Lara Pelizzola
Boston
Summary
Luxury travel expert specializing in Italy with 10 years of experience crafting bespoke itineraries. Native Italian speaker with knowledge of Italy, its territory and top luxury hotels. Proven track record in developing strong relationships with luxury travel advisors and exceeding sales goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of VIP Reservations
Perfetto Traveler
New York
08.2018 - Current
- Plans tailor-made luxury itineraries to Italy, focusing on the top spenders ($80K and above).
- Develops and maintains relationships with top U.S. and Canadian travel advisors, and works as an Account Manager for the highest-producing agencies.
- Represents the company in trade shows, and coordinates all aspects of the planning process.
- Plans and personally attends sales trips in the US, focusing primarily on the East Coast.
- Supervises all of the company's sales efforts.
- Works in a fast-paced environment, meeting daily deadlines, and responding to time-sensitive requests.
- Works with a fully remote, international team to coordinate logistics.
- Trains numerous new hires over the years.
- Creates and conducts workshops highlighting various destinations throughout Italy to a large audience of new and existing travel partners.
Travel Consultant
Flight Center USA
New York
11.2015 - 06.2018
- Provided vacation planning for individual clients, large groups and corporate accounts.
- Excelled in a competitive sales environment and consistently met monthly sales goals.
- Experience with planning complex tailor-made vacations, including flights, hotels, transportation and activities.
- Extensive knowledge of travel destinations, luxury hotels, escorted tours and cruises.
- Assisted in internal office tasks including organizing daily meetings, sales reports, and payment reconciliation.
Assistant General Manager
83 ½ Italian Restaurant
New York
02.2014 - 10.2015
- Coordinated employee schedules and pay, and managed inventory.
- Organized large private parties and promoted the restaurant through social media.
Export Office Assistant, Secretary to Managing Director
Manerba Spa
Mantova
09.2013 - 01.2014
- Maintained direct contact with existing customers to prepare sale offers.
- Researched and contacted new and potential clients to offer the company's services.
- Prepared shipping documents, customs papers and organized transport.
- Handled customer concerns and complaints.
Commercial Office Assistant (internship)
Italian Embassy
Dar-es-Salaam
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Reviewed and summarized Tanzanian economic and political reports for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Researched commercial information for Italian businesses to invest in Tanzania.
- Organized the Ambassador's social calendar and overviewed the organization of the annual gala dinner.
Education
Master - International Business Relationship
University of Verona
Italy01.2013
Erasmus Exchange Project - School of Modern Languages
University of Leicester
UK03.2010
Bachelor - Languages for International Business
University of Verona
Italy01.2010
Skills
- Luxury itinerary planning
- Knowledge of Italy, its territory and numerous luxury hotels
- Account management
- Sales strategy development
- Remote team coordination
- Client retention strategies
- Effective communication
- Familiar with industry softwares, including Monday CRM and AXUS
Languages
- Italian, Native
- English, Fluent
- French, Conversational
Timeline
Director of VIP Reservations
Perfetto Traveler
08.2018 - Current
Travel Consultant
Flight Center USA
11.2015 - 06.2018
Assistant General Manager
83 ½ Italian Restaurant
02.2014 - 10.2015
Export Office Assistant, Secretary to Managing Director
Manerba Spa
09.2013 - 01.2014
Commercial Office Assistant (internship)
Italian Embassy
09.2012 - 12.2012
Master - International Business Relationship
University of Verona
Erasmus Exchange Project - School of Modern Languages
University of Leicester
Bachelor - Languages for International Business
University of Verona