 2006
- Achievement Award - December 2007
- Presidents Club - December 2008
Timeline
Group Travel Consultant
Archer Travel Services
01.2023 - Current
Overnight Dispatcher
La Costa Limousine
08.2022 - 09.2023
Agent Support Specialist
GATE 1 TRAVEL
11.2021 - 08.2022
Travel Agent
Vacation Innovations
10.2020 - 10.2021
Group Travel Specialist
Princess Cruises
08.2015 - 12.2018
Groups and Incentives Travel Coordinator
Montrose Travel
07.2005 - 01.2011
Ground Transportation Coordinator - Entertainment Industry
Music Express
04.2001 - 08.2018
Certification in Hospitality Management -
Academy Pacific Travel College
Associate in Communications -
Pasadena City College
High school diploma or GED in General Studies -
John Muir High School
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