Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primary function does a travel agency NOT perform?
What primary function does a travel agency NOT perform?
Which characteristic is unique to a Travel Management Company compared to a traditional travel agency?
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 distinguishes a tour operator from a travel agency?
What is a defining feature of conventional, full-service travel agencies?
What is a defining feature of conventional, full-service travel agencies?
Signup and view all the answers
What revenue model is associated with travel agents?
What revenue model is associated with travel agents?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary responsibilities of a corporate travel manager?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of a corporate travel manager?
Signup and view all the answers
Which role is primarily responsible for making reservations with different suppliers?
Which role is primarily responsible for making reservations with different suppliers?
Signup and view all the answers
In the operations of larger-sized travel management companies, which two departments are travel operations divided into?
In the operations of larger-sized travel management companies, which two departments are travel operations divided into?
Signup and view all the answers
Which function is NOT part of the administration within a travel agency?
Which function is NOT part of the administration within a travel agency?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Liaison Officer primarily check for regarding travel?
What does the Liaison Officer primarily check for regarding travel?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
