Questions and Answers
What primary function does a travel agency NOT perform?
Which characteristic is unique to a Travel Management Company compared to a traditional travel agency?
What distinguishes a tour operator from a travel agency?
What is a defining feature of conventional, full-service travel agencies?
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What revenue model is associated with travel agents?
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What is one of the primary responsibilities of a corporate travel manager?
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Which role is primarily responsible for making reservations with different suppliers?
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In the operations of larger-sized travel management companies, which two departments are travel operations divided into?
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Which function is NOT part of the administration within a travel agency?
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What does the Liaison Officer primarily check for regarding travel?
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Study Notes
Functions of Travel Agencies
- Provide expert information regarding travel options and destinations.
- Recommend tailor-made products and services based on client needs.
- Assist clients in obtaining necessary travel documents.
- Process various travel arrangements, including bookings.
- Offer support for refunds and cancellations.
Characteristics of Travel Management Companies
- Function as retailers in the travel industry.
- Act as consultants, advising clients on travel choices.
- Income derives from fixed commissions from suppliers or professional fees.
- Charge for additional ancillary services provided.
Tour Operator vs. Travel Agency
- Tour Operators: Engage in local/inbound tour operations, handle online reservations, transportation, accommodations, and conduct tours for a fee.
- Travel Agencies: Provide services such as ticketing, travel documentation, and booking outbound tours for commission.
Travel Agents
- Operate as retailers and offer consultancy to travelers.
- Earn revenue through predetermined supplier commissions.
- Charge fees for documentation and other ancillary services.
Tour Operators
- Function as wholesalers, dealing primarily with retail travel agents.
- Serve as intermediaries between suppliers and vendors.
- Experience variable income and profit margins.
- Sell optional products/services and require deposits.
Types of Travel Agencies
- Conventional, Full-Service Agencies: Offer all travel-related services including air, lodging, car rentals, and cruises; accessible via phone, email, or in-person visits.
- Online Agencies: Operate mainly through websites, focusing on travel commodities; agents assist customers via phone or online chat.
- Corporate Travel Management: Manage corporate travel policies, meetings, and budgets; interact with different management departments.
Administration in Travel Agencies
- Involves daily management functions categorized into general administration, personnel, accounting, and finance.
Operations in Travel Agencies
- Central to the agency’s business; ensures effective service delivery.
- Often divided into travel operations and tour operations in larger agencies.
- Staffed by travel managers, supervisors, reservations officers, and liaison officers.
The Travel Counsellor
- Provides information and recommendations tailored to travelers.
- Remains updated on travel trends and processes all travel-related changes and confirmations.
- Handles refunds, processing fees, and ensures travel documents are accurate and ready for clients.
The Reservations Officer
- Manages all reservation tasks with suppliers, ensuring confirmation and modifications as needed.
- Searches for alternative suppliers when necessary and monitors travel voucher issuance.
The Ticketing Officer
- Determines accurate fares and issues tickets, either manually or through automated systems.
- Ensures travel documents are correct and reissues tickets when necessary.
The Liaison Officer
- Identifies required visas and travel documents.
- Verifies authenticity of submitted documents and coordinates with consulates for appointments.
Summary of Roles
- Travel agents focus on customer interaction, providing travel advice and services.
- Tour operators mainly handle broader logistical arrangements and work through travel agents.
- Effective administration and operation ensure successful travel services delivery.
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Description
Explore the essential functions of a travel agency, from providing expert information to securing travel documents. This quiz covers the characteristics of travel management companies and how they operate within the travel industry.
