Package Tours Overview Quiz

Package Tour Meaning

• A package tour is an advertised journey that includes accommodation, transportation, transfers, sightseeing, and is arranged and promoted by a tour operator.
• It's a pre-arranged, pre-paid trip combining two or more travel components like airfare, transfers, accommodation, and sightseeing.
• Package tours are sold using brochures and advertisements in newspapers and magazines.
• Planning a package tour requires innovation and creativity.
• A package tour is also known as an "Inclusive Tour".
• Travelers pay for the entire tour upfront.
• After purchasing, tourists are only responsible for additional expenses like laundry or shopping.

Package Tour Definition

• A complete tourism product encompassing transportation from the market area to the destination, accommodation at the destination, and recreation activities performed by the tourist.
• The origin of package tours dates back to Thomas Cook in 1855, who introduced the first "Inclusive Tour" to Paris.
• Thomas Cook also developed the concept of "Escorted Tours," which is still used today.
• Package tours are now an essential part of the global travel and tourism industry.

Example of a Package Tour

• Tour name: Thailand Surprise
• Duration: 5 nights / 6 days
• Price: 26,500 (likely in local currency)
• Destinations: Bangkok, Pattaya
• Included services: Airfare, accommodation, sightseeing, daily breakfast, buffet Indian dinners, transportation, travel insurance, and a tour manager.

Components of a Package Tour

• Transportation: Return airfare/train fare.
• Accommodation: Stay in hotels, motels, or resorts (often on a twin-sharing basis).
• Transfers: Airport to hotel and vice versa transfers.
• Sightseeing: Local sightseeing tours in a car or coach.
• Meals: Various meal options (e.g., Buffet Indian Breakfast, European Plan, Continental Plan, Modified American Plan, American Plan).
• Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance: An important service included in most modern tours.
• Tour Manager Service: Services of a tour manager or escort (tour guide) who travels with the tourists.

Types of Package Tours

• Adventure tour package
• Wildlife tour package
• Ayurveda tour package
• Pilgrimage tour package
• Beach tour package

Broad Categories of Package Tours

• Independent Tours: Designed for independent travelers; offered by several travel companies for inbound, outbound, and domestic tourists.
• Escorted Tours: Include the services of a well-trained tour manager (tour guide); the tour manager accompanies the group.
• Hosted Tours: An agency utilizes the services of another agency at a specific destination; for example, a French tour group coming to China.
• Incentive Tours: Fully paid holidays given by a company to employees as a reward; given to motivate employees (e.g., a government's leave travel concession scheme).
• Freedom Tours: Customized tours designed according to tourist preferences and choices.
• Group Inclusive Tour: Pre-paid tour where tourists travel in a group (often 15 participants (15 PAX)). All tour members are expected to stay together. Typically at a discounted rate.
• Foreign Independent Tour (FIT): Wealthy and affluent travelers who want to travel independently; their tours are tailored by travel agencies.

Classification of Package Tours

• Regular Tour Packages: Assembled based on the needs or interests of a target market.
• Ad Hoc Tour Packages: Tailor-made to the specific requirements of a traveler or group of travelers.

Test your knowledge on package tours and travel concepts with this comprehensive quiz! Explore various components, types, and services associated with package tours, including meal plans, sightseeing, and the role of tour managers. Perfect for budding travel enthusiasts or those looking to refresh their understanding of tour operations.