specialist tour meaning

What is a Specialist Tour Operator?

A specialized tour operator provides unique and niche travel experiences. You can think of food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and hiking tours. Any tour provider that offers services in a niche is a specialized tour operator.

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in specialized tourism. For example, 2021 data shows that 68% of travelers are shifting towards sustainable tourism. Also, the Global Wellness Institute reports that 64% of travelers want wellness vacations. In addition to these, food tourism is constantly growing. In the U.S. alone, 95% are looking for 'some kind of unique food experience', and the numbers are growing globally.

In this blog, we'll learn more about specialized tour operations. If you are a travel agent or tour provider looking for a fresh marketing approach in 2024, this is for you. Below are 5 ideas on how to curate specialized travel experiences that meet travelers' demands.

1. Niche Expertise

Specialist tour operators have in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific travel niches or themes, such as adventure travel, wildlife safaris, cultural immersions, or culinary tours.

Did you know that some specialist tour operators specialize in niche markets like "dark tourism," offering tours to historically significant but often somber places such as battlefields, prisons, or disaster sites?

Tips for tour operators:

• Know Your Stuff : Really get to know everything about the special travel area you're focusing on, like history and interesting facts.
• Tell Great Stories : Make your tours interesting by telling cool stories. Work with local people who know a lot about the place to make it more real.
• Listen and Change : Pay attention to what your travelers like and don't like. Use their feedback to make your tours even better.

2. Customized Experiences

They often have travel agency to offer customized or tailor-made itineraries to cater to the unique interests and preferences of their target audience, allowing travelers to personalize their journeys.

Many specialist tour operators provide travelers with the opportunity to design their own itineraries, offering a level of personalization that can include specific activities, accommodations, travel arrangements, or even dietary preferences.

• Offer Tailor-Made Options : Give your travelers the chance to create their own itinerary. This could mean letting them pick specific activities, choose their own accommodation, or even request special meals.
• Ask for Preferences : Before the trip, ask your travelers about their interests, what they want to see and do, and any special needs they might have. Use this info to make their experience more personal.
• Flexible Scheduling : Allow some flexibility in your itinerary. This way, travelers can spend more time on the activities they enjoy most or explore additional sites that catch their interest during the tour.

3. Destination Specialization

Some specialist tour operators concentrate on specific destinations or regions, becoming experts in those areas and offering comprehensive experiences within them.

Other specialist tour operators focus exclusively on regions with unique natural wonders, like the Galápagos Islands, where they specialize in eco-friendly and sustainable travel experiences.

• Be a Local Expert : Learn everything about the specific region or destination you focus on, including its culture, history, and natural wonders. This knowledge will help you create in-depth, engaging tours.
• Highlight Unique Features : Showcase what makes your destination special, like unique natural attractions or cultural experiences. For example, if you specialize in the Galápagos Islands, emphasize eco-friendly tours that highlight the unique wildlife and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Practices : If your destination is known for its natural beauty, like the Galápagos, prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly travel practices to preserve the environment. This is not only good for the planet but also appeals to eco-conscious travelers.

4. Exclusive Access

They may provide package tours with exclusive access to attractions, accommodations, or activities that are not readily available to mass-market tour operators, enhancing the uniqueness of the tours.

Specialist tour operators might arrange exclusive access to archaeological sites before or after regular opening hours, allowing travelers to explore these historic treasures without the crowds.

• Arrange Special Visits : Work to get special access to popular sites, like arranging visits to archaeological sites outside of normal hours. This lets travelers enjoy these places without the usual crowds.
• Unique Experiences : Offer activities or experiences that aren't usually available to the general public. This could be anything from a private tour with a local expert to exclusive access to certain areas.
• Build Relationships : Develop good relationships with local attractions and accommodation providers. This can help you arrange special access or unique experiences for your travelers.

5. Passionate Guides

Specialist tour operators often employ passionate and knowledgeable tour guides who are experts in the niche or destination, ensuring travelers receive a high level of expertise and engagement during their journeys.

In the world of birdwatching tours, specialist operators often employ ornithologist guides who are not only experts in bird identification but also passionate advocates for bird conservation, enriching travelers' experiences with their deep knowledge and enthusiasm.

• Hire Expert Guides : Look for guides who are not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the niche. For example, in birdwatching tours, hire ornithologists who are experts in bird species and conservation.
• Train for Engagement : Ensure your guides are trained not only in factual knowledge but also in engaging storytelling and interaction with travelers. This enhances the overall experience.
• Focus on Special Interests : Match guides with specific interests or expertise to relevant tours. A guide's enthusiasm for their specialty, like bird conservation, can greatly enrich a traveler's experience.

Key Takeaways

As we wrap up our exploration of specialized tour operators, it's clear that this niche-focused approach in the tourism industry is not just a trend, but a growing sector meeting diverse traveler demands.

From the increasing interest in sustainable tourism and responsible travel, to the rise of wellness vacations and unique culinary experiences, the opportunities for specialized tour operators are vast and varied.

To stand out in this competitive market, here are three key actionable tips that you, as tour and activity providers, can implement:

• Embrace Your Niche : Whether it's eco-tourism, culinary experiences, or wellness retreats, dive deep into your niche. Know your audience and tailor your offerings to their specific interests and needs.
• Prioritize Authentic Experiences : Travelers are seeking genuine, immersive experiences. Collaborate with local communities and experts to offer authentic and unique tours that cannot be found elsewhere.
• Leverage Technology and Innovation : Utilize the latest technology, like AI for personalized itinerary planning or virtual reality previews of tours, to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations.

By focusing on these areas and continually adapting to the evolving desires of travelers, you can create memorable and distinctive experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of your clientele. Remember, in the world of specialized tourism, it's all about delivering uniqueness, authenticity, and quality.

Our Happy Specialized Tour Operators

TicketingHub has worked with specialized tour and activity providers for years now. Some of them are now renowned for their food tours, city tours, and special events. Read our case studies below and see what helped them succeed in this rising market.

• The Secret Food Tours
• Egypt's Sound and Light Show
• Belfast City Tours

People Also Ask:

1. why is online booking software helpful for specialist tour operators.

An online booking software is a game-changer for specialist tour operators. This type of software streamlines the booking process, making it easier for travelers to secure their spots on specialized tours.

For the operator, it simplifies managing reservations, tracks customer preferences, and automates tasks like sending confirmations and reminders.

Online booking systems offer efficiency and personalized service, particularly for specialist operators who deal with customized and niche travel packages. It saves money and time, both for the tour operator and the traveler, enhancing the overall experience.

2. What is a specialist tour operator?

Specialist tour operators are tour operators in the travel industry who focuses on offering specialized and niche travel experiences. Unlike mass market tour operators who cater to broad, general travel demands, specialist tour operators offer in-depth expertise in specific areas.

These can range from eco-tourism, adventure travel, cultural tours, to specific country or regional focuses. They provide tailored package holidays and tours that cater to specific interests and often offer more personalized service than other tour operators.

