Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Job Type: Full-time
Base Salary: $60,000 per year
Bonus Potential: Up to $25,000 per year
Total Compensation Potential: Up to $85,000 per year
Travel Requirement: International travel to Italy up to four times per year
About Us
Amore Italy is part of a growing travel and hospitality company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a close-knit team of seven people.
Our family of companies includes:
- AmoreItaly.com
- WomenoftheMidwest.com
- HotelFortebraccio.com
- VillaDestinoItaly.com
Amore Italy creates exclusive, all-inclusive, small-group journeys throughout Italy. Our programs combine private transportation, distinctive accommodations, exceptional dining, immersive activities, and personalized service.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized travel professional to serve as the Director of Amore Italy and lead the continued growth and operation of the brand.
Position Overview
The Director of Amore Italy will oversee the complete traveler experience, from the initial inquiry and reservation through the traveler’s return home.
This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for reservations, tour operations, client communication, travel advisor relationships, supplier coordination, sales growth, and program development.
The ideal candidate will have significant travel industry experience, strong organizational and communication skills, international travel experience, and a genuine passion for Italy.
Responsibilities
- Manage the complete reservation and booking process for travelers and travel advisors.
- Respond to prospective travelers and guide them through the sales and booking process.
- Coordinate hotels, airport transfers, private transportation, dining, excursions, activities, and special requests.
- Work closely with hotels, drivers, guides, restaurants, and other suppliers throughout Italy.
- Create, refine, and maintain detailed itineraries, confirmations, traveler documents, and operating procedures.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for travelers before, during, and after their journeys.
- Build relationships with U.S. travel agencies and independent travel advisors.
- Support sales, marketing, social media, promotional, and traveler referral initiatives.
- Host familiarization trips and traveler groups in Italy.
- Travel to Italy up to four times per year for program support, supplier meetings, inspections, and new product development.
- Work closely with Hotel Fortebraccio and Villa Destino Italy to create distinctive traveler experiences.
- Monitor program budgets, vendor costs, pricing, profit margins, and financial performance.
- Negotiate rates and services with hotels, transportation companies, restaurants, guides, and other suppliers.
- Monitor traveler satisfaction, reviews, repeat business, and referrals.
- Resolve traveler concerns and operational challenges promptly and professionally.
- Develop new destinations, experiences, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
- Collaborate with our seven-person Lincoln-based team and support related travel and hospitality brands.
Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of experience as a travel advisor, travel agent, tour operator, group travel coordinator, or in a similar travel industry role.
- Experience coordinating leisure, luxury, group, or international travel.
- Strong international travel experience.
- Previous travel to Italy is strongly preferred.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple travelers, departures, suppliers, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small entrepreneurial team.
- Confidence leading and hosting groups internationally.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm when unexpected issues arise.
- Experience with reservation systems, customer relationship management platforms, itinerary tools, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar technology.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to four times per year.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is:
- Passionate about Italy, hospitality, and experiential travel
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Warm, personable, and service-focused
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Resourceful and solutions-oriented
- Confident working with travelers, travel advisors, and international suppliers
- Motivated by both customer satisfaction and business growth
Compensation
- $60,000 annual base salary
- Up to $25,000 in annual performance bonuses
- Total annual compensation potential of up to $85,000
Performance bonuses may be based on sales growth, completed bookings, profitability, customer satisfaction, travel advisor development, operational performance, and achievement of annual company goals.
Benefits and Opportunities
- International travel opportunities to Italy
- Opportunity to host familiarization trips and traveler groups
- Direct involvement in developing new Italian travel experiences
- Professional growth within an expanding travel and hospitality company
- Opportunity for increased leadership responsibilities as the company grows
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing your travel industry experience, international travel background, leadership qualifications, and interest in Italy.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please briefly describe your professional travel industry experience and any previous experience planning or leading travel in Italy.
Experience:
- Travel Advisor: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
