Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Catherine Hemblen

Ambergate,WA

Summary

I have owned my own business for 13 years, possessing a solid understanding of business principles, hold a genuine interest in entrepreneurship and eager to learn and grow in any dynamic work environment. I hold experience as a Senior Travel Consultant where I displayed strong organisational skills, held the ability to portray a passion of travel with others wanting to explore the world. I have extensive knowledge and first hand experience with a variety of destinations across the globe. Now looking forward to the challenge of re entering the travel industry, where first class service is expected.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner and Operator

Jo Jingles South West WA
02.2011 - Current
  • Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
  • Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality services provided.
  • Managed financial responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
  • Trained, motivated and provided clear lesson plans, roles and responsibilities to employees, allowing to deliver a quality early years learning program to our core business functions.
  • Boosted revenue by identifying new business opportunities, engaging with local stakeholders and securing public funding.

Senior Travel Consultant

The Travel Centre
02.1999 - 05.2007
  • Achieved revenue growth by upselling additional services like insurance plans, airport transfers, or excursions to clients during the booking process.
  • Handled sensitive personal data with discretion.
  • Arrange unique and often complex holiday's itineraries for clients wanting to travel to Australia and New Zealand, incorporating multi stops round the world, ensuring seamless coordination.
  • Provided useful and creditable travel materials such as guides, apps, maps and event programs.
  • Conducted comprehensive destination research to provide clients with up-to-date information and expert advice on travel options.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing personalised travel recommendations and itinerary planning.
  • Booked reservations for travel, hotels, rental cars and special events such as tours and excursions.
  • Provide clear and concise communication with clients surrounding methods of transportation, unplanned travel regulations or travel alerts.
  • Assessed client needs and recommended appropriate products and services to meet preferences and budget.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive rates for clients travel accommodations.
  • Delivered exceptional service through prompt responses to customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat platforms.
  • Experience in Galileo computer system to book airline tickets and and familiar with various hotel reservations and company systems.
  • Resolved customer issues effectively, maintaining a positive reputation for the company within the highly competitive travel market.
  • Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
  • Recommended travel insurance plans to customers to reduce uncertainty and risk of financial loss.
  • Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent active listening and research skills, whilst respecting clients travel budgets.

Education

BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies - Education

Norwich City College
Norwich
06.1998

Skills

  • Customer focus - Always worked in the customer service environment, within various industries
  • Hold strong communication skills
  • Good attention to detail
  • Driven and determined
  • Good computer skills with experience in Mac and Windows, proficient with travel software including Galileo
  • Ability to work towards sales targets
  • Excellent knowledge of travel
  • Problem-solving skills - Can handle pressure and solve problems in a mature and constructive way
  • Time management skills

Additional Information

I am really focused and excited at the prospect of returning back to the travel industry, a working environment I thoroughly enjoyed some years ago. I regularly met my sales targets and repeatedly received high praise for excellent itineraries and services provided.

Since leaving the travel industry I have developed my working knowledge and skills further by running a successful business in the South West region of Western Australia. Some additional skills attained include; training employees, managing business demands, including tax obligations, business insurances, producing competitive tenders and maintaining consist high levels of service to customers. Experienced at adapting my style providing suitable programs and learning environments to support customers with additional needs.

I am confident in my abilities to learn and embrace new challenges faced, whilst being realistic that my absenence from the travel industry may require me to complete additional refresher training if identified.

Timeline

Business Owner and Operator

Jo Jingles South West WA
02.2011 - Current

Senior Travel Consultant

The Travel Centre
02.1999 - 05.2007

BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies - Education

Norwich City College
Catherine Hemblen