Senior Travel Designer Role at The Wilderness – Apply now!

🧾 Job Details

🏢 Employer: Wilderness
📍 Work Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town, South Africa
💼 Job Type: Permanent
⏳ Closing Date: 15 January 2026

Job Overview

Wilderness is seeking an experienced Senior Travel Designer to craft bespoke luxury journeys across Southern and East Africa. This role combines expert itinerary design, consultative sales, and relationship management, delivering high-touch service while optimising revenue and margins. The position suits a passionate travel professional with a strong appreciation for conservation-driven tourism.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver prompt, professional, and solution-oriented service to agents and guests

• Design personalised itineraries aligned with guest preferences and Wilderness standards

• Identify and execute upselling opportunities to enhance guest experiences

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with travel agents

• Collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to ensure seamless itinerary execution

• Prepare accurate and timely quotations while maintaining detailed booking records

• Coordinate booking logistics with Operations Specialists

• Optimise bed nights, margins, and overall financial performance

• Maintain in-depth product knowledge of Wilderness camps and experiences

• Utilise reservation and travel systems to improve efficiency and service delivery

Minimum Requirements

• Matric with Mathematics (Standard Grade or higher)

• Tertiary qualification in Travel & Tourism or Hospitality

• 4–5 years’ experience in a senior travel design or reservations role

• Proven experience in itinerary planning, customer service, and consultative sales

• Proficiency in TourPlan and Microsoft Office

• Strong command of English; European languages advantageous

Key Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational ability

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Ability to personalise travel solutions and upsell effectively

• Creative, proactive, and service-driven mindset

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment

• Genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, and sustainable tourism

CV Tips – Senior Travel Designer

• Highlight luxury travel design and itinerary planning experience

• Emphasise destination knowledge of Southern and East Africa

• Include measurable sales, margin, or upselling achievements

• Showcase experience with TourPlan and reservation systems

• Demonstrate client relationship management and service excellence

About Wilderness

Wilderness is a global leader in conservation-focused luxury travel, creating extraordinary journeys that protect wildlife and empower local communities. The company values creativity, initiative, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences while making a positive environmental impact.

Company Policy

Wilderness is an equal opportunity employer. Appointments are made in line with the company’s Employment Equity and diversity policies. The company reserves the right not to make an appointment and to verify qualifications and employment history.