Open to opportunities

Thuso Kabelo

@thusokabelo

Message

Safari designer and travel operations specialist with strong marketing and guest relations.

Botswana

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role in a growth-focused tourism or safari company where I design itineraries, manage reservations, lead marketing, and grow partnerships while mentoring colleagues.

I am a safari designer and travel operations specialist with hands-on experience in itinerary design, reservations and supplier negotiation. I consistently deliver creative, well-costed travel products and maintain strong agent and supplier relationships.

I have progressed from frontline hospitality roles to trainee management and specialised travel roles, where I introduced successful events and marketing initiatives that increased sales and secured catering and expo contracts. I am proficient with ResRequest and Amadeus and comfortable training colleagues on booking systems.

My background includes cashiering, bartending and lodge management, where I handled accounts, stock control and daily reporting while improving operational efficiencies. I combine strong customer service, communication and leadership skills with practical marketing and graphic design abilities.

I seek to contribute to a results-driven tourism or safari company, bringing creativity, operational discipline and a client-focused approach to design memorable travel experiences and grow business partnerships.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Safari Designer

Current

My African Safari

Jan 2025 - Present (9 months)

Designs and quotes creative itineraries, manages ResRequest reservations, negotiates supplier rates, handles 24-hour emergency support and raises client invoices to ensure flawless trip delivery.

Itinerary Design ResRequest Invoicing Client Relations

Travel Consultant

Africa Lora Travel

Sep 2024 - Nov 2024 (2 months)

Quoted and booked international flights and accommodation, marketed travel packages and organized local tours while managing cash drawer and client relationships.

Sales Customer Service Cash Handling

Travel Consultant

YEBO Travel & Tours

Mar 2024 - Aug 2024 (5 months)

Planned and sold custom travel packages, liaised with suppliers, booked accommodation via global systems, organized local tours and implemented a client feedback marketing strategy.

Itinerary Design Marketing Cash Handling

Bartender / Mixologist

Kingsarawiwa Bar & Pub

Nov 2022 - Jul 2023 (8 months)

Designed bar menu and curated cocktail events while managing social media, bookkeeping and daily sales reports to drive revenue and reduce operational costs.

Cocktail Development Menu Design Curated Events Social Media Management Bookkeeping Stock Control Sales Reporting

Trainee Manager

Letlhakeng Park-Route Apartments

Aug 2022 - Oct 2022 (2 months)

Led lodge operations including bookings, content creation, catering for events up to 150 guests and producing regular financial and booking reports to improve service delivery.

Operations Management Content Creation Reporting Cash Handling Team Leadership

Trainee Assistant Manager

Letlhakeng Park-Route Apartments

Jul 2022 - Aug 2022 (1 month)

Managed bookings, supervised staff and introduced cocktail events and packages that increased sales by over 50%, while handling reporting, procurement and bank deposits.