Resume Writing Tips for Senior Travel Consultant

Introduction

In today’s dynamic travel industry, the role of a senior travel consultant demands a sophisticated skill set, blending client relationship management, market expertise, and advanced technology use. A well-crafted resume sets the foundation for career progression by articulating the value you bring. Whether targeting a niche travel agency or a global tour operator, your resume must clearly present your achievements, leadership qualities, and industry knowledge to differentiate you from the competition.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch—it’s the first thing recruiters read. For senior travel consultants, focus on your years of experience, leadership skills, expertise in designing customized travel solutions, and your ability to manage complex itineraries and client portfolios. Use strong, action-oriented language and incorporate keywords relevant to the travel sector.

Example: “Experienced Senior Travel Consultant with over 8 years in luxury and corporate travel. Proven track record in delivering personalized travel solutions, increasing client retention by 25%, and leading a team of five consultants to exceed quarterly sales targets consistently.”

2. Key Skills

Including key skills helps both ATS and hiring managers quickly gauge your areas of expertise. Highlight a mix of industry-specific competencies and transferable skills.

• Client Relationship Management
• Luxury & Corporate Travel Planning
• Itinerary Design & Booking
• Vendor & Supplier Negotiations
• Travel Technology Platforms (GDS)
• Team Leadership & Training
• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
• Sales & Revenue Growth Strategies
• Budget Management
• Multilingual Communication
• Compliance & Licensing Knowledge

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than merely listing your responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments and quantify your impact wherever possible. Achievements demonstrate how you’ve added value to previous employers or clients.

For example, instead of “Managed client bookings,” write: “Increased client satisfaction scores by 15% through personalized itinerary adjustments and proactive communication.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by carefully reading the job description and integrating relevant keywords and skills. This helps your resume pass ATS filters and resonates more with hiring managers.

5. Tools

• Sabre GDS
• Amadeus
• Galileo
• Travelport
• Expedia Partner Central
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Concur Travel & Expense
• Social Media Platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram marketing)

6. Metrics

• Client Retention Rate Improvement (e.g., increased by 20%)
• Revenue Targets Surpassed (e.g., exceeded quotas by $100K+)
• Number of Customized Itineraries Created Monthly (e.g., 50+ itineraries)
• Team Growth & Training (e.g., mentored 5 junior consultants)
• Reduction in Booking Errors (e.g., lowered error rate by 30%)

7. Education

• Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management — State University
• Certified Travel Associate (CTA) — The Travel Institute
• Additional Certifications: IATA Diploma, Specialty courses in Cruise & Luxury Travel

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with consistent font styling (e.g., Arial or Calibri, 11-12 pt)
• Keep to two pages maximum; use bullet points for easy skimming
• Include adequate white space and clearly defined sections with headings
• Avoid graphics, images, or tables that ATS systems may not read properly

9. Concise

Be succinct but informative. Focus on high-impact information — avoid unnecessary jargon or lengthy paragraphs. Use action verbs and keep bullet points under two lines for clarity.

10. Bonus

• Include a Professional Online Profile Link: Add your LinkedIn URL or a professional travel portfolio.
• Use Industry Jargon Wisely: Pepper in terms like “fare analysis,” “PAX management,” and “route optimization” to show domain expertise.

Examples

• “Led a team of 5 consultants that increased department revenue by 18% within 12 months by implementing dynamic pricing strategies and improving cross-selling techniques.”
• “Reduced processing time for complex corporate travel bookings by 25% through streamlining workflows and adopting Sabre automation tools.”

Conclusion

Your resume as a senior travel consultant is more than a list of jobs—it’s an opportunity to showcase your leadership, analytical skills, and ability to make meaningful impacts in a fast-paced industry. Highlight measurable achievements, demonstrate your expertise with travel technologies, and tailor every detail to the job description to stand out to recruiters and ATS software alike. By investing time and care into writing your resume, you position yourself for a successful next step in your travel career.