Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UNIT SUMMARY
In this unit you have examined many different asp
e
cts of retail travel, which is going through a period of rapid
change brought about by the growth of the interne
t
. You have investigated the business environment in which
retail travel operates and the products and services
o
ffered by agents. You have examined how advances in
technology are affecting retail travel operations, in p
ar
ticular the impact on traditional distribution channels.
You have seen why and how travel agents gain competit
i
ve advantage over their rivals, e.g. by discounting,
increasing their product range or investing in staff traini
n
g. Finally, you have looked in detail at selecting,
costing and providing information for package and tailor-made holidays. Throughout the unit you have been
shown many industry examples, while the case studies on ABTA - The Travel Association, Worldchoice and
IATA, highlight key issues in the operation and regulation of the retail travel industry.
If you have worked methodically, by the end of this unit you should
:
•
Know the retail travel environment;
•
Know retail travel operational practices;
•
Understand how retail travel organisations seek to gain competitive advantage;
•
Be able to select, cost and provide information for leisure holidays to meet
the needs of customers.
You are now in a position to complete the assignment for the unit, under the dire
c
tion of your tutor. Before
you tackle the assignment you may like to have a go at the following questions to help build your knowledge
of retail travel operations.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
1.
What are 'principals'?
2.
Give an example of 'horizontal integration' in retail travel.
3.
What is a 'multiple' travel agent?
4.
Explain what is meant by 'vertical integration' and why it i
s
s
ometimes considered to be against the
public interest.
5.
What is 'directional selling'?
6.
Why are e-agents becoming so popular?
7.
What is 'racking'?
8.
Name 3 travel agents' consortia.
9.
What is 'dynamic packaging'?
10.
Why do travel agents try to gain competitive advantage?
