Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This process of agents drawing together separate
components such as hotels, fl ights and add-ons to
create a holiday is known as 'dynamic packaging'.
Many industry insiders consider that it will be the most
important trend in retail travel in the next few years. The
recent decision by lastminute.com to offer its dynamic
packaging technology to the trade is further proof that
there is as much potential online for agents as there is
for consumers.
growth of the internet has allowed many people to
arrange and book their own fl ights online, although
many customers, particularly business travellers,
still look to travel agencies to book their fl ights and
appreciate the more personal service they provide.
Accommodation
Retail travel agencies can book accommodation on
behalf of their clients in hotels and other premises in
the UK and abroad. They earn a commission from the
accommodation provider and can use the opportunity
to perhaps sell other travel products and services to
customers, e.g. fl ights and car hire.
Ancillary sales
Sales of add-ons and ancillary products generate extra
income for retail agents and help their businesses remain
profi table. Products such as airport accommodation
and parking, car hire, passport and visa services, travel
insurance and foreign currency provide agents with
much-needed revenue at a time when commission
payments are being squeezed by tour operators and
other principals.
Activity 9.3
Using a local travel agency with which you are
familiar, describe the range of products and services
it offers its customers.
Activity 9.2
This activity is designed to provide evidence for P1.
Make a list of the add-ons and ancillary products
and services that could be offered to the following
clients by their travel agent:
Links with other travel and
tourism industries
•
A couple celebrating their honeymoon in the
Bahamas at a 5-star resort hotel;
You have learned already that travel and tourism is a
very wide-ranging sector made up of many different
industries. Retail travel agents work in partnership with
many organisations to supply their clients with products
and services, as shown in Figure 9.2.
•
A family of four taking their car on a camping trip
around Europe;
•
Two couples fl ying to the French Alps for a 10-
day skiing trip;
Figure 9.2 demonstrates that travel agencies work
with:
•
A group of college students taking part in a week-
long study tour to Paris;
•
Accommodation providers - including hotels, self-
•
Two young backpackers setting off on a 3-month
catering agents, holiday centres, etc;
trip to Australia and the Far East.
•
Tour operators - these could be mass-market, e.g.
This activity is designed to provide evidence for P1.
Thomson, specialist, domestic or incoming;
•
Transport providers - for example airlines, ferry
Scheduled and charter l ights
companies, cruise operators, car hire fi rms, coach
travel, rail travel, etc;
'Flight-only' sales have traditionally been an important
source of income for travel agents. Nowadays, the