3. What is a specialized tour?

A specialized tour is a travel package designed to cater to specific interests or themes. Unlike general tour packages offered by many travel agencies, specialized tours delve deep into a particular area, offering unique experiences such as eco-tourism adventures, culinary tours in specific countries, or in-depth exploration of national parks.

These tours are usually crafted by specialist tour operators who possess deep knowledge and passion for the niche, ensuring an enriching and authentic experience for the traveler.

4. What are the main three types of tour operators?

The three main types of tour operators in the travel industry are inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, and domestic tour operators.

• Inbound Tour Operators : These operators specialize in arranging tours and travel packages for travelers coming into a country. They work closely with hotels, airlines, and ground operators to provide a comprehensive travel experience in the destination country.
• Outbound Tour Operators : These receptive tour operators organize trips for travelers stepping out of their home country to visit other destinations worldwide. They often work with airlines, hotels, and travel operators in different countries to arrange all travel components.
• Domestic Tour Operators : They organize tours for domestic travelers within their own country. They specialize in knowing the best local spots and experiences that appeal to domestic travelers, including hotels, transport, and leisure travel activities.

Each type of tour operator plays a crucial role in the tourism ecosystem, catering to different segments of holidaymakers and travelers. It offers varied services like transport, accommodation, and travel packages.

5. What types of niche travel experiences do specialist tour operators offer?

Specialist tour operators offer a wide range of niche experiences, including wildlife safaris, cultural immersions, adventure travel, culinary tours, and more. They cater to specific interests and passions, providing travelers with unique and customized journeys.

6. Are specialist tour operators more expensive than regular tour companies?

Specialist tours can cost widely depending on niche and customization. While some specialist tours may have a premium price due to exclusive access or unique experiences, others can be competitively priced. It's essential to compare options and assess the value of all arrangements and experiences offered.

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What Does a Specialist Tour Operator Do?

A specialized tour operator creates one-of-a-kind travel experiences for a specific clientele. More specifically, these people plan trips for people who share common hobbies or interests, such as cycling or hiking, and who want to participate in such activities while on vacation. This type of tour operator may work for a company that specializes in organizing such trips or as a freelance travel planner.

The majority of specialized tour operators plan trips from start to finish. This includes arranging for air and ground transportation, as well as lodging and special events. In order to complete certain travel activities, a specialized tour operator may collaborate with other professional tour guides. For example, he or she may be the primary organizer for a group’s safari adventure, but he or she may also work with a wildlife guide or tracker who is more knowledgeable about the finer points of leading a safari tour.

While this term usually refers to a single person performing the duties of a specialist tour operator, it can also refer to entire companies that provide such services. Rather than a traditional travel agency, travelers frequently seek out an agency that specializes in unique travel adventures. It’s common for such a company to hire only tour operators who have experience creating specialty tours. Other desirable qualities include a keen eye for detail, excellent communication, the ability to work under pressure, and general knowledge of the tourism industry.

A specialist tour operator is likely to have participated in one or more specialized tours as a traveler, in addition to prior experience working in the tourism industry. Many people choose specialized tourism jobs because they enjoy adventure travel, such as safari expeditions, international cycling tours, or hunting trips. Specialized tour agencies often value firsthand experience because the useful knowledge and experience gained during such vacations can be passed on to clients.

Beyond making travel arrangements, specific specialist tour operator responsibilities may vary depending on the types of travel activities in which they have previous experience. Operators work with clients to tailor their vacations to a specific interest that can be shared with other travelers or enjoyed family members. Some tour operators specialize in foreign or exotic destinations that are only available for a limited time, but many also plan local excursions for weekend getaways or short-term activities like skiing or fly fishing.

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Discover 5 Types of Tour Operators

Mar 15, 2023

Starting a tour operating business can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, with so many different types of tour operators out there, it can be challenging to decide which market to pursue. In this blog, we will provide guidance on the different types of tour operators available and help you choose the right market for your tour operating business.

Inbound Tour Operators

Definition of Inbound Tour Operators; An inbound tour operator is a company that specializes in organizing tours and activities within their country, working with travel agents to create packages for international visitors. They are responsible for organizing itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and activities for incoming tourists.

Their role in managing domestic tours and activities; they welcome international travelers and assist them with planning their travel to suit their needs using their country-specific knowledge.

Advantages of working with an inbound tour operator; They use their local knowledge to create a seamless, stress-free travel itinerary for their customers.  

Outbound Tour Operators

Definition of Outbound Tour Operators; An outbound tour operator is a company that works with clients who are traveling outside of their home country. They offer packages that include flights, accommodations, and activities. For example, if a US resident is planning a trip to Asia, an outbound US tour operator will take care of all the details.

Their role in managing international tours and activities; They work with local travel partners in different countries to provide travelers with a complete travel experience.

Advantages of working with an outbound tour operator; They allow customers to work with someone from their home country to plan and book international travel itineraries.

Domestic Tour Operators

Definition of Domestic Tour Operators; A domestic tour operator specializes in organizing tours and activities within a specific country. They cater to locals who want to explore their own country.

Their role in managing tours and activities within a particular country; They cater to locals who want to explore their own country and have specialized knowledge on trips and activities that locals don’t often experience.

Advantages of working with a domestic tour operator; Domestic tour operators often cater to native travelers who want to experience new areas within their home country. They typically have a collection of specific holiday and weekend trips that are ideal for travelers looking to book around their work and family schedules.

Specialist Tour Operators

Definition of Specialist Tour Operators; A specialist tour operator is a company that focuses on a specific niche or interest. They create packages that cater to travelers with specific interests or needs. Some examples include adventure, luxury, cultural, or wildlife travel.

Their role in managing niche travel experiences; They specialize in creating tour packages that match travelers with experiences that they are particularly interested in or wanting to learn more about. They work with local partners to create these unique offerings.

Advantages of working with a specialist tour operator; They offer tour packages specifically crafted for different interests and often allow the traveler to learn more about their destination than other options.

Ground Operators

Definition of Ground Operator; Similar to domestic operators, ground operators work on travel itineraries within their home country. The difference is that they specialize in providing local services on behalf of other travel agencies and operators to the clients throughout their trip.

Their role in managing tours and activities; They work with travel agents to create customized travel itineraries for groups and individual travelers. Their services may include directly taking care of a client’s transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities during their trip.

Advantages of working with a ground operator; They provide a high level of support and assistance throughout the trip, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the right market for your tour operating business depends on your interests, expertise, and resources. Whether you choose to specialize in inbound or outbound tours, domestic or international travel, or a particular niche, there are endless opportunities to create unique and memorable travel experiences for your customers. With the guidance and support of TripMatrix, you can start your tour operating business and pursue the market that best suits your vision and goals as well as connect with other operators. Discover how TripMatrix tour operator software is helping true operators aound the world to manage their travel business more efficient.

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What is a tour operator and how does it work?

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The tour operator is an integral component of tourism , yet many people are unclear about what a tour operator actually is or what they do.

