Tour Desk

Term from Hostel Management industry explained for recruiters

A Tour Desk is a service point or department within a hostel, hotel, or accommodation facility that helps guests book local tours, activities, and travel arrangements. It serves as a one-stop-shop where travelers can get information, make reservations, and purchase tickets for various tourist activities. This role combines customer service with travel planning, helping the accommodation facility generate additional revenue while providing valuable services to guests.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Tour Desk operations generating $50,000 monthly in activity bookings

Coordinated with local operators to expand Tour Desk and Activities Desk offerings

Supervised Tour Desk team of 3 staff members and increased sales by 30%

Typical job title: "Tour Desk Agents"

Also try searching for:

Tour Desk Coordinator Activities Desk Agent Tour Desk Manager Travel Desk Officer Excursion Coordinator Activities Coordinator Tour Booking Agent

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop relationships with tour operators and manage pricing strategies?

Expected Answer: Should discuss negotiating commission rates, maintaining quality standards, handling bulk bookings, and strategies for maximizing revenue while ensuring guest satisfaction.

Q: How would you train and develop a tour desk team?

Expected Answer: Should explain creating training materials, teaching sales techniques, ensuring product knowledge, and developing customer service standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you handle customer complaints about tours or activities?

Expected Answer: Should discuss problem-solving steps, communication with tour operators, refund policies, and maintaining good relationships with both guests and suppliers.

Q: What strategies would you use to increase tour desk sales?

Expected Answer: Should mention marketing techniques, upselling opportunities, creating attractive displays, and building relationships with guests.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What information do you need to collect when booking a tour for a guest?

Expected Answer: Should mention guest contact details, number of participants, dietary requirements, pickup locations, and payment information.

Q: How would you handle multiple guests wanting to book tours at the same time?

Expected Answer: Should discuss prioritization, efficiency, staying organized, and maintaining a friendly attitude while managing multiple requests.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic tour booking procedures
  • Customer service fundamentals
  • Local area knowledge
  • Basic sales skills

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Tour operator relationship management
  • Advanced sales techniques
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Booking system expertise

Senior (3+ years)

  • Team management
  • Revenue optimization
  • Strategic partnership development
  • Training and mentoring

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of local attractions and activities
  • Poor customer service skills
  • Lack of basic sales experience
  • No understanding of commission structures
  • Unable to handle cash and card transactions