Ursula Schmidt
Dunlop,ACT
Summary
Over a decade of experience in senior travel consultancy roles, with a robust foundation in customer service and teamwork, ready to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of travel booking operations.
With a strong emphasis on service orientation to ensures exceptional support for internal stakeholders and clients, streamlining processes and enriching user experiences while aligning outcomes with broader organisational goals.
Proactively identifies improvement opportunities, particularly in procedural and training aspects, reflecting a commitment to driving solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and adhere to legislative guidelines.
This dedication to excellence in travel services positions as a valuable asset in any dynamic environment.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Consultant
24/7 SOLUTIONS TRAVEL
Canberra, ACT
07.2016 - Current
- Manage multi-faceted emergency travel operations, delivering critical services to 40 agencies throughout Australia and New Zealand.
- Supports urgent travel needs by coordinating logistics for domestic and international trips outside regular hours.
- Manage reservations using Galileo, Amadeus, and Sabre systems to enhance customer service efficiency.
Senior Consultant
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL
Canberra, ACT
10.2011 - 04.2016
- Company overview: DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
- Facilitated comprehensive travel solutions and support for staff at DFAT Canberra as a senior consultant.
- Coordinated travel schedules and itineraries for Australian diplomatic couriers, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Facilitated travel coordination for DFAT personnel, ensuring seamless domestic and international relocation processes.
- Company Overview: U.S. Embassy Canberra
- Provided expert consultancy to enhance operational efficiency at the U.S. Embassy Canberra's travel office.
- Facilitated travel arrangements for ambassador and consulate general by coordinating with travel planners.
- Coordinated and executed comprehensive travel plans, addressing complex requirements effectively.
- Oversaw administrative functions including monthly reporting, invoicing, and processing refunds and credits.
- Cultivated and sustained strategic partnerships with key suppliers, including hotels, airlines, and car rental companies.
- Facilitated prompt follow-up on traveller queries to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Conducted in-house training sessions and delivered expert guidance to on-site travel agents, ensuring mastery of U.S. government travel regulations for embassy travellers.
- DFAT and U.S. Embassy on site offices Canberra
Senior Consultant
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL
Pretoria, South Africa
09.2005 - 07.2011
- Company Overview: U.S. Embassy Pretoria
- Served as a multi-skilled senior consultant for U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
- Served as primary liaison for Region 6 US Marine Security Guard, overseeing sub-account management and consulate operations for Mission South Africa.
- Managed administrative tasks related to invoicing, including processing refunds and credits to maintain financial integrity.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with key suppliers, including hotels, airlines, and car rental companies.
- U.S. Embassy Pretoria
Multi-skilled Senior Consultant
Various
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2004 - 08.2005
- Managed diverse travel needs for South African government and corporate accounts, leveraging multi-skilled expertise to optimize travel solutions.
- Rennies Travel
- Bathekgi Travel (South African Bureau of standards)
- Ultimate Travel
- Sjiek Travel
Senior Multi-skilled Corporate Consultant
Rennies Travel
Pretoria, South Africa
09.1999 - 04.2004
- Oversaw travel logistics for corporate and South African government contracts, facilitating both international and domestic travel. Managed arrangements for car rentals, accommodations, flights, and transfers to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed monthly invoicing to ensure timely and accurate billing operations.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with key suppliers, including hotels, airlines, and car rental companies.
Junior Leisure Consultant
Prisma Travel & Tours
Pretoria, South Africa
02.1997 - 09.1999
- Oversaw leisure travel bookings and invoicing procedures, adhering to non-IATA agency policies regarding refunds.
Education
Tourism And Travel Management
Rapid Results College
Pretoria, South AfricaSkills
- Proficient in SABRE GDS
- Skilled in Amadeus GDS usage
- Galileo GDS proficiency
- Clear and concise communicator
- Hotel booking management
- Proficiency in travel services
- Travel logistics management
- High-quality client service
- Detailed trip coordination
- Comprehensive itinerary management
- Mentoring others
- Regulatory compliance
- Corporate travel management
- Cross-border reservation handling
- Client consultation
- Air travel planning
- International and domestic travel
- Corporate travel
- Understanding cancellation policies
- Effective team collaboration
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Consultant
24/7 SOLUTIONS TRAVEL
07.2016 - Current
Senior Consultant
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL
10.2011 - 04.2016
Senior Consultant
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL
09.2005 - 07.2011
Multi-skilled Senior Consultant
Various
04.2004 - 08.2005
Senior Multi-skilled Corporate Consultant
Rennies Travel
09.1999 - 04.2004
Junior Leisure Consultant
Prisma Travel & Tours
02.1997 - 09.1999
Tourism And Travel Management
Rapid Results College