In this article I will explain what a tour operator is and why tour operators are important. I will also talk about what the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent is, as well as the different types of tour operators.

What is a tour operator?

Definitions of tour operator, importance of tour operators, the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent, what does a tour operator do, products and services sold by tour operators, inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, domestic tour operators, ground tour operators, the association of independent tour operators, the tour operator: to conclude.

Tour operators are inextricably linked to the package holiday model. The tour operator is the person or organisation who creates the package. A travel agency is then used to sell the package holiday.

In the chain of distribution , the tour operator is represented by the term ‘wholesaler’. This is because the tour operator is responsible for purchasing products of services in bulk and then redistributing them as a packaged product to consumers.

To put it simply, a tour operator is the person or organisation who takes the individual elements of a holiday (e.g. transfer, hotel, transport) and packages these together.

The types of package vary. Most commonly, tour operators are associated with mass tourism and the traditional package holiday market. However, tour operators do also play an important role in the production of niche tourism products and services too.

If you’re looking for a formal definition of a tour operator with a reputable source, you may want to reference Polyther, who in 1993, defined the tour operator as;

‘[an organisation or person] who has the responsibility of putting the tour ingredients together, marketing it, making reservations and handling actual operation’.

Similarly, Holloway (1992) states that;

tour operations undertake a distinct function in the tourism industry, they purchase separate e lements of tourism products/services and combine them into a package tour which they sell directly or indirectly to the tourists .

The Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development (OECD) define a tour operator as follows;

‘Tour operators are businesses that combine two or more travel services (e.g., transport, accommodation, meals, entertainment, sightseeing) and sell them through travel agencies or directly to final consumers as a single product (called a package tour) for a global price. The components of a package tour might be pre-established or can result from an “a la carte” procedure, in which the visitor decides the combination of services he/she wishes to acquire.’

Tour operators are an important part of the tourism industry .

Tour operators make the logistics of organising a holiday much easier for the consumer. This makes people more likely to travel, more often.

Tour operators have a lot of power. If they choose to sell holidays in a particular location, for example, then that location will receive many of the associated positive and negative economic impacts of tourism .

Tour operators are often vertically or horizontally integrated with other organisations, such as travel agents and airlines. This allows for easier management and distribution of products.

Tour operators typically build holidays en masse. This means that economies of scale play a key role in driving down prices- the more you produce the cheaper the product becomes! This is obviously beneficial to the consumer and helps travel agents to have a competitive advantage when selling holidays.

Many people are not aware that a travel agent and a tour operator are actually two totally different organisations and they are not aware of the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent.

In fact, it is quite easy to understand this difference!

A tour operator is the organisation which puts the different elements of a holiday together. And the travel agent is the organisation who sells it to the consumer.

Whilst this differentiation is pretty easy to comprehend, it is easy to understand why people get tour operators and travel agents confused. This is largely because many organisations will operate under the same company. For example, TUI has a tour operator and a travel agent (and an airline too). As a result, many people do not realise that in actual fact, there are two separate organisations doing two separate jobs.

Ultimately, a tour operator is responsible for putting the different elements of a holiday together into a commodified package.

To do this, there are a number of different roles and responsibilities that tour operator staff will have. This includes:

• Data analysis- which destinations will sell best, how many holidays should they sell etc
• Assessing suitability of accommodation, transfer and transport options
• Liaising with stakeholders e.g. coach operators, airlines, hoteliers and resort representatives
• Negotiating contracts
• Confirming reservations with airlines/hotels
• Managing and responding to customer feedback
• Undertaking market research
• Production of marketing material
• Providing pricing information
• Handling bookings, invoicing and issuing of tickets
• Working with travel consultants from different travel agencies to put holiday packages together

Tour operators have a number of products and services that they sell, depending on their specific business model, business intentions and target market. A tour operator will typically package together two of more elements to form a packaged product, which is then sold at an inclusive price.

Examples include:

• Package holidays
• Accommodation
• Information on destinations
• Representative service in resorts

Types of tour operator

Tour operators come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large, multinational organisations and other are small, independent business.

Different types of tour operators develop products for different types of tourism . This can include the mass market, niche tourism market, special interest tourism, the luxury market, tailor-made products and dynamic packages .

There are four different types of tour operators, which I will explain below.

• Inbound Tour Operators
• Outbound Tour Operators
• Domestic Tour Operators
• Ground Operators

An inbound tour operator is one who facilitates inbound tourism .

The aim of an inbound tour operator is to bring tourists in to a particular country or countries.

Inbound tour operators will often collaborate with local travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers.

Inbound tour operator example: A group of German tourists conduct a tour of China, encompassing a visit to Shanghai , Hangzhou and the Yellow Mountains . The tour operator who organises their travel is Chinese-based company China Highlights . This company is based locally in China and they offer local, Chinese tours.

An outbound tour operator is one who facilitates outbound tourism .

The aim of an outbound tour operator is to send tourists out of a particular country or countries.

Outbound tour operators will often collaborate with foreign travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers.

Outbound tour operator example : A family of four from Liverpool, UK want to book an all-inclusive summer sun holiday in Alicante. They book through TUI , the largest tour operator in Britain, who specialises in outbound travel. They are based in the UK, but they work with foreign partners to facilitate holidays overseas.

A domestic tour operator is one who facilitates domestic tourism .

The aim of a domestic tour operator is to organise travel within a particular country or countries.

Domestic tour operators will often collaborate with domestic travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers. Domestic tour operators will often also serve the inbound tourism market.

Domestic tour operator example : A group of twenty-something boys from Chicago want to travel to Florida for the spring break holiday. They want to do a tour of the local attractions in the area and have some time to relax on the beach . They organise their travel through the tour company, Trek America . Staff at this company are experts in domestic travel within the USA.

A ground tour operator is an organisation who dopes the ground work as grass roots level.

Many tour operators do not have connections in all places around the world, therefore they build a network of connections to help them run their business.

Essentially, some of the work is passed on to a third party, known as a ground operator. This work may include negotiating local contracts, liaising with local suppliers and providing market data, amongst other things.

This is especially common for small tour operators.

You may also hear ground tour operators referred to as handling operators or handling agents.

Ground tour operator example : A backpacker wants to ‘give something back’ and book a volunteer tourism holiday in Kerala. She wanted to use a known and trusted tour operator to book her trip so she booked it with Intrepid Travel . Intrepid Travel create and sell adventure holidays all over the world, and it is impossible for them to have contacts and every staff in every corner of the globe. Therefore they work with local ground operators, who do the work on the ground. In this instance, the ground organisation is Iris Travel – a tour operator based in Kerela, India.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators , abbreviated as AITO, is a travel industry trade group (like  ABTA  or ATOL) based in Britain. They launched in 1976.

The AITO represents around 120 independent  tour operators  across 200 countries.

These tour operators provide access to a huge range of activities including city breaks, safaris, luxury holidays and much more. The AITO is based in Twickenham, south-west London.

