Independent Contractor Evaluator (Asia/Pacific)

Forbes Travel Guide is seeking a multi-lingual independent contractor, incognito evaluator for the Asia-Pacific region. 

Forbes Travel Guide's professional team of incognito evaluators travel the world to assess hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships based on hundreds of exacting standards that determine our coveted annual Star Ratings and provide valuable insight to hospitality industry clients.

The Independent Contractor Evaluator will be responsible for gathering all information required to conduct and complete reports for assigned evaluations. The Independent Contractor Evaluator is compensated per evaluation executed.

The Independent Contractor Evaluator position involves extensive travel throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and, on occasion, globally. The ideal candidate will be based in close proximity to a major international airport.

Candidates for the evaluator position cannot maintain a concurrent role in the hospitality industry or one with a direct conflict of interest while working with Forbes Travel Guide.

This position has an expected start date in early 2027. Applications who apply now will be vetted and entered into a talent pool, from which the best candidates will be selected. Applicants will be notified when they are added to the talent pool.

DEPARTMENT: Evaluation Operations

LOCATION: Remote; Major East and Southeast Asian cities with close access to a major international airport

EXPECTED START DATE: Early 2027

TYPE: Independent contractor

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: 5-7 years

NOTE: This posting is intended for applicants currently residing within a major city in the Asia-Pacific region. If you have plans to move to the region, please include those details in your cover letter.

Responsibilities

• Execute unannounced incognito evaluations applying intimate understanding of Forbes Travel Guide standards and required application in accordance with official interpretations at all times.

• Manage travel itinerary based on assignment; complete evaluations in cost-effective manner, following departmental policies and procedures.

• Maintain meticulous notes regarding property and logistics to assist evaluation planning department in future execution.

• Communicate effectively with colleagues and headquarters to ensure timely and accurate reporting.

• Position requires consumption of food and drink as required for evaluation purposes.

• Maintain a professional and appropriate demeanor on behalf of Forbes Travel Guide.

Requirements

• Strong writing skills required; experience or familiarity with luxury travel and writing about travel, spa, food, wine, style or design preferred.

• Low profile; preferred candidates do not have prominent social media personalities or an online presence connecting them to the industry, including bylines. Chosen candidates will be required to maintain a low profile and possibly reduce their online footprint.

• Ability to multitask and handle significant daily deadlines.

• Extremely organized, mature, self-motivated and independent worker.

• Detail-orientated with a strong ability to keep meticulous records and prepare accurate reports both manually and through electronic channels.

• Well-traveled globally, experience traveling independently.

• Strong communication skills

• Fluency in English required; Exceptional Mandarin-speaking and reading abilities is a strong plus, as is proficiency in other regionally relevant languages

• Technologically proficient

• Experience with Forbes Travel Guide standards and reports a plus

• Must be located near a major airport for cost-conscious, flexible travel

• Flexible availability, able to travel a minimum of 10 days per month

• Weekend/weekday and international/domestic travel required