Tourism Distribution Channel produces the link between the suppliers of travel services and the consumer.

It is a system of distribution that makes the product available. Robert McIntosh defined it as an operating structure, system or linkage of various combinations of travel organizations through which a producer of travel products describes and confirms travel arrangements to t he buyer. Purpose to make sure that potential travelers can obtain the information they need in choosing a vacation or trip and to make the necessary reservation.

Product supplier-consumer channel

Product supplier-travel agent-consumer channel Product supplier-tour operator-consumer channel

There are two types of travel intermediaries:

Travel

agencies tour operators

HISTORY

The modern travel agency first appeared in the second half of the 19th century. Thomas Cook, in addition to developing the package tour, established a chain of agencies in the last quarter of the 19th century, in association with the Midland Railway. The oldest travel agency in North America is Brownell Travel; on July 4, 1887, Walter T. Brownell led ten travelers on a European tour, setting sail from New York on the SS Devonia. Travel agencies became more commonplace with the development of commercial aviation, starting in the 1920s.

FUNCTION
arranges

travel services from suppliers such as airlines, bus companies, railroads, cruise ship companies, car rental agencies, hotels and sightseeing operators. In general, there are two types of travel agents wholesale and retail.

INDEPENDENT

They have one or a few branches, often close to each other Independents are often found in market towns They rely on repeat business from satisfied customers

MINIPLE

Miniples are similar businesses to independents But they have more branches and usually a head office in a local area The different branches may trade under different names Other small independents may be bought up and added to the miniple

MULTIPLE

Private companies usually with a high street presence in most UK towns and cities Part of large organisations which trade in other areas of travel and tourism Many customers attracted by large discounts

Tour

operators deliver the services specified in an advertised tour package.

MASS-MARKET
As a mass-market tour operator, youre facing growing pressure to prove your value to increasingly savvy consumers, who are using low-cost airlines and low prices found on the internet to put together their own holiday packages.

MULTINATIONAL
As a multinational tour operator, youre facing higher administration, commission and brochure production costs and you are operating in a more competitive environment. Travellers are increasingly using low-cost airlines and low prices found on the internet to put together their own holiday packages

SPECIALTY TOUR OPERATOR

As a specialty tour operator, youre facing growing pressure to prove your value to increasingly savvy consumers, who are using low-cost airlines and low prices found on the internet to put together their own holiday packages.

CROSS-SELLERS
As a cross-seller, youre facing increasing competition from online travel agencies and virtual tour operators. Other online propositions are attracting end consumers, perhaps reducing direct purchases from you. You need to be able to complement your core offer flights, rooms, cruises, etc. with additional services which will allow you to increase sales and generate additional revenue, attract and retain customers, improve the overall customer experience and protect your brand.

NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION

Business Leisure

International

Refers to the process whereby marketers bypass traditional intermediaries, such as retailers, to sell directly to the final customer/purchaser. The process has been stimulated by the development of the Internet whereby the reach of, for example, producers could be extended into people's homes. The Internet also gave rise to changes in some people's buying behavior, with the greater availability of information it provided on marketers and rival products, and the enhanced awareness of possible price advantages and greater convenience of direct purchasing. However, there is still a significant role for intermediaries since they undertake responsibilities that enable producers to focus on activities where they can add the most value.

provides assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organized tours, individual clients, educational establishments, at religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest. They (normally) have a recognized national or regional tourist guide qualification.