The AITO does a variety of things. Most importantly, you can be reassured that your holiday is well-protected thanks to the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

They assess every member financially as well as by their own business practice code before granting membership; this means that you are guaranteed clear and accurate descriptions of holidays as well as tour standards that are consistently monitored.

Tour operators are an important part of the tourism industry, and with AITO, you have added security when booking your travels through a tour operator. Hopefully after reading this article you are now confident with what a tour operator is, how these organisations work and the different types of tour operators operating the market.

If you liked this article, why not take a look at these too?

• Types of travel agents | Understanding tourism
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• 10 jobs in travel and tourism that will be BIG in 2022 and beyond
• What does the World Travel and Tourism Council do?

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AITO – The Specialist Travel Association

Trends in specialist travel revealed in the aito travel insights report 2020, brexit, what brexit 80% of travellers’ holiday plans not affected by the uk’s departure from the eu, value for money comes fourth amongst six factors when considering booking a holiday, customer reviews have doubled in importance for travellers since 2019.

British travellers aren’t holding off on their holiday plans as Brexit advances, with 80% claiming it has had no effect on them whatsoever, according to a recent survey by AITO , The Specialist Travel Association. Of the 20% whose holiday plans have been hindered or changes in some way by Brexit, 73% of them are less likely to book a holiday to Europe in 2020, with concerns over access to EU countries and potential long airport queues.

The AITO Travel Insights Report 2020, compiled in association with leading travel data insight agency  SPIKE , has – for the 5th year in succession – delved into the travel habits of the specialist traveller, who largely falls into the 50+ market (80%, with an average age of 61), usually travels as a couple (57.4%) and tends to take two or more holidays a year (36%).

The 2020 specialist traveller has been hit by the latest ‘Waitrose effect’ (in the latest Which? Supermarket Satisfaction Survey , the supermarket came top in every category but price) and considers value for money fourth on the list when booking a holiday, below (1) knowledge and expertise, (2) a holiday company offering a preferred specialism, and (3) having a previous good experience with the tour operator. There is a remarkable thirst for specialist expertise and a willingness to pay more for an experience to make it memorable.

Verifiable customer reviews are more influential than ever before, nearly doubling in importance – from 19.9% in 2019 to 39% – in 2020. However, travellers are wary of fake review sites and untrustworthy platforms and it is imperative for the industry to ensure that feedback submitted is submitted by genuine customers. AITO’s own review system on AITO.com, for example, has measures in place to ensure that reviews are solely from authentic sources.

The AITO Travel Insights Report 2020 revealed the following Top 10 specialist interests as:

1. Exploring culture, arts and history 2. Walking and trekking 3. Wildlife 4. Safaris 5. Gastronomy and wine 6. Skiing and winter sports 7. Photography 8. Archaeology 9. Gardens 10. Wellness and spa

While cultural holidays top the list, wellness & spa holidays have edged their way into the Top 10 list in 2020, along with skiing & winter sports and photography, demonstrating a desire for holidays with purpose, whether it be wellbeing, fitness or learning a new skill.

AITO’s Executive Director, Martyn Sumners says: “This report and the research behind it proves how vital it is for our specialist holidays companies to utilise their vast expertise and knowledge to help consumers navigate the world of travel bookings and to make their experiences memorable and meaningful.

“Specialist travel is hugely different from the mass-market holiday sector, and we need to keep refining our research to help our members to understand the needs of the discerning customer and to provide them with an experience like no other.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Some 40 companies participated in the research – a mix of AITO tour operators and AITO Agents – and 26,000 customers responded to the detailed survey.

AITO , The Specialist Travel Association, is a group of unique and specialist travel companies, which collectively provide an unrivalled range of holidays. When booking with an AITO member, you are assured of the finest personal service, expert knowledge, and a holiday that is fully financially protected. All AITO members are fully bonded and comply with AITO’s Quality Charter and Sustainable Tourism goals. Their joint aim is to offer the best possible holiday, allied with excellent customer service.

For more information on AITO’s 120-plus specialist holiday companies with an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas covering every corner of the world, visit www.aito.com .

About SPIKE

SPIKE is the leading data insight and customer experience specialist in travel. Founded in 2009 by Roy Barker and Jon Walton, SPIKE aims to deliver commercial value by using powerful data analysis techniques, Net Promoter Scores, and the latest technology to help businesses benchmark, monitor and improve their customer experience.

Press: For more information on AITO or AITO Specialist Travel Agents, or for high-res photos, please contact Jackie Franklin or Charlotte Griffiths at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email [email protected] or [email protected] .

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Six of the best specialist travel companies

Updated on August 9 by Mark Hodson

If you want a special travel experience, you should try one of the these specialist travel companies.

As the big names in travel increasingly dominate the market, it’s easy to forget the little guys – the small independent operators that stick to a single destination and know it inside out.

Many of these companies are owned and managed by true enthusiasts, who can take you beyond the brochure clichés to an authentic and unspoilt part of the country. Here are six of the best.

Best for Italy: Bellini Travel

Who they are: founder Emily FitzRoy provides insider tours of Italy, getting under the skin of the country and offering unique experiences. She works with only about 70 clients a year.

Why they’re good: Bellini can achieve what might appear to be impossible, whether it’s a royal box at La Scala or a private evening visit to the Sistine Chapel. But it’s not all glitz: FitzRoy knows Venice backwards and enjoys taking clients off the tourist trail to trattoria in the working class district of Cannareggio and to eat seafood at fishermen’s huts on the lagoon.

Best for Greece: Travel à la Carte

Who they are: founded in 1979 by Tony Wells and his late wife Mary, it is one of the last remaining family-owned holiday specialists to the Mediterranean. It has survived by focusing on small islands including Symi, Halki and Paxos.

Why they’re good: with two directors living year-round in Greece, Travel à la Carte knows its islands intimately and provides great customer service (it claims a client satisfaction rating of 9.9 out of 10). With no charter flights to sell, it can also offer total flexibility on arrival and departure dates.

Best for Japan: Inside Japan Tours

Who they are: founders Alastair Donnelly and Simon King met at university, worked as English teachers in Japan then decided to set up a specialist travel company. They offer private travel, group tours and self-guided tours for all budgets.

Why they’re good: the core team all speak Japanese, travel regularly to the country and have great local contacts – handy if you want to enter the Tokyo Marathon or arrange an evening with a geisha in Kyoto. They provide honest expert advice and go the extra mile. For one client staying at a luxury hotel in Tokyo, they hand-delivered gluten-free soy sauce from Nagoya, a round trip of 600 miles.

Best for America: Bon Voyage

Who they are: US fanatics Alan Wilson and Alan Orsmond started the company as a specialist travel agency in the late 1970s then focussed on creating their own tours to America.

Why they’re good: the company only employs staff that have lived or travelled extensively in the States and share the founders’ love of the country. Knowledgable sales staff combined with keen pricing keep the clients coming back.

Best for India: Greaves

Who they are: founded in 1973, Greaves is a family-owned company that offers private escorted tours of the Indian subcontinent. Managing director Mehra Dalton campaigns actively for sustainable tourism and is co-founder of Jaisalmer in Jeopardy.

