EVELYN WAIRIMU NDEGWA
Senior Travel Operations Specialist
Nairobi
Summary
High-performing travel operations professional with 2+ years of progressive experience delivering complex, multi-country itineraries for international clients across Africa.
Experienced in owning full booking life-cycles, coordinating global stakeholders, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring seamless execution under dynamic conditions.
Demonstrated ability to manage parallel priorities, protect service quality, and represent brands with professionalism across diverse cultural environments.
Recognized for operational maturity, commercial awareness, and strong client trust - qualities typically associated with senior-level operators. Mandarin-speaking (HSK 3) and currently advancing through CAPA NOVA.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Travel Operations Specialist
Entice Africa Safaris
06.2024 - Current
- Entrusted with managing sophisticated safari programs for travelers from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, spanning mid-range through ultra-luxury segments.
- Operate with significant autonomy and accountability for service delivery, financial accuracy, and partner coordination.
- Own the booking journey from first inquiry to post-travel follow-up.
- Run multiple concurrent files while maintaining precision and responsiveness.
- Coordinate air, ground handling, properties, experiences, and special requests.
- Lead supplier engagement to secure availability, upgrades, and favorable terms.
- Prepare quotations, invoices, reconciliations, and travel documentation.
- Manage amendments, disruptions, and urgent changes with calm problem solving.
- Provide in-travel support, ensuring continuity and client confidence.
- Deliver Mandarin-language communication where required.
- Advocate for conservation-aligned and community-supportive travel options.
- Tour Operator
- Trained in Twiga AI CRM for lead management, workflow tracking, and customer communication.
- Trained in Amadeus booking system to support air and travel coordination.
- Consistently praised for seamless organization, responsiveness, and personalized care.
- Verified 5-star traveler reviews: https://operators.safaribookings.com/reviews
Tour Consultant
Summer Getaway Adventures
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Strengthened sales and operational workflows while handling independent traveler and group requirements.
- Designed tailored proposals aligned to client profiles, budgets, and travel goals.
- Conducted destination research to build competitive and experience-rich programs.
- Implemented structured follow-up practices that improved booking confirmations.
- Negotiated supplier pricing while maintaining service standards.
- Coordinated accommodation, transport, and activity reservations.
- Prepared client travel documents and pre-departure communication.
- Tour-led cross-border and domestic group departures including Tanzania, ensuring safety, timing, and guest satisfaction throughout the journey.
- Tour Consultant (Freelance)
Tour Consultant Intern
Oakland Tours & Safaris
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Built foundation in itinerary development, travel sales support, and digital tourism platforms.
- Supported itinerary preparation, costing, and service coordination.
- Maintained booking systems and updated customer records.
- Gained working knowledge of SafariBookings and TouristLink platforms for listings, inquiries, and client engagement.
- Assisted in promoting responsible and eco-conscious travel options.
- Tour Consultant Intern
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Travel & Tours Operations Management
Moi University
01.2024
Skills
End-to-end operations ownership
International logistics
Supplier & contract coordination
Commercial costing
Crisis & change management
Cross-time-zone communication
Accomplishments
- Trusted with high-value international clients across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, delivering tailored mid-range to ultra-luxury safari experiences.
- Managed multiple simultaneous itineraries with precision, ensuring 100% on-time travel documentation and seamless client experiences.
- Built a reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and calm problem-solving during last-minute changes and travel disruptions.
- Contributed to repeat business and consistently positive traveler reviews, including verified 5-star feedback on SafariBookings.
- Selected to tour-lead domestic and cross-border groups, ensuring safety, timing, and premium guest satisfaction.
- Provided rare Mandarin-language support within East African safari operations, enhancing accessibility for high-value clients.
- Leveraged Twiga AI CRM and Amadeus GDS to improve workflow efficiency, track bookings, and streamline client communications.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure upgrades, availability, and favorable rates, enhancing value and client satisfaction.
Certification
Reservations Essentials (Cryptic), Amadeus, 2025-05-27, Permanent
Core Capabilities
- End-to-end operations ownership
- International logistics
- Supplier & contract coordination
- Commercial costing
- Crisis & change management
- Cross-time-zone communication
- Process reliability
- Customer success
- High-value clients
- CRM systems
- Virtual administration
- Sustainable tourism integration
Timeline
Senior Travel Operations Specialist
Entice Africa Safaris
06.2024 - Current
Tour Consultant
Summer Getaway Adventures
01.2024 - 05.2024
Tour Consultant Intern
Oakland Tours & Safaris
06.2022 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Travel & Tours Operations Management
Moi University