Group Tour Coordinator

Friendship Tours is a well-established and market-leading tour operator based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, boasting nearly five decades of excellence in the travel industry. Since its inception 49 years ago, the company has built a solid reputation by offering outstanding motorcoach daytrip tours, overnight tours, special event trips, fly tours, and cruise experiences tailored specifically for pre-formed groups. These include senior centers, park and recreation departments, and adult education programs, among others. Renowned for its customer-centric approach, Friendship Tours prides itself on delivering enriching, well-organized travel experiences that cater to the diverse needs of its clientele. The company’s long-standing presence in the market and commitment to exceptional service make it a trusted choice for group travel within the northeastern United States and beyond.

The Group Tour Operations Coordinator is a pivotal role within Friendship Tours, designed for a highly organized and detail-oriented individual who excels in multitasking and thrives in fast-paced environments. This full-time, in-person position reports directly to the Tour Managers and is centered on supporting the Motorcoach Daytrip and Overnight Tour departments to ensure seamless tour execution from planning through departure. The Coordinator is responsible for managing multiple tours at once, handling operational details, vendor coordination, documentation, and client communication with precision and care.

Critical to the role is the ability to juggle various tasks including itinerary preparation, managing reservations and rooming lists, negotiating vendor contracts, and maintaining accurate records within proprietary reservation and CRM systems. The position also incorporates functions related to trip insurance quoting and administration, offering an added layer of service to clients by providing clear and accurate coverage options. Furthermore, the role supports marketing initiatives by creating and updating promotional materials using tools like Microsoft Publisher and Canva, and assisting in social media and email marketing campaigns. The Coordinator plays a vital part in building and maintaining lasting relationships with clients and suppliers by delivering excellent customer service and addressing any operational challenges proactively.

In addition to these operational responsibilities, the Coordinator serves an important administrative role by handling reception duties and mastering proprietary tour software to enhance workflow efficiency. Familiarity with emerging technologies, including AI tools such as ChatGPT, is encouraged to optimize research, content creation, and overall work productivity. Candidates with 1 to 3 years of relevant industry experience, particularly within group motorcoach tours, and strong organizational and communication skills are poised to succeed in this role. Geographic knowledge emphasizing Northeast destinations in both the United States and Canada is particularly advantageous, as is experience with travel insurance processes and tourism industry insights. A college degree, preferably with a focus on Travel & Tourism or related fields, is considered an asset.

In summary, the Group Tour Operations Coordinator at Friendship Tours offers a dynamic and rewarding career opportunity for those passionate about travel, detail-oriented operational work, and customer service excellence. This role is integral to the company’s continued success and growth in delivering memorable travel experiences to its valued clients.