Role of Travel Agent-1
Role of Travel Agent-1
Source: http://www.freme.com/
Package Tours and Packaging
The tourism industry is well known for its ‘packaging’ of
tourism products together into a tour or holiday. A tour
operator typically combines tour and travel components to
create a package holiday.
The most common example of a tour operator’s product
would be a flight on a charter airline plus a transfer from
the airport to a hotel and the services of a local
representative, all at one inclusive price. Many tourists find
buying a package tour a very convenient, economical and
secure way to travel.
Packaging is the process of combining a number of inter-
related tourism products and services that, together, offer
a comprehensive experience for travellers. They are
brought together into a convenient single product at a
lower price than if they were bought separately.
Package Tours and Packaging
Packages can be and often
are designed to appeal to a
specific target market. The
best packages offer unique,
appealing experience or series
of experiences to travellers, at
good value.
Fig. 1.3 clearly indicates that
some tour operators act as
wholesalers and sell their tours
through retail travel agents.
Others sell directly to the
customer, sometimes just over
the internet (see Fig. 1.4). Fig. 1.4 - Internet based
travel and booking agencies
Role of the Tour Operator
In order for tour operators to be able to stay in business and remain
profitable it is important that they are able to do the following:
• Identify and meet consumers’ needs, requests and expectations;
• Assemble tourism products from different providers according to
customer requirements;
• Provide a coordinated and seamless travel experience;
• Reduce prices by negotiating and pre-purchasing tourism products
in bulk;
• Issue and deliver travel documentation, i.e., ticketing, vouchers,
etc.;
• Assess and monitor the quality of facilities and products;
• Reduce the perceived risks for consumers;
• Provide appropriate information by using leaflets, maps, brochures,
videos, CDs etc.;
• Undertake pre and post experience marketing research;
• Promotion of particular products or packages, in co-operation with
suppliers;
• Complaint handling for both customers and industry partners.
Role of the Accommodation Providers