Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Samira FARIDA SAMUEL

Samira FARIDA SAMUEL

Sheffield,United Kingdom

Summary

A result-driven executive with 15 years of progressive experience in the
aviation and tourism Industry. Exceptional leader, team player, change manager and problem solver with proven skills in operations oversight, policy development and process improvements. A dynamic and customer-focused travel consultant with a background working with corporate clients. A dedicated worker currently seeking a senior-level role with an equal-opportunity employer with a proven history of employee satisfaction.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate

Work history

Business Travel Counsellor

American Express Global Business Travel
Sheffield
09.2022 - Current
  • Handling complex itineraries and proffering comparative routes and fares to high net-worth client organizations within approved frameworks and policies.
  • Using approved GDS tools to explore customers purchasing options, offering clear comparisons and securing best-possible deals.
  • Working as part of a team managing over 100 international travel requests (calls and emails) daily, providing travel support to help client organizations achieve business requirements.
  • Conducting constant research to understand and maintain advanced knowledge of travel regulations, visa requirements and safety recommendations for top client destinations based on travel trends.
  • Creating and communicating clear and detailed itineraries ahead of travel and advise on visas and travel safety.
  • Supporting investigation and resolution of customer issues using Salesforce, Microsoft Office and other internally approved tools consistently achieving above 91% success rate on a weekly basis.
  • Identifying and offering add-on sales opportunities as it fits client's budget and preferences.

Associate Lecturer (Part-time)

Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield
01.2023 - Current
  • Assigned to teach Travel and Aviation Operations to level 7 students and Basic Business Analysis (BBA) modules to level 4.
  • Encouraged students to develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Monitored students' progress against educational targets and recorded a 75% increase in students' attendance.
  • Assessed and graded students' submissions and provided regular feedback on areas of improvement.
  • Updated curriculum to reflect contemporary issues, topics and industry advancements.

Graduate Student Researcher

Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • Research Title: Effect of COVID-19 on Historic Houses in the United Kingdom - Case Study of Historic Houses in Yorkshire.
  • Conducted desk-based research focused on the effects of wedding, tourism and film industry on the survival of historic houses.
  • Rigorously collected qualitative and quantitative data to support research objectives.
  • Wrote reports to summarise data and implications of results.
  • Sourced cutting-edge findings within the field to inspire future research.

Senior Business Travel Consultant

Revelinks Travels
Abuja, Nigeria
01.2017 - 08.2021
  • Strengthened relationships with key clients through multi-channel
    engagement, boosting retention by 37%.
  • Managed budgetary and financial activities and implemented
    strategies to increase the organization's revenue.
  • Managed a high-profile portfolio of approximately 18,000 clients'
    International business travel schedule.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of corporate travel trends and destination regulations and safety requirements through
    industry relationships, conferences and events.
  • Coordinated with vendors to achieve cost-effective itineraries, saving
    company operational costs up to £36,000.
  • Negotiated unique airline discounts, resulting in significant operational cost savings.

Lead Product Developer

Revelinks Travels
Kaduna, Nigeria
02.2013 - 11.2016
  • Developed 8 leisure and entertainment destination holiday packages and supervised about four large groups of up to 180 people on yearly trips for 3 years.
  • Secured sole travel partnership agreements for the company with three large corporations as a travel service provider (TSP).
  • Negotiated sustainable partnerships with destination management organizations (DMOs). This facilitated an increased distribution and consumption of RTT holiday travel products and services.
  • Designed itineraries to promote tourism destinations targeted towards various ranges of travellers: leisure, business, family, etc.
  • Represented the organization at public trade exhibitions and conventions, driving awareness of leisure and corporate packages.

Ticketing and Reservation Officer

Revelinks Travels
Kaduna, Nigeria
02.2010 - 06.2013
  • Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel
    partners with questions throughout the entire booking cycle.
  • Provided a high level of customer service using active listening and
    effective interpersonal skills.
  • Informed clients of essential travel information, such as travel times,
    transportation connections, visa requirements and safety information to improve travel experience.
  • Assisted customers in resolving various issues and discrepancies related to their travel itineraries.
  • Used GDS booking systems (Amadeus and Sabre )to process flight tickets.

Sales Executive

West African Bitumen Emulsion Company
Lagos, Nigeria
02.2006 - 12.2008
  • Created and managed 60% of sales contracts, negotiating positive, profitable terms to aid target revenue attainment.
  • Fostered positive relationships with customers to enhance loyalty and retention.
  • Generated new leads and opportunities to maximize revenue.

Education

Master of Science - International Tourism And Aviation Management

Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield
09.2021 - 09.2022

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature And Art

University of Maiduguri
Maiduguri, Nigeria
05.2000 - 04.2004

Skills

  • Airline Revenue Management
  • Tourism management
  • Travel management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Excellent knowledge of GDS booking system (Amadeus &Sabre)
  • Travel products development
  • Business management & risk management skills
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to carry out qualitative research
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office application suite
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Very organized and efficient

Languages

English
Fluent

Certification

  • Airline Revenue Management (Certificate) , International Air Transport Association (IATA) - March 2022
  • Introduction To Cargo Industry (Certificate) , International Air Transport Association (IATA) - 2020
  • Introduction to Airline Industry (Certificate) , International Air Transport Association (IATA) - 2018
  • Managing the Travel Business (Diploma) , International Air Transport Association (IATA) - 2016
  • IATA/UFTA Foundation & EBT Course (Diploma) , International Air Transport Association (IATA) - 2009

Timeline

Associate Lecturer (Part-time)

Sheffield Hallam University
01.2023 - Current

Business Travel Counsellor

American Express Global Business Travel
09.2022 - Current

Graduate Student Researcher

Sheffield Hallam University
06.2022 - 08.2022

Master of Science - International Tourism And Aviation Management

Sheffield Hallam University
09.2021 - 09.2022

Senior Business Travel Consultant

Revelinks Travels
01.2017 - 08.2021

Lead Product Developer

Revelinks Travels
02.2013 - 11.2016

Ticketing and Reservation Officer

Revelinks Travels
02.2010 - 06.2013

Sales Executive

West African Bitumen Emulsion Company
02.2006 - 12.2008

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature And Art

University of Maiduguri
05.2000 - 04.2004

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Samira FARIDA SAMUEL