Erika Jakobsson

ERIKA SAMANTHA BANDY JAKOBSSON Kallaxön 38, Luleå 97595, Sweden | - |- SUMMARY Accomplished hospitality and travel management professional with over 15 years of experience in luxury hotel operations, customized travel services, and team leadership. Adept at driving operational excellence, optimizing guest experiences, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams, developing innovative sales strategies, and fostering strong relationships with industry partners. Proven ability to streamline processes, implement technology solutions, and manage high-volume, complex projects. With a strong foundation in hospitality management and a focus on delivering exceptional service, I bring a commitment to upholding the highest standards while achieving business objectives and client satisfaction. CORE PROFICIENCIES ❖ Operational Efficiency ❖ Revenue Management ❖ Training and Development ❖ Sales Strategy and Negotiation ❖ Team Leadership and Management ❖ Customer Relationship Management (CRM) ❖ Crisis Management ❖ Project Management ❖ Luxury Travel Planning ❖ Cross-Department Collaboration ❖ Event and Conference Management ❖ Systems Implementation and Troubleshooting PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AQUA EXPEDITIONS 03/2022 to 02/2025 RESERVATIONS MANAGER As Reservations Manager at Aqua Expeditions, I lead and manage a team focused on handling reservations and inquiries from both trade and direct consumer markets. I drive operational efficiency through system optimization, develop strategic sales initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless processes and achieve revenue goals. ❖ Lead and manage a team of 11, overseeing inquiries and requests from both trade and direct consumer markets. ❖ Serve as the RESCO system champion, addressing technical issues and facilitating bimonthly cross-departmental meetings to resolve system-related concerns. ❖ Collaborate with CRM and IT teams to optimize processes, enhancing functionality and minimizing human error. ❖ Conduct weekly team meetings and monthly revenue management sessions, contributing to sales and marketing strategy development. ❖ Develop and implement effective negotiation strategies and sales techniques, driving monthly sales closures of $3.3M. ARCTIC BATH 07/2020 to 09/2021 HOTEL MANAGER As Hotel Manager at Arctic Bath, I directed the overall operations of a 12-cabin property, ensuring seamless integration of housekeeping, restaurant, spa, and front office services. I was instrumental in establishing operational procedures, driving sales initiatives, and partnering with regional tourism boards to enhance destination visibility and promote yearround business growth. ❖ Spearheaded the opening of a 12-cabin property, establishing comprehensive operational policies and procedures across all departments, including housekeeping, restaurant, spa, front office, and P R. ❖ Conducted strategic sales calls to global travel industry partners, representing the property at online trade shows and destination events through Nordic Marketing. ❖ Collaborated closely with the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board and Boden Tourism Board to promote the region as a year-round destination for both winter and summer. ❖ Streamlined operational processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency across all guest-facing departments. ❖ Elevated brand visibility and market presence by fostering key industry relationships and executing targeted promotional campaigns. LUX TRAVEL ERIKA, INC. 2015 to 2020 CEO As CEO of Lux Travel Erika, Inc., I directed the company's operations, overseeing the creation of bespoke luxury travel itineraries for high-net-worth clients globally. I fostered strategic relationships with key suppliers, drove business development initiatives, and maintained a commitment to delivering unparalleled, personalized travel experiences. ❖ Curated and delivered customized luxury travel itineraries for high-net-worth clients worldwide, ensuring exceptional and personalized experiences. ❖ Fostered and maintained strategic relationships with key suppliers through regular networking and participation in industry conferences. ❖ Conducted extensive travel research to explore new destinations and uncover unique opportunities for clients. ❖ Applied industry knowledge to continually enhance offerings, ensuring the highest standards of service and exclusivity. ❖ Led business development initiatives, driving company growth and expanding the client base through targeted marketing and strategic partnerships. ELITE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL, USA 2011 to 2015 VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS As Vice President of Operations at Elite Travel International, I led operational strategy and managed a team of agents to ensure seamless day-to-day business functions. I oversaw financial operations, including commission tracking and payment processing, while driving continuous improvements in systems and processes to support organizational growth and operational excellence. ❖ Generated and processed detailed invoices for a team of 15 agents utilizing Client Base and TRAMS systems, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. ❖ Managed and tracked supplier commissions, overseeing the reconciliation and processing of payments. ❖ Collaborated with accounting teams to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and adherence to company policies. ❖ Streamlined invoicing and payment processes to enhance efficiency and minimize errors. ❖ Implemented robust procedures for payment processing, contributing to improved operational effectiveness and financial oversight. THE RITZ CARLTON PENHA LONGA, SINTRA, PORTUGAL 2007 to 2010 ASSISTANT FRONT OFFICE MANAGER As Assistant Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa, I oversaw daily front office operations, ensuring the highest standards of guest service and operational efficiency. I led a team of full-time and part-time staff, managed scheduling, and facilitated effective communication between front and back-office departments to deliver a seamless and exceptional guest experience. ❖ Led and managed a team of full-time and part-time employees, coordinating 24-hour shift schedules to ensure consistent operational coverage. ❖ Delivered exceptional guest service by promptly addressing guest needs while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. ❖ Oversaw daily front and back-office operations, utilizing Opera and Mystique systems to ensure seamless workflow and efficiency. ❖ Supervised and mentored staff, ensuring consistent delivery of service excellence and adherence to operational protocols. ❖ Optimized operational processes to enhance productivity, ensuring smooth coordination between front and back-office functions. PRINCEVILLE RESORT, KAUAI, HAWAII, USA 2006 to 2007 HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER As Housekeeping Manager at Princeville Resort, I directed all aspects of housekeeping operations, including turndown services, guest requests, and VIP requirements, ensuring exceptional standards of cleanliness and service. I managed and trained a team of over 15 room attendants, optimizing daily operations to maintain efficiency and elevate guest satisfaction. ❖ Supervised turndown and PM services, ensuring prompt response to guest requests and fulfilling special VIP requirements. ❖ Led comprehensive training for a team of 15+ room attendants, overseeing AM preshifts and warm-up procedures to ensure efficient operations. ❖ Monitored and managed the daily output of the Laundry Department, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency. ❖ Maintained exceptional cleanliness standards and service delivery to enhance overall guest satisfaction. ❖ Optimized team performance and streamlined housekeeping processes to improve operational efficiency and service quality. HOTEL PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, USA 2004 to 2006 FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR As Front Office Supervisor at Hotel Providence, I contributed to the development and implementation of operational procedures for a newly established 80-room boutique hotel. I ensured exceptional guest service, played a pivotal role in securing the AAA Four Diamond Award, and efficiently managed front office operations to uphold high standards of guest experience. ❖ Contributed to the development and implementation of operational procedures for the inaugural 80-room boutique hotel in Providence. ❖ Played a critical role in securing the AAA Four Diamond Award within six months of the hotel's opening through effective staff training and operational excellence. ❖ Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs to enhance staff proficiency and ensure exceptional service standards. ❖ Managed daily front office operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences and operational efficiency. ❖ Collaborated closely with hotel leadership to drive continuous improvement in guest satisfaction and overall service delivery. TURNBERRY ISLES RESORT & CLUB, AVENTURA, FL, USA 2003 to 2004 GUEST SERVICES AGENT As a Guest Services Agent at Turn berry Isles Resort & Club, I delivered exceptional service by managing guest checkins and check-outs, addressing inquiries, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout their stay. I also contributed to the development of training materials and played an integral role during the transition between management companies. ❖ Developed and revised a comprehensive training manual for incoming Front Desk Agents, ensuring effective use of the Springer Miller computer system. ❖ Recognized as "Great Employee of the Month" (GEM) for outstanding performance and dedication in September. ❖ Contributed to the seamless transition between Mandarin Oriental and Fairmont management companies, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. ❖ Provided training and guidance to new staff, fostering consistency in service quality and operational procedures. ❖ Collaborated with team members to maintain high levels of guest satisfaction and operational efficiency during the management transition. EDUCATION ❖ High School Diploma | Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lima, Peru ❖ Hospitality Management | Johnson & Wales University, North Miami, Fl Campus & Providence, R.I. Campus, USA ❖ Bachelor's Degree May 2002 June 2006