JAN VAN DER VELDEN
Neckargemünd,Deutschland
Summary
Tourism professional with 17 years of experience in delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable guest experiences. Proven leadership skills demonstrated through managing diverse teams and enhancing productivity through effective communication and quality assurance. High proficiency in complaint handling and emergency troubleshooting, complemented by fluency in German, Dutch, English, and Italian. Extensive background in international tourism, including roles on cruise ships and as a general manager of a successful tourism company.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Operations Manager
Grafton Beach Resort& Le Grand Curland Spa Resort
Black Rock, Trinidad and Tobago
11.2024 - 04.2026
- Directed operations across two hotels, overseeing a team of 90 staff members.
- Liaised with stakeholders to promote transparent communication and informed decision-making.
- Optimised workflow procedures through strategic planning and effective team coordination.
- Achieved significant reductions in overhead costs via efficient resource allocation and budget management.
- Led teams to successfully meet business objectives within timeframes and budget limits.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning, significantly enhancing workforce competency.
- Maintained seamless business operations by delegating tasks according to staff capabilities.
- Monitored health and safety compliance to ensure operational safety standards.
- Coordinated recruitment and training strategies to build a high-performing administrative team.
Business owner and General Manager
Campingplatz an der Friedensbrücke
Neckargemünd, Germany
12.2019 - 03.2024
- Directed operations of campsite, overseeing management of budgets and resources.
- Implemented customer satisfaction strategies that elevated guest experiences.
- Led a team of 20 employees across various departments including reception and maintenance.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering professional development.
- Engaged with customers and promptly addressed inquiries to maintain service quality.
- Enhanced business profitability by analysing performance indicators and initiating corrective actions.
- Scheduled regular team meetings to align on business priorities and issues.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and improve efficiencies.
Guest Relation Manager
Costa Cruiselines
International
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Achieve heightened repeat business through innovative loyalty programmes and tailored guest offers.
- Boost customer satisfaction by effectively managing complaints and ensuring satisfactory compensation.
- Generate engaging seasonal events and campaigns that enhance guest experience and inspire loyalty.
- Collaborated closely with other department managers to ensure seamless operation across different services.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing their queries and concerns.
- Managed reception operations, ensuring smooth check-ins and check-outs for guests.
International Ambassador
Costa Cruiselines
Worldwide
11.2012 - 03.2017
- Supported German and Dutch speaking guests on board cruise ship.
- Facilitated public speaking in front of large groups.
- Conducted lectures and presentations on big stages.
- Addressed guest requests and resolved complaints.
- Translated communications into other languages.
- Collaborated with heads of departments to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Organised events such as lectures, theme parties, and cocktail parties.
- Created enjoyable customer experiences through attentive service.
- Managed reception operations to ensure efficient check-ins and check-outs.
Education
Abitur GCE A-levels - General University Entrance Qualification
Willy-Hellpach Gymnasium
Heidelberg, Germany 01.2008 -
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN TOURISM AND BUSINESS ADMINIST - Studies with a focus on tourist processes, destination analysis, feasibility studies, behaviour of tourist markets, Market regulation and language skills
Breda University of Applied Sciences
Breda, Netherlands 01.2012 -
Skills
- Emergency Troubleshooting
- Complaint Handling
- Revenue Management
- Customer satisfaction
- Company Schedule Coordinating
- Guest Engagement
- Complaint Handling
- On-site event management
- Team supervision
- Hospitality
- Marketing strategy
- Translating into various languages
- Customer relations
- Operational improvement
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
Languages
German
Native
Dutch
Native
English
Fluent
Italian
Elementary
Albanian
Elementary
Timeline
Operations Manager
Grafton Beach Resort& Le Grand Curland Spa Resort
11.2024 - 04.2026
Business owner and General Manager
Campingplatz an der Friedensbrücke
12.2019 - 03.2024
Guest Relation Manager
Costa Cruiselines
07.2017 - 10.2019
International Ambassador
Costa Cruiselines
11.2012 - 03.2017
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN TOURISM AND BUSINESS ADMINIST - Studies with a focus on tourist processes, destination analysis, feasibility studies, behaviour of tourist markets, Market regulation and language skills
Breda University of Applied Sciences
01.2012 -
Abitur GCE A-levels - General University Entrance Qualification
Willy-Hellpach Gymnasium
01.2008 -