Lars van Leeuwen
Travel Agent | Bespoke Itineraries & International Reservations
Utrecht
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Travel Agent with extensive experience curating customized leisure itineraries, international air ticketing, and corporate travel solutions. Proficient in Amadeus GDS, vendor negotiations, and Dutch travel consumer standards, with a track record of delivering seamless client journeys and sustained repeat bookings.
Professional Experience
VanderVeen Travel Collective
Utrecht, Netherlands
Travel Agent
May 2022 – Present
- Design bespoke long-haul and regional itineraries for over 220 high-value leisure clients annually, achieving a 94% customer satisfaction rating.
- Manage end-to-end flight, rail, lodging, and private transfer bookings using Amadeus GDS, ensuring full compliance with ANVR and SGR protection terms.
- Negotiate preferred contract rates with boutique hoteliers and destination management companies across Southern Europe and Japan.
- Oversee emergency itinerary re-accommodations during severe weather delays and airline disruptions, minimizing traveler downtime.
Grachtenstad Reizen
Utrecht, Netherlands
Junior Travel Consultant
Sept 2019 – Apr 2022
- Handled incoming reservations and custom holiday packages for retail customers, generating over €650,000 in bookings annually.
- Conducted ticketing, schedule changes, and refund processing for European scheduled airlines and charter flights.
- Advised travelers on entry documentation, visa requirements, and travel insurance coverage prior to departure.
Education
Breda University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Business Administration · Tourism Management · Breda, Netherlands · 7.8 / 10 · Sept 2015 – Jul 2019
Completed specialized coursework in international destination management, airline distribution systems, and sustainable tourism practices.
Graduated with a thesis project focused on customer retention strategies for independent Dutch tour operators.
Selected Projects
Nordic Sustainable Rail Itineraries Initiative
Sept 2023 – Mar 2024
- Researched and built 8 modular eco-friendly itinerary templates through Scandinavia, promoting rail connections and certified eco-lodges.
- Partnered with local Nordic suppliers to secure net rates, increasing seasonal package bookings by 18%.
Core Competencies
Amadeus GDS
Tailor-Made Itinerary Design
IATA Ticketing & Fare Calculation
ANVR & SGR Regulations
Supplier Contract Negotiation
Corporate Travel Coordination
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Crisis Management & Rebooking
Destination Marketing
Travel Insurance Administration
Languages
Dutch
C2
English
C1
German
B2
Spanish
A2
Certifications
IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma
International Air Transport Association (IATA) · Mar 2020
Amadeus Certified Ticketing Expert
Amadeus IT Group · Nov 2021
Volunteer Experience
Utrecht International Film Festival Foundation
Utrecht, Netherlands · Sept 2023 – Oct 2023
- Guest Services Logistics Volunteer
- Coordinated international guest transfers, hospitality desks, and itinerary guides for visiting filmmakers and press delegations.