Why they’re good: travel in India can be – shall we say – unpredictable. Greaves has a reputation for total reliability, ensuring every client is met on arrival with a private car and chauffeur, and ironing out every detail of every trip.

Best for Croatia: Completely Croatia

Who they are: founder Alison Jago spent 20 years in the travel industry before deciding her employers were getting it wrong and she could do better on her own. Completely Croatia specialises in small boutique properties and family-run hotels neglected by the larger tour operators.

Why they’re good: clients enjoy the personal service, with the same consultant dealing with them at every stage from initial enquiry to post-holiday follow-up. Good relations with hoteliers mean lots of free upgrades and surprise extras. Jago claims to have had just one customer complaint in five years of operation.

Images of Venice, Tokyo and India by Mark Hodson

About Mark Hodson

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September 14 at 3:03 pm

Thank you for the info I’m traveling a lot and will certainly check one of the companies here.

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Different Types Of Tour Operators That You Should Know About

Tour operators are an integral part of the travel industry. They play a crucial role in creating and selling travel packages to different destinations worldwide. A tour operator is a company that puts together travel packages, which usually include transportation, accommodation, and activities, and sells them to consumers. This blog will discuss the different types of tour operators and their roles in the travel industry. Knowing the types will help one to choose the better fit. 

Types of tour operators

As per the requirement, there are different types of tour operators in the travel industry. Some of these include inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, domestic, specialist among others. Let us explore them one by one. 

1. Inbound Tour Operators

Inbound tour operators organize and sell travel packages for visitors coming into the country. They are responsible for creating itineraries and ensuring that visitors have a memorable experience during their stay. They typically work with local suppliers, such as hotels, transportation companies, and tour guides, to assemble their packages.

2. Outbound Tour Operators

Outbound tour operators are companies that organize and sell travel packages for consumers who are traveling out of their home country. They are responsible for creating itineraries and ensuring that travelers have everything they need for their trip. They work with local suppliers in the destination country to ensure everything is in place when their clients arrive.

3. Domestic Tour Operators

Domestic tour operators organize and sell travel packages within their home country. They specialize in creating tours that showcase the best that their country has to offer. They work with local suppliers, such as hotels, transportation companies, and attractions, to create their packages.

4. Specialist Tour Operators

Specialist tour operators focus on specific niches within the travel industry. They may specialize in adventure, education, luxury, or any other type of travel that appeals to a particular group of travelers. They typically have a deep knowledge of their niche and can create unique and memorable client experiences.

5. Travel Agency and Tour Operators

Travel agencies and tour operators are often used interchangeably, but there is a noticeable difference between the two. Travel agencies typically sell flights, hotels, and transportation, while tour operators create and sell complete travel packages that include activities and accommodation.

6. Luxury Tour Operators

Luxury tour operators create and sell high-end travel packages to discerning travelers. They typically offer personalized service, exclusive access to attractions and activities, and top-of-the-line accommodations. Luxury tour operators cater to travelers who are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

7. International Tour Operators

International tour operators are companies that create and sell travel packages to destinations around the world. They work with local suppliers in each destination to develop itineraries that showcase the best of what the goal has to offer.

8. Coach Tour Operators

Coach tour operators are companies that organize and sell tours that are conducted on a coach or bus. These tours typically cover a large area or several countries. They offer a convenient and affordable way to see multiple destinations in one trip.

9. Receptive Tour Operators

Receptive tour operators work with other tour operators to create travel packages for a specific destination. They are responsible for coordinating the local suppliers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly during the trip.

10. Adventure Tour Operators

Adventure tour operators specialize in creating and selling travel packages that offer outdoor activities and adventures. These tours may include hiking, rafting, or wildlife safaris and are designed for travelers looking for an adrenaline rush.

11. Educational Tour Operators

Educational tour operators create and sell travel packages that focus on educational experiences. These tours may include visits to historical sites, museums, or cultural events and are designed to give travelers a deeper understanding of the destination.

Why tour operators are crucial?

Tour operators play a vital role in the travel industry as they create and sell travel packages that offer unique and memorable experiences for travelers. By understanding the different types of tour operators, travelers can choose the right tour operator for their specific needs and preferences.

It’s also worth noting that many travel agencies also offer tour operator services, so it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience in the destinations and types of travel that interest you.

Whether planning a domestic trip or an international adventure, working with a tour operator can save time and hassle while providing unique and memorable travel experiences. In addition, many tour operators are now offering more sustainable travel options, such as eco-tourism and responsible travel. These tours aim to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities while providing travelers with unique and authentic travel experiences.

Another trend in the tour operator industry is using technology to enhance the travel experience. For example, some tour operators now use virtual reality to provide travelers with a preview of their destination or to offer immersive experiences during the trip. Tour operators will likely continue to adapt and innovate as the travel industry continues to evolve to meet travelers’ changing needs and preferences.

Suggested Read:  How to Become a Travel Agent

In summary, tour operators play a vital role in the travel industry, offering travelers a wide range of options and experiences. By understanding the different types of tour operators and their functions, travelers can make more informed choices when planning their trips. With the increasing focus on sustainability, responsible travel, and technological innovation, the tour operator industry is poised to continue growing and evolving in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the criteria for classifying tour operators.

Tour operators are classified based on the type of tour, their business, and their region of operation for package tours. This aids in comprehending the distinction between the meaning and function of each category. Inbound, outgoing, domestic, and ground operators are therefore included in the categorization.

2. Who do tour operators collaborate with?

Coordinating with bus companies, airlines, motels, and resort representatives. Service standards, contracts, and fees must be agreed upon. Customer names are confirmed with airlines/hotels.

3. What industry does a tour operator work in?

A tour operator is a hospitality expert that organizes tours and assists guests throughout their visits to ensure that they have a great experience. These experts advise consumers on various travel packages based on their budget and interests.

4. What is the role of an inbound tour operator?

An inbound tour operator specializes in organizing and selling travel packages for visitors coming into a specific country. They work on creating itineraries and ensuring a memorable experience for travelers by collaborating with local suppliers, including hotels, transportation companies, and tour guides.

5. What sets luxury tour operators apart?

Luxury tour operators create and sell high-end travel packages that cater to discerning travelers. These packages often include personalized services, exclusive access to attractions and activities, and top-of-the-line accommodations. Luxury tour operators focus on providing a unique and indulgent travel experience for their clients.

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Why Using a Travel Specialist Is More Important Than Ever

By CNT Editors

We've long looked to our network of trusted travel specialists to take us to the far corners of the earth. These are the pros who assemble many of the elaborate itineraries that appear in our magazine, and since the dawn of the pandemic, their up-to-the-minute insights on shifting safety protocols have made them even more essential. If you don't rely on them yet, now is the time to start. Which is why the 2021 edition of Condé Nast Traveler 's Top Travel Specialists comprises more members than ever before. Here, we give you all the reasons you need to book a trip with a travel specialist this year and share some of the best experiences our experts have ever put together—not just to show the scope and prowess of their work, but also to remind you of all the adventures ahead after a long year of staying close to home.

