Charlie Thurston

About Charlie Thurston

Avid world traveler always seeking new opportunities to explore the globe and help others to do the same. Detail-oriented and organized Travel & Tourism professional with five years of experience in product development, market analysis, and program management who thrives in fast-paced environments balancing multiple projects of international scope. Graduated from Duke University in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in International Comparative Studies, and a minor in Spanish.

Experience

1. Adventure Director - Europe & Asia

   Natural Habitat Adventures

   Jul 2024 — Present · Boulder, CO, US

   Develop, organize and operate Nat Hab’s trip itineraries to the highest possible standards• Liaise and negotiate with operators and/or vendors around the world to manage all trip logistics and reservations required, such as hotel nights, restaurants, trip activities, permits, and transportation.• Provide content for and maintain digital and print marketing materials, monitor sales performance and gross margin, and develop trip pricing.• Organize, build and ensure the complete accuracy of dates, pricing and other key trip details in our CRM software and on the Nat Hab website.• Provide support for field staff, helping to ensure trip quality and safety as well as branding in the field.• Act as a resource for in-house Adventure Specialist and Guest Services colleagues regarding trip-specific information such as itinerary, hotel, meal or transportation details. • Ensure guides are prepared with pre-trip instructions and complete traveler information. • Act as a problem-solver for guides, field staff and operators as required, including nights and weekends if necessary.• Responsible for after-hours phone approximately 4 weeks a year for emergency coverage.• Continually review and implement feedback from guests and guides to improve future departures.• Ensure partners are compliant in terms of risk management, contracts, insurance and other details.• Assist in the planning and execution of Expedition Leader training retreats locally and around the world.• Review and approve invoicing from vendors.

Education

• Duke University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Public Policy Studies, International Comparative Studies

  2010 — 2014

Skills

• Event Planning
• Public Speaking
• Editing
• Salesforce.com
• Marketing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Strategy
• Policy
• Memos
• Social Media
• Recruiting
• Spanish
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Research