Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Helena Sweeney

Shannon,Co. Clare

Summary

With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in yield and revenue management, reservations, and customer service. My roles at Emirates Airlines, Hannon Travel, and Core Optimisation have honed my skills in managing complex projects, developing and implementing effective strategies, and leading teams to achieve outstanding results. I have a strong analytical and commercial approach, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to delivering a world-class visitor experience. My ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, coupled with my experience in developing and optimizing booking systems, makes me well-suited to contribute to the success of Clare Tourism Development DAC. I am passionate about the tourism industry and am eager to bring my expertise to help develop and promote Clare’s signature visitor attractions.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1998
1998
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Project Co-ordinator

Core Optimisation
02.2024 - 10.2024
  • Coordinated digital needs assessments and project delivery for Failte Ireland businesses
  • Managed schedules, risks, and administrative tasks
  • Collaborated with clients and internal teams to meet deadlines

Account Manager

Hannon Travel
09.2022 - 02.2024
  • Onboarded and trained new clients on Hannon Technologies
  • Enhanced Airline/Hotel contracts and frequent flyer programs
  • Built relationships with key corporates and suppliers

Operations Director

Conference Connections
06.2022 - 09.2022
  • Planned and executed event plans and concepts
  • Managed budgets, vendor negotiations, and client meetings
  • Ensured attention to detail and effective decision-making under pressure

Business Development Manager

Bowsy.com
09.2021 - 05.2022
  • Identified and qualified key companies for the Bowsy Platform
  • Built client relationships and created proposals
  • Reported to the CEO on business aspects and performance

Leisure & Corporate Account Manager

Emirates Airlines
08.2015 - 12.2021
  • Managed and grew business with existing leisure and corporate clients
  • Promoted Emirates products and network
  • Organised and attended industry and corporate events

Self Employed

Travel Counsellor
08.2012 - 08.2015
  • Started and managed own travel company
  • Sought new business and converted bookings

Temp

Temping DHL
06.2012 - 08.2012
  • Analyzed shipment reports and tracked shipments
  • Produced invoices and efficiency reports

Business Development Manager

TRAVELSAVERS LTD.
08.2005 - 06.2012
  • Reported on sales and business development activities
  • Organized conferences, meetings, and training workshops
  • Developed marketing and sales materials

Travel Consultant

Beacon Travel Worldchoice
11.2002 - 07.2005
  • Managed BSP, ticketing, and reservations
  • Handled daily banking and accounting

Travel Consultant

Tom Mannion Travel
08.2002 - 11.2002
  • Provided relief work for holiday and maternity leave
  • Attended customer care and selling skills courses

Cabin Crew

Ryanair
10.1999 - 04.2002
  • Attended first aid and customer care courses
  • Managed in-flight situations and cash handling

Education

Leaving Certificate -

Bruce College

Train the Trainer - Fetac level 6

IID Trainer Skills Certificate

Marketing - ICM Diploma

Clare Business College

Computers and Office Skills - Fetac level 5

FAS Training Centre

Protempo System Overview Amadeus - Certificate Amadeus

Amadeus Ireland

Skills

  • Yield/revenue management
  • Reservations
  • Analytical skills
  • Commercial approach
  • PC-based systems
  • Reporting technologies
  • Organisational skills
  • Multi-tasking skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making
  • Team management
  • Leadership skills
  • Commitment to excellence
  • Service delivery
  • Driving licence
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills


Additional Information

Strong work ethic with a flexible attitude, Willingness to put in extra effort to ensure a world-class visitor experience, Strategic approach to operations and openness to change, Excellent interpersonal skills, Available to travel to all tourism sites in the Clare Tourism portfolio

Timeline

Project Co-ordinator

Core Optimisation
02.2024 - 10.2024

Account Manager

Hannon Travel
09.2022 - 02.2024

Operations Director

Conference Connections
06.2022 - 09.2022

Business Development Manager

Bowsy.com
09.2021 - 05.2022

Leisure & Corporate Account Manager

Emirates Airlines
08.2015 - 12.2021

Self Employed

Travel Counsellor
08.2012 - 08.2015

Temp

Temping DHL
06.2012 - 08.2012

Business Development Manager

TRAVELSAVERS LTD.
08.2005 - 06.2012

Travel Consultant

Beacon Travel Worldchoice
11.2002 - 07.2005

Travel Consultant

Tom Mannion Travel
08.2002 - 11.2002

Cabin Crew

Ryanair
10.1999 - 04.2002

Train the Trainer - Fetac level 6

IID Trainer Skills Certificate

Marketing - ICM Diploma

Clare Business College

Computers and Office Skills - Fetac level 5

FAS Training Centre

Protempo System Overview Amadeus - Certificate Amadeus

Amadeus Ireland

Leaving Certificate -

Bruce College
Helena Sweeney