For the full list of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists, please visit cntraveler.com/travel-specialists .

All the reasons you should use a travel specialist—now more than ever

1. They make things work, no matter what “We keep our clients happy by helping them move or defer bookings without incurring cancellation fees while ensuring that our service providers—the camps, lodges, and hotels—don't lose bookings so that they can keep their heads above water.” — Anja Naude , Go2Africa

2. You trust someone to safeguard your financial future—why not your travel future? “Our role is becoming similar to a financial planner in that we are part of the client's team of advisers for their long-term plans. I have personally been referred by many financial planners and wealth advisers who understand the importance of a future travel portfolio or plan in retirement.” — Estee Gubbay , Luxurist Travel

3. Because you don't know everything “It's almost impossible to ask all the right questions. My job is to make sure the client understands how things will be different and to help them break through their assumptions about what they'll encounter so they have a smooth trip. A travel specialist can get things done that you don't even know need to be done.” — Elaine Baran , Esprit Travel and Tours

4. Travel specialists don't take no for an answer “Through sheer tenacity, I was able to get a client refunded over $18,000 from a tour operator who was not giving refunds.” — Alyse Cori , Travelwize

5. They make you a better traveler “ COVID-19 will pass, but now we're much more mindful of how we travel and can use this as an opportunity to use travel for good, rather than be reckless consumers.” — James Jayasundera , Ampersand Travel

6. Travel specialists have the best tools at their disposal “We know about health and safety protocols for each destination. Our tourism boards and partners have been in constant contact with updates, changes in safety regulations, and reassurance of care for our clients. Because we have ongoing personal relationships with our tourism partners, we can inspire our clients to explore the world again with confidence.” — Adrienne Sasson , Rubinsohn Travel

7. Because travel looks entirely different now “I expect there will be a growing interest in philanthropy and that vacations are likely to get longer as people want to enjoy slower travel—more time in less places. We're able to tap our contacts to help parents navigate working and schooling remotely.” — Melissa Matthews , Red Savannah

Our specialists on some of the most impressive trips they've ever planned

Sean Nelson of Oman Expeditions can plan camel treks through the desert.

“The Arabian wilderness, which is largely pristine and remote, requires a level of particular expertise. It's really a privilege to gain such access to an unspoiled landscape and the people who live there. That being said, we always try to enthrall and surprise. The largest sand dune in the world was discovered in southern Oman, and we were asked to track it down for a client. Our travelers tend to be adventurers who are conscious of the importance of low-impact travel. In this case, we ran a private expedition on a mind-blowing trail through the Empty Quarter desert and set up a comfortable camp with a private chef for his group at the bottom of the dune. It was a magical journey. It just so happened that, on this same trip, members of our team were reunited with camel-herding Bedouin family members they hadn't seen in years.” — Sean Nelson , Oman Expeditions

Sam Highley of All Road North plans trips that bring attention to Louisiana's disappearing wetlands

“Our mission is to connect travelers with people and places that change how they see the world. Clients of ours who were spending time in Louisiana had a completely immersive adventure: After breakfast at a great hotel in New Orleans, we took them to the skies in a De Havilland Beaver floatplane to fly south over the deep delta and outlying communities of Plaquemines Parish. This habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate, and from the air you can really see the challenges, as well as the efforts being made to conserve one of the largest alluvial floodplains in the world. They landed on the banks of the Mississippi and had lunch in a restored 1880s church. On the return flight, they dropped down in the maze-like bayou to the west of New Orleans and transferred to an airboat for a ride through the swampy marshland filled with wildlife.” — Sam Highley , All Roads North

Jessica Puckett

Lee Marshall

Meaghan Kenny

“Several weeks before I was to escort a group of 22 to Italy, a tour operator called to say that what I had previously confirmed—an after-hours visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with a private guide—was now unavailable. Refusing to accept the news, I picked up the phone and tried some of my contacts on the ground in Italy until I found one who was able to pull off the impossible. And so we arrived at the Vatican one evening and began our private tour. When we reached the Sistine Chapel, a small and humbly dressed man met us at the locked door. A large ring of dangling keys hung from his belt. He knew exactly which one would unlock the door to the sacred chapel...and in we went.” — Lynn Tyger , Frosch Travel

Lynn Tiger of Frosch Travel gets clients after-hours access to Vatican City.

“One of my clients joined zebra researchers as they did a game count flying over the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. The photos he took from that Cessna 206 with the doors off were pretty spectacular.” — Dan Achber , Trufflepig Travel

“We pulled off a helicopter safari deep into the main Himalayan range in search of the elusive snow leopard. We capped it off with a night's stay alongside monks in a remote monastery.” — Phil Bowen , Guides of Bhutan

“I was working with first-time clients on a family trip to Disney World , and from the outset we established that this was absolutely not about ticking off boxes or cramming in all the rides. I knew that they had pursued their Professional Association of Diving Instructors certification just before this trip, so I set the father and son up with private access to scuba diving in Epcot's 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium in the Living Seas Pavilion. It's filled with more than 6,000 sea creatures and has perfect visibility. Early the next morning, they set off with a photographer on a private Wild Africa Trek safari at Animal Kingdom . They fed hippos and crossed an elevated rope bridge that hovered over alligators and crocodiles and drove through the savannah where lions lounged on warm rocks and elephants gathered in herds. This trip went well beyond the typical Disney World playbook.” — Phyllis Polaner , Smartflyer

“We sent a drone up in Raa Atoll in the Maldives to look for manta rays. When we found one, we summoned our client from his villa onto an awaiting boat so he could snorkel alongside them.” — Lindsey Wallace , Linara Travel

Meg Austin of Meg2book arranges trips that include diving and sailing in Antarctica..

“For a 50th birthday trip I arranged diving under the ice in Antarctica, alongside leopard seals, and a private sail through the Drake Passage. I also scored permits to Palmer Station, one of the U.S. research centers in Antarctica. I knew I needed a vessel that could navigate the ice, which moves. No one would give me a ship. Finally, I found one, in Russia, so I scheduled conference calls in the middle of the night. I'll never forget the chuckle I got from the Russian owner of the ship when I said we won't take no for an answer. And we did it. We got it.” — Meg Austin , Meg2book

“When my client said she wanted a truly authentic experience that didn't feel produced or refined for the sake of tourism, I suggested Ethiopia. She visited the secluded Omo Valley, an ancient land where tribes are untouched by modern life. This is a raw, genuine, and deeply transformational encounter. From there she took a helicopter up to the highly remote Danakil Depression. It's the hottest, least hospitable place on earth, where lava lakes and neon-hued hydrothermal fields create a tapestry against the shimmering salt pans. It's like landing on Mars. To say few people on the planet will ever set foot there is an understatement.” — Teresa Sullivan , Mango African Safaris

Erica Gragg of Escape Artists Travel once planned a yoga class inside Istanbul's Basilica Cistern.

