Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Antonella Balestra

Zanzibar,Tanzania

Summary

A seasoned tourism and hospitality professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, known for pioneering initiatives in Zanzibar and Tanzania. Instrumental in establishing the first international hotel for Turisanda in Zanzibar in 1990, and later investing in Mafia Island with Kinasi Ltd, a boutique lodge. Founded Zanzibar Travel Services and the first tourism association, ZATI, demonstrating leadership and commitment to local collaboration. Recognised with the Ordine della Stella d'Italia for contributions to tourism management on Zanzibar Island. Recently revitalised a flower farm into a vanilla project, showcasing adaptability and innovation. Honorary member of the Hotel Association Zanzibar (HAZ), reflecting ongoing influence in the industry.

Reliable and proactive with strong ability to manage operations and lead teams to achieve optimal station performance. Demonstrates excellent problem-solving and communication skills, ensuring smooth daily functions and high customer satisfaction. Committed to making significant impact in [Desired Position] role.

Detailed orientated individual experienced in administrative procedures. Oversees day-to-day duties with strong planning and organisation skills to delivers projects in timely manner.

Professional project management specialist with experience working with teams to accomplish short- and long-term project goals. Managed budgets and monitored project costs.

Experienced Station Manager with knack for streamlining operations and enhancing passenger satisfaction. Delivered noticeable improvements in station efficiency and customer service through innovative strategies and team leadership. Known for fostering collaborative work environments that drive performance and safety.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Station manager

Zanzibar travel services
Zanzibar, The western urban region district
01.2005 - Current
  • Improved customer satisfaction with diligent attention to passenger concerns.
  • Monitored ticket sales, enhancing revenue generation.
  • Coordinated and managed allocation of drivers and vehicles to service network, guaranteeing efficient, accurate deliveries.
  • Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
  • Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
  • Analysed and resolved complex resource management issues for optimised scheduling.
  • Handled shift changes efficiently to ensure continuous station operation.
  • Liaised with local authorities on matters of public security and safety for enhanced community relationships.
  • Developed operational strategies that drove efficiency across all departments.
  • Created cost-effective haulage plans in line with customer expectations and service level agreements.
  • Prioritised order acknowledgements and coordinated appropriate delivery modes and equipment.
  • Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events.
  • Maintained vehicle fleet with precise coordination of preventive maintenance and functional repairs.
  • Participated in recruitment, selection and induction of new drivers.
  • Communicated with drivers to address accurate start times, load information and route issues.
  • Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
  • Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
  • Assisted with employee relations issues, addressing disciplinaries, grievances and absences.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks, ensuring timely repairs and upgrades of facilities.

Tour leader

Turisanda spa
Milan , centre
02.1980 - 12.2013
  • Assessed weather and traffic condition to avoid conflict with tour.
  • Operated motorised vehicles and equipment following health and safety standards.
  • Created memorable holiday experiences through careful planning and execution.
  • Developed special event tours for different times of years and tour groups.
  • Assisted clients with special needs requiring additional support around vehicles or site environment.
  • Toured [Type] museum with groups of up to [Number], moving through exhibits and adding interesting details.
  • Monitored tour guests' behaviour and enforced site and tour rules.
  • Led large groups through various sites ensuring no one got lost or left behind.
  • Protected group members by following safety guidelines.
  • Rendered first aid or CPR in cases of injury or illness during tours.
  • Ensured seamless travel experience by handling logistics and resolving issues promptly.
  • Conducted pre-trip briefings for informed, prepared travellers.
  • Enhanced local tourism by recommending additional attractions and points of interest in surrounding area.
  • Organised evening activities, leading to increased client satisfaction.
  • Learned historical and cultural details of landmark site to enrich tours.
  • Helped visitors feel welcome with friendly conversations, personal help and engaging stories.
  • Conducted foreign-language tours using advanced [Language] abilities.
  • Issued identifying badges and safety devices to guests.
  • Handled emergency situations calmly, preserving traveller confidence in company services.
  • Interpreted and translated languages for tourists to understand.
  • Led groups on trips and sightseeing tours to explore [Location].

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - industrial photographi

Istituto professionale industriale Franco Balbis
TORINO
09.1975 - 06.1979

Skills

-1990 based on Zanzibar to open the first internation htl for italian tour operator Turisanda

-1996 investment in Mafia Island Tanzania, small lodge 15 private bungalow kinasi ltd

-2002 open in cooperation with local people, Zanzibar Travel Services

-2002 i am the founder of the first association for tourism ZATI

( Zanzibar Aassociation Tourism Investor )

-2008 open the flower farm, closed in 2013

2021 re open the farm with vanilla project

-2013 - nomina ORDINE DELLA STELLA D' iTALIA, Cavaliere

for the tourism management on the Zanzibar island

-2021- honorary member of new association HAZ

(Hotel association Zanzibar)


Timeline

Station manager

Zanzibar travel services
01.2005 - Current

Tour leader

Turisanda spa
02.1980 - 12.2013

Diploma of Higher Education - industrial photographi

Istituto professionale industriale Franco Balbis
09.1975 - 06.1979
Antonella Balestra