Travel Trade Specialist

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a temporary, part-time Travel Trade Specialist to join our engaging Marketing team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in promoting the zoo as a premier destination for tour operators, travel agents, and group travel coordinators. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships within the travel trade industry.

Contract Details:

• March 24 to September 26, 2025
• 24 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday

What you will do:

• Develop and implement strategies targeting identified tourism markets, working in alignment with tourism industry partners and leveraging established networks.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with receptive and international tour operators to integrate the zoo into travel itineraries.
• Work closely with Calgary hotels and hospitality partners to create appealing ticket packages.
• Monitor and adapt strategies based on market trends, partner feedback, and performance data.
• Create high-quality promotional collateral and assets that position the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a premier destination within the travel trade market.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure consistency and alignment with brand guidelines and broader marketing initiatives.
• Develop and communicate clear processes for ticket sales and travel vouchers.
• Ensure all ticketing procedures are streamlined and accessible, providing support to partners and internal teams as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of all sales activities, client interactions, and partnerships.
• Generate regular reports to track performance against sales targets, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Marketing, Business, or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the travel trade or tourism industry, with a focus on sales and relationship management.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategies that drive audience growth and revenue.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of international travel markets and the tourism industry is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM software is an asset.

Working Conditions:

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo offers:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to no later than February 27, 2025 at 4pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the Zoo's mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.