“This is something that could never be duplicated, but I once arranged a yoga class for 20 in the underground Basilica Cistern of Istanbul .” — Erica Gragg , Escape Artists Travel

“A gentleman contacted me to say that he'd been thinking about finally returning to Vietnam. As an American soldier he was based somewhere near the demilitarized zone in central Vietnam, and he had made friends with the local families in the village near where he was stationed. He wanted to find one family in particular, to see them and make peace in his heart with all that had happened. He said that he didn't expect I'd be able to find them. Still, I asked him to tell me what he could remember. He described a station, past the main road and down a hill. There was a small river by the village and a family with two boys and a girl. It wasn't much to go on, but I shared this with my Vietnam partner. ‘Is there any possibility we can find them?’ I asked. My Vietnam partner said it was worth trying. So he rented a motorbike, then a boat, and went out to the general region to ask around and see what he could find. It took two days of scouting, but sure enough, we found the family. When my client returned from his trip, he said he found a peace he never thought he'd be able to achieve before he passed.” — April Cole , Kaanect

Lesley Egbert of Live Longitude Travel can plan a Costa Rica trip that includes rappelling and feeding sloths.

“I planned a trip to Costa Rica for a father and his teenage son who had some physical disabilities and was mostly blind. They wanted to do this trip, and all the adventure activities they possibly could, before his condition worsened. Because the son could feel and hear better than he could see, I arranged white water rafting on a low rapid class, tandem zip lining, tandem waterfall rappelling, and ATV riding. They got to go into the animal sanctuary with a guide to feed a sloth and handle and feed the toucan. I put them at hotels where they would get the star treatment, and because I set them up with a private guide and driver for the duration of the trip, the father got to feel like he was on an actual vacation. I think about this trip a lot, because our job is so much more than just planning travel. We create these magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime.” — Lesley Egbert , Live Longitude Travel

“For our client's 40th birthday, we helicoptered six couples from Reykjavik directly to a glacier in Iceland's wild interior. We set up a bespoke camp with six heated tents, a private chef, an astronomer, and a DJ. They were lucky enough to party the night away under the northern lights. To clear the cobwebs the next day we arranged for the more hardy members of the group to swim between two tectonic plates in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure. We then deconstructed the entire camp and left the glacier without a trace of anyone having been there.” — Mark Allvey , Untold Story Travel

Tom Marchant of Black Tomato gets clients access to sites across Egypt during a cruise.

“We created an epic itinerary for a family cruising the Nile in a private dahabeah to Egypt , Jordan, and Oman. We pulled everyone out of bed at 4:30 a.m. and transferred them to the Giza Plateau to experience the Pyramids before they opened to the public. We even tapped a photographer to capture the family as the sun rose in front of the Pyramids and the Sphinx. They went on a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum with archaeologists and an Egyptologist, and had an after-hours tour of the Valley of the Kings where they accessed King Tutankhamen's tomb. It's hard to overstate the sheer magnificence of sailing in a glorious dahabeah. It's really the trip of a lifetime.” — Tom Marchant , Black Tomato

The small victories they pulled off in 2020

“In a year where very few were able to travel, my guests were among the first Americans to travel to Kenya after the lockdown in August. They had an amazing time and really helped others feel more confident about traveling.” — Elizabeth Loftus , Alluring Africa

“Our client decided to go to the Serengeti for the wildebeest migration. Because he was arriving in just two weeks, we knew exactly where the animals would be, and he experienced it all with no one else around.” — Elizabeth Gordon , Extraordinary Journeys

“I pulled off a 50-person retreat in the Dominican Republic—with two weeks' notice. People came from around the world, and everyone made it. It was an amazing way to end the year.” — Dawn Oliver , Well Xplored

This article appeared in the April 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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Tour Operators

Tour operator is an organization, firm, or company who buys individual travel components, separately from their suppliers and combines them into a package tour, which is sold with their own price tag to the public directly or through middlemen, is called a Tour Operator .

More precise tour operators are primarily responsible for delivering and performing the services specified in a given package tour. They can provide these services themselves as some have their own cars and coaches, hotels, and other travel-related services or can obtain these from the other suppliers. That is why they are called manufacturers of tourism products .

Tour operators are sometimes called wholesalers but this is partially true because a wholesaler buys goods and services in bulk at his own account to prepare a tour package and then retails it through the travel agencies or directly to clients. However, a tour operator who has his own one or more tourists products components, (SOTC, TCI, Thomas Cook, Indo Asia KUONI formulates a new tourist product for example ‘ inclusive tours .’

Tour operators generally offer a variety of package tours to cater to the needs of different kinds of travelers.

Definitions of Tour Operator

Poyther (1993) defines, “tour operator is  one who has the responsibility of putting the tour ingredients together, marketing it, making reservations and handling actual operation.”

Holloway (1992) stated that tour operations undertake a distinct function in the tourism industry, they purchase separate elements of tourism products/services and combine them into a package tour which they sell directly or indirectly to the tourists.

Today, tour operators have become highly competitive. They endeavor to achieve a high volume of turnover, and maximum International and domestic market share by effectively operating. Moreover, the success of many developed and developing nations as tourists destinations depend heavily on a tour operator’s ability to attract tourists, development and promotion of tourism plant, diversification of tourism product and their social responsibilities to develop a remote and backward area.

Types of Tour Operators

Tour operators are basically categorized into four types . These are categories on the basis of their nature of the business and its operations.

Inbound Tour Operators

Outbound tour operators, domestic tour operators.

• Ground Operators

These are also known as incoming tour operators . Technically, the operators who receive guests, clients/tourists, and handle arrangements in the host country are c alled inbound tour operators . For example, a group of American Tourists is coming through TCI Ltd. to India and the company makes arrangements and handles the group in India then TCI is called an inbound tour operator.

Incidentally, the inbound traffic to the country for the last two decades has been decreasing. Essentially the tour operators need to adopt innovative marketing strategies and should introduce a special interest tour to cater the special needs of Japanese, Americans, French and British people.

Tour operator who promote tours for foreign destinations, maybe business tour or leisure tour is called outbound tour operators . For example a group of American tourists going to a trip of India and Thomas Cook handle arrangement in America like as ticket reservation, hotel booking etc. then Thomas Cook is called Outbound Tour operators in the context of America.

Domestic tour operators are those who assemble, combine tourist components into inclusive tours and sell it to the domestic travelers. In general, these tour operators provide travel services within the tourist’s native country.

The domestic tour operators operate within the boundary of the home country and offer package tour to the travelers viz. Domestic inclusive tours or independent tours.

Ground Operators/Destination Management Companies

These are commonly known as handling agencies and their main function is to organize tour arrangements for incoming tourists on the behalf of overseas operators. Let us take the case of India as a destination that – has a varied culture.

When a tour operator himself promotes beach holidays, wildlife holidays, adventure tours, heritage tours at the different places, the difficulty arises. It is the ground operator then who by handling the incoming travelers in the same season but at different places ensures that the entire operation is according to the package tours or agreements.

Sometime when a handling agency is at a prominent tourist place i.e., Delhi and it has to make arrangements to Goa, then it contracts (If it has no office of its own) with a local operator (known as excursion agent) to handle the arrangement on his behalf.

Why Ground Operators?

Obviously, the tour operation companies do not have close contact with suppliers, governments, destinations and so on. It leaves no choice with the companies but to appoint handling agencies at the destinations.  The main reasons are:

• Introduction of new products or plant to promote an exotic destination.
• Lack of Government regulations.
• Lack of personal contract.
• Language problem.
• The company cannot establish its own branch.

Recognizing the very fact that the reputation, performance, and profitability of tour company in its own market largely depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of ground operators, it has because necessary for the company to consider various factors before the selection of a handling agency, they are:

• Size of business
• Professional staff
• Length of business
• Area of operation/Product line
• Market share

Functions of Ground Tour Operators

Over the years of functions and activities of the destination, companies have changed drastically to cope with the changing environment of the tourism industry. In fact, today’s destination companies have become more professional and are bound to provide personalized travel services to the tourists. The following functions are performed by ground tours operators:

• Land arrangement
• Contract and Negotiate with other vendors
• Handling of Arrival and departure procedure
• Planning and organizing local package tour
• Escorting the tourists
• Providing market information
• Costing and pricing package tour

Practically, if we see the working of the travel agencies and tour operators in the industry we find that most of the organizations are performing different types of activities like the retail travel agency , wholesale travel agency, and tour operators.

The travel agency business is no longer an amateurism. Over the last two decades, the pattern and structure of travel agencies have changed to meet tough challenges in the international market. Today, small-scale agencies are finding the travel industry increasingly complex.

Thus, the small and medium scale travel agencies are disappearing or merging or falling instead of rising. On the other hand, a new concept has also emerged i.e. tour operation business . The tour operation business is new but a maturing business at the global level.

Functions of Tour Operator

A tour operator is an organization, firm, or person who is responsible for the actual arrangement of transport and accommodation facilities on any tour or vacations. They are also responsible for operating and providing vacation through contracting, booking, and packaging together of the various components of the tour such as hotel, transportation, meals, guides, optional tours, and sometimes flights.

A tour operator is like a service provider, providing the most convenient option for tourists to stay, visit, as well as leave from the city. A tour operator owns a high volume of travel services across carriers, services, and accommodation. Some most important functions of the tour operators are following as:

Planning a Tour

The most important functions of the tour operators are planning a tour. Tour operators plan a tour and make tour itinerary which contains the identification of the origin, destination and all the stopping point in a traveler’s tours. A prospective tour operator also gives advice to intending tourists in various types of tour programmes, which they may choose for their leisure or commercial travel.

Making Tour Package

Tour operator buys individual travel components, separately from there suppliers and combines them into a package tour. Tour operators make tour package by assembling various travel components into a final product that is called tour package which is sold to tourist with own price tag. Making tour packages is also an important function of Tour Operator.

Arranging a Tour

Tour operators make tour package and also arrange a tour according to tourist demands. Tour operators arrange the tour package and various tourists activities to provide the best experience to tourists/traveler.

Travel Information

Whatever the size of tour operators, it has provided necessary travel information to the tourists. This task is utterly difficult and very complicated. A tour operator must give up-to-date, accurate and timely information regarding destinations, modes of travel, accommodation, sightseeing, immigration, health and security rules about various permits required to travel in a particular area etc.

Reservation

It is a very important function of all type tour operators and travel agencies. Tour operator makes all the reservation by making linkages with accommodation sector, transport sector and other entertainment organizations to reserve rooms, and seats in cultural programmes and transportation.

Travel Management

Tour operators manage tour from beginning to the end of the tour. A tour operator has the responsibility to look after the finer details of a vacation or tour such as hotel, accommodation, meals, conveyance etc. Tour operators provide travel guide, escorting services and arrange all travel related needs and wants.

Evaluate the Option Available

Tour operators evaluate all available options to provide a unique or unforgettable travel experience to tourists during their journey. Tour operators evaluate the various options available for a tour package and provide best of them to tourists.

Tour Operators makes tour packages and promote them into various tourists markets at domestic as well international level. Tour operators promote a travel destination to attract a large group of tourists at domestic as well as international level. In the promotion of tourist destination, tour operators play a key role. Travel agencies or tour operators are called as image builder of a country.

Sales and Marketing

Tour operators do sales and marketing of tourist products. Tour operators buy individual travel components, separately and combine them into a tour package, which is sold with their own price tag to the public directly. Tour operators do marketing of tourist destinations and tourism product to attracts the attention of the tourists/travelers.

Taking Care of Glitch

Tours operators are also called handling agencies which handles tour package and take care of all the glitches and problems arises during a tour package. Tour operators fix the glitches and provide the best available alternative to tourists during their journey.

Importance of Tour Operators

Tours operators play a key role in the tourism sector. Tour operators create tourist products, promote them a finally sold them to tourists.

Tour operators provide the best and competitive price to the tourist. Tour operators negotiate with suppliers of tourism products such as hotels, airlines and provide the best possible price to the tourist. Tour operators buy tourist products in bulk and get huge discounts from suppliers. So that they provide tourist products at a cheap price.

Tour operators organized a tour in the best way. They personalize and make sure each and every component of the tour is well-taken care. Tour operators provide the best travel experience during a tour. Tour operators save tourists time and money.

Tour operators provide immediate support systems at the host country as well as a foreign land. When tourists travel to a foreign land and things get uncertain, maybe its a health or loss of documents and need to return back or change of travel plan. A qualified tour operator takes care of all these unseen events with efficiency.

Tour operator caters to the needs of tourists on the based on their taste of travel. Tour operator provides all the best available option according to tourist needs and demands

Difference between Travel Agent and Tour Operator

There is a lot of confusion about the difference between tour operators and travel agents what exactly makes them different. The main difference between a Travel agent and Tour operator are following as:

• A travel agent is a person who has full knowledge of tourist product – destinations, modes of travel, climate, accommodation, and other areas of the service sector. He acts on the behalf of the product providers/principals and in return get a commission.
• Tour operator is an organization, firm, or company that buys individual travel components, separately from their suppliers and combines them into a package tour, which is sold with their own price tag to the public directly or through middlemen.
• Tour operators are like wholesalers and travel agents are the retailers.
• A tour operator makes the package holidays up and the travel agents sell them on.
• Tour operator taking up the bulk of the responsibilities and his fee is obviously much greater than a travel agent.
• A tour operator has the responsibility to look after the finer details of a vacation or tour such as hotel, accommodation, meals, conveyance, etc.

The wholesale travel agencies may offer or operate the package tours or may specialize in developing tours for inbound as well as outbound travelers. They are often referred to as tour operators, but there is a difference between Wholesale Travel Agencies and Tour operators .

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Job descriptions and industry overviews

Tour operