SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE – Friends Travel & Booking Agent (GSSA)

A National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Tourism, or a related field is commonly preferred by employers in Namibia. Relevant short courses—such as those offered by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) or accredited private providers in digital marketing, customer service, or IATA/UFTAA fundamentals—are highly valued. Prior experience in sales, tourism, or GSSA operations is often considered equivalent to formal qualifications, especially in smaller agencies.

Daily tasks include responding to client inquiries via phone, email, and social media; processing bookings for flights, tours, and accommodation; and promoting packages through local outreach, WhatsApp campaigns, and community events. You’ll also update CRM systems, prepare weekly sales reports, and collaborate with regional suppliers—many of whom operate across SADC borders, requiring awareness of visa and documentation requirements for Namibian travellers.

Namibian employers place strong emphasis on personal relationships, trust, and face-to-face engagement—especially when dealing with clients in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, or regional towns where word-of-mouth referrals carry significant weight. Punctuality, respectful communication (including use of local languages like Oshiwambo or Afrikaans where appropriate), and adaptability to informal business settings—such as meeting clients at shopping malls or community centres—are widely expected and valued.

With 2–3 years of proven performance, you may advance to Senior Executive, Team Leader, or Branch Coordinator roles—particularly within larger agencies operating in multiple Namibian towns. Some professionals transition into specialised areas such as corporate travel management, destination marketing partnerships with NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD, or even launch registered small tourism enterprises supported by the Namibia Financial Institutions Trust (NFIT) or DTI initiatives.

Most established agencies offer at least 20 days annual leave, statutory sick leave, and basic medical aid contributions—though coverage levels vary and are often shared between employer and employee per Namibian Labour Act provisions. Pension or retirement fund enrolment is increasingly common, especially where agencies are registered with the Namibian National Social Security Commission (NSSC), and some provide modest travel allowances or discounted booking privileges for staff and immediate family.