Essenza Escapes Ltd Is Hiring A Travel Planner

Join Our Luxury Travel Team as a Travel Planner in Italy and the UK 🌍✨

Are you passionate about crafting unforgettable journeys in Italy and the UK? We are seeking an experienced Travel Planner to elevate our bespoke travel experiences for discerning clients. Read on to discover if you meet our essential criteria and how to apply!

🚫 Before You Apply

Please ensure you meet all of the following mandatory requirements, as we receive a high volume of applications and can only consider candidates who match our criteria:

• Residency: You are based in Italy or the United Kingdom. Applications from other countries will not be considered.
• Education: You hold a university degree. A degree in travel, tourism, hospitality, or a related field is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Language Skills: Fluent in both English and Italian, written and spoken.
• Travel Planning Experience: Proven experience in luxury villa rentals, bespoke travel, or high-end DMC operations in Italy.
• Legal Requirements (Italy-based candidates): You must already have a VAT account (Partita IVA) or be willing to open one. This is non-negotiable; please do not apply if you're not prepared to register as self-employed.

🌟 About Essenza Escapes

Essenza Escapes is a luxury travel provider specializing in villa rentals and bespoke itineraries in Italy. As we expand, we are looking for an experienced Travel Planner to join our team and design exceptional journeys for our predominantly US-based clientele.

This role is central to delivering a seamless and memorable client experience—from the first inquiry to post-trip follow-up. You will be the creative force behind each itinerary, collaborating closely with travel agents, property owners, and local suppliers across Italy.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

• Design Personalized Itineraries: Tailored to each client's preferences, interests, and travel style.
• Client Communication: Manage interactions from initial inquiry through to departure, building trust with clients and partner travel agents.
• Sourcing & Negotiation: Quote and confirm villas, experiences, transfers, and services, negotiating terms to ensure the best value.
• Documentation: Produce clear, polished client-facing itineraries and documents.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records in our CRM system for easy access and team collaboration.
• On-Trip Support: Assist clients during their stay, proactively resolving any issues or changing needs.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate long-term relationships with travel partners, property owners, and ground services in Italy.
• Commercial Insight: Balance client satisfaction with healthy margins by applying commercial judgment to itineraries.

🌿 Low Season Activities

During quieter months, your role expands to include property inspections, revising supplier documentation, exploring new destinations, sourcing suppliers, and contributing to process improvements. This period is ideal for deepening your destination knowledge and visiting properties firsthand—one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

🔧 Skills & Experience Needed

• Travel Planning Expertise: Experience in luxury villa rentals, bespoke travel, or high-end DMC operations in Italy.
• Italian Destination Knowledge: Familiarity with regions, hidden gems, seasonality, and guest logistics.
• Client Service Excellence: Ability to anticipate needs and craft recommendations for a luxury clientele.
• Commercial Acumen: Skill in creating mutually beneficial solutions for clients and partners.
• Writing Skills: Clear, evocative itinerary documentation aligned with brand tone.
• Negotiation Skills: Confidently discuss terms with suppliers and property owners.
• Organizational Discipline: Self-motivated and highly accountable in a remote work environment.
• Flexibility: Adaptability to US time zones, including evening and occasional weekend work.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and digital tools.

🎁 What We Offer

• Competitive Salary & Bonus: Based on experience and performance.
• Remote Work: Fully remote role with opportunities for travel across Italy.
• Company Workshops: Bi-annual gatherings in Italy or the UK.
• Experiential Perks: Stay at our luxury properties and firsthand experience of our services.
• Team Environment: Join a warm, ambitious, and supportive team within a rapidly growing company.
• Career Growth: Genuine opportunities for long-term progression.

💰 Salary Note

Final salary depends on your experience and skills. The figures often seen on job portals are estimates and do not reflect our actual package. Please disregard them.

🚀 How to Apply

This position is exclusively advertised on LinkedIn. We do not list openings on other platforms.

To apply, send your CV via email with the subject line: "Travel Planner application – (Your Full Name)".

In the body of your email, briefly answer these questions:

• Current Location & Work Rights: Where are you based, and do you have the right to work there?
• Luxury Travel Experience: Summarize your relevant experience, especially related to Italy.
• Legal/Financial Status (Italy-based only): Do you already hold a Partita IVA, or are you willing to open one?

Applications missing these answers will not be considered. 🌟