Introduction to Travel and Tourism Better by the

Introduction to Travel and Tourism Better by the Bunch: The Tour Industry Today Chapter 6

Common Kinds of Tours • • • Escorted tours Hosted tours Independent and fly-drive tours Hybrid tours City, site, and personal tours

Other Kinds of Tours • • • Adventure tours Ecotourism Incentive trips Student tours Meet-and-greet services

The Tour Manager • Coordinates all travel logistics • Guides travelers through tour’s itinerary • Offers fun and fascinating commentary while traveling and sightseeing • Handles problems and emergencies • Sometimes accompanies the group on the first and last days’ flights

Pros & Cons of Tour Managing • Pros – Lifestyle of great allure – Excellent salary and benefits – Real-world experiences • Cons – Constant pressure and stress – Living on the road – Unstable work situations

Tour Operators • Businesses that put together tour packages by contracting with suppliers • Generally belong to several associations

Why People Take Tours • • Time and money Quest for knowledge Camaraderie Lack of options

What Determines Price • Where the tour is traveling • When the tour is going • Length of time of the travel components

How Tours Are Sold • Packages offered to the public (public tours) • Tours tailored for a preformed affinity group at a special price (charter tours) • Through inbound or outbound operators

Careers in the Tour Industry • Senior executives, directors, and managers • Clerical support and reservationists • Tour conductors, guides, and planners • District sales managers • Human resources/training specialists • Drivers • Technological support