Who Are We?

Absolute Escapes was established in Edinburgh in 2004 and is an award-winning specialist in walking holidays and tailor-made travel in the UK & Ireland.

Our first-hand knowledge and meticulous attention to detail is key to exceeding the expectations of our clients from around the world. By listening carefully to our clients’ requirements and planning fabulous itineraries where the logistics work, we allow people to hold onto their spirit of adventure – no matter how busy their lives have become.

We’re never so lost in logistics that we forget that our holidays allow people to spend precious time reconnecting with nature, with each other, and rejuvenating. Each holiday we book is as individual as the person it is created for.

 

Job Description

As part of our continued growth plans, we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and professional individual to join our team as a Travel Specialist. Working at Absolute Escapes you will be able to share your passion for travel and the outdoors by providing amazing experiences for our clients who are as passionate about travel as you are.

The role will play an integral part in delivering all aspects of the walking holidays and tailor-made tours that we provide for our UK and international clients. You will be highly organised with excellent attention to detail and people skills as you will be working with a wide range of partners and suppliers in the tourism industry.

You will be involved in every aspect of the business and will assist in exceeding our customers’ expectations and in the future success of Absolute Escapes.

This role would suit someone with a keen interest in travel and the outdoors, as well as a good knowledge of the UK as a tourism destination, and who is looking to develop a career in the industry.


Location

While this is an office-based role, there is the opportunity to combine this with remote working for 40% of your working hours. Absolute Escapes office is located in the heart of Edinburgh at Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT.


Duties & Responsibilities
  • Preparing customer quotations and overseeing the complete customer journey from initial enquiry to post-holiday follow-up
  • Building rapport with suppliers and clients from around the world
  • Co-ordinating reservations with accommodation, transport and various service providers
  • Ensuring seamless processing of bookings while meeting specific client preferences
  • Supporting clients with any issues or amendments that arise before, during and after their holiday
  • Become actively involved in new product development
  • Offering assistance across all aspects of business operations and office functions

Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • A genuine passion for travel, walking and the outdoors, coupled with an in-depth familiarity with the UK as a tourism destination
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with an ability to interact clearly and professionally by phone and email
  • Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail is essential
  • A strong commitment to delivering outstanding customer service and exceeding expectations
  • A real people person who thrives on interacting with a variety of people and relishes working as part of an energetic and enthusiastic team
  • Excellent selling and negotiation skills
  • A high level of motivation and outstanding work ethic with the ability to work on your own initiative within a small entrepreneurial business
  • Proficiency in creative problem-solving, with a penchant for thinking beyond conventional boundaries
  • Excellent computer literacy with fluency in Google Workspace including Google Sheets
  • Ideally educated to degree level. Although a degree is not essential, an excellent command of both written and spoken English and strong numerical skills are required

Hours
  • Monday to Friday
  • 09.00 – 17.00
  • 35 hours per week with 1 hour for lunch

Start Date

We are now accepting applications for this position which will commence at a date to be discussed at interview stage.


Why Choose to Join Our Team?
  • Competitive starting salary ranging from £20,000 to £21,500pa depending on qualifications and experience
  • Participate in a performance-driven bonus program tied to the company’s sales objectives, accessible upon the successful completion of the probationary period
  • Enrolment in the Company’s Pension Scheme
  • 20 days annual holiday, increasing to 23 days after 3 years service and 25 days after 5 years service
  • 8 public holidays
  • An additional 5 days unpaid leave can be taken per annum after successful completion of probationary period
  • Flexible working hours including a blend of office-based and remote work arrangements
  • 1 week’s fully paid research trip each year. Previous research trips have included Cornwall, Shetland, the Outer Hebrides, and walking the West Highland Way
  • 3 month unpaid sabbatical available after 3 years of service
  • Monthly social nights including a company allowance towards entertainment
  • Enrollment in Pirkx membership, offering a comprehensive selection of more than 40 well-being benefits aimed at enhancing health, prosperity, and overall happiness
  • Fresh fruit deliveries
  • Join company volunteering days such as tree planting in the Scottish Borders for the John Muir Trust
  • Regular team meetings as well as learning and development opportunities
  • Opportunity to progress your career within the company

 

How to Apply

Please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be an asset to our team AND describing your favourite place in the UK:

Email: Andy Gabe – andy@absoluteescapes.com

OR

Post: Andy Gabe, Absolute Escapes, Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT

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