What is tour operator? Types of tour operator | Best Notes 2023

In this blog, you will come to know about tour operators, types of tour operators, and Functions, etc. Each and everything will be discussed in detail. So stay tuned to this blog.

Tour Operators and Types of Tour Operators

Tour Operator

  • A tour operator is an individual who makes an itinerary for the traveler. In the itinerary, he includes travel-related products such as hotels, airlines, cruises, sightseeing, guides, miscellaneous services, etc. He makes the itinerary according to the client’s preference and budget. Their motive is to provide the best services to the customers so that they have a good experience.
  • They deal with the tourism vendors for the tourism products and negotiate with them to get the best deal. They offer different kinds of tour packages to the client such as adventure tours, cultural tours, etc. Tour operators are also called tour consultants. They also offer MICE tours in which groups travel and for that, they contact wholesale travel agencies to buy tourism products in bulk and to get these products at the best rates. It includes various activities like arranging transportation, booking accommodation, hiring escorts, foreign exchange, pick up and drop from the airport and hotel, car rentals, cruise, travel documentation, etc.
  • They give business to the hotel and airline industry. Tour costing of the tour package of their client is done by the tour operator, which includes accommodation, sightseeing, transportation, etc. He also ensures the smooth running of the operation. He is a knowledgeable person who has the knowledge and updates about travel, destination, and tourism and he also handles the financial transactions of the customer.
  • They also sell the tour package directly to the retail travel agency and they deal with domestic and international markets. They promote their services through various medium of channels such as social media, email marketing, websites, content marketing, Influencers, and Collaborations. When he makes packages for the customers he ensures the safety and security factor. He also provides the guidance and advice to the customer.
  • They give the customer support and resolve issues. They participate in events and market campaigns to reach a wide range of audiences. They develop new marketing strategies to generate more sales. Generally, travelers ask tour operators to arrange their travel because it saves them time. And they play a vital role in the travel and tourism industry.

Functions 

  • Making tour itineraries
  • Tour costing
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Providing customer support
  • Knowledgeable
  • Provide guidance and advice
  • Tie with tourism vendor
  • Purchases in bulk quantity from wholesale travel agency
  • Participate in marketing campaigns
  • Promotion is done through social media, websites, digital marketing, etc.
  • Tourism marketing
  • Participates in events and fairs
  • MICE tour
  • Customized tour package
  • Handles financial transactions of clients
  • Travel documentation
  • Partnership with hotels and airlines

Types of Tour Operators

Inbound Tour Operator

  • Inbound tour operator is responsible for handling and managing travelers incoming into the country. They provide tourism services such as pick and drop from the airport, accommodation, sightseeing, guides, escorts, car rentals, etc.
  • They are experts, knowledgeable about tourism and destination so they can guide them well and able to answer their queries. To provide these travel-related services to the tourist they have tied up with various tourism vendors and DMC.
  • They create customized tour packages as per the tourist requirements, needs, and budget. They usually provide a guide in the package so that they can understand and can freely ask if there is any problem or doubt he is having. The inbound tour operator provides good customer support so that the customer should have a better experience.
  • The main agenda of inbound tour operators is to promote the destination and its attraction and to make the tourist’s trip memorable. He also ensures the safety and security factor of the tourists. And inbound tour operator plays a vital role in the travel and tourism industry.

Outbound Tour Operator

  • An Outbound Tour Operator is an individual who is responsible for managing and providing travel-related services to the traveler who wants to travel abroad or to an international destination for leisure, business, education, etc.
  • They provide services like booking accommodation, ticket issuance, applying for a passport, arranging for a Visa, pick up and drop facility, sightseeing, transfers, travel documentation, travel insurance, etc.
  • They have various tie-ups with international DMCs like Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, Australia, USA. Some companies offer the best, tour packages like SITA, Thomas Cook, etc. They make customized tour packages according to tourist wants and budgets. They provide important information related to the destination to which the client is traveling and also tell rules and regulations.
  • They promote their travel package through social media, social media influencers, travel apps, content marketing, blogging, email marketing, etc.
  • They also give the best customer service and ensures the safety and security of the tourist. An outbound Tour Operator plays an important role in the travel and tourism industry.

Domestic Tour Operator

  • A domestic tour operator is an individual who is responsible for managing and making tour packages for traveler who wants to explore places within their own country.
  • He makes packages for both individuals and as well as for groups. Some companies that offer the best domestic packages are Cox and Kings, Kesari Tours, etc. They perform various activities such as booking accommodation, making reservations, ticket issuance, car rental, airport transfers, sightseeing, etc.
  • They provide all the necessary details to the tourist of which place he is traveling.
  • They also handle the situation if there is any emergency and ensure the safety and security of the traveler. They play a vital role in the travel and tourism industry.

Characteristics of Tour Operator

  • Creates customized tour package
  • Makes tour itinerary
  • Build relationships with tourism vendors and DMCs
  • Makes good network with airlines and hotel
  • Provides excellent customer support service

What are the benefits of being tour operator?

  • Entrepreneurship opportunity
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Generates a good profit
  • Meeting new people
  • Various job options
  • Gets Travel Discounts
  • Enhancing knowledge
  • Learning Opportunities

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FAQs

What is the scope of tour operator?

The scope of tour operator includes designing tour packages, making tour itinerary, giving business to hotel and transportation, marketing and promoting tourism products and providing excellent customer support service.

Which is the No. 1 tourist place in India?

The Taj Mahal is the No.1 tourist place in India.

Is tour operator a company ?

No tour operator is not a company, basically it's a profession or an individual.

Who is the biggest girl group world tour?

Black Pink is the biggest girl group on world tour.

Conclusion

Tour operator plays an important role in boosting the tourism industry. They help customer to provide unique experience and gives the best travel guidance. They usually make proper itinerary for the customer so that they can travel stress free. And in the success of tourism tour operator have played a great role as they a good and deep knowledge about the destination and aspects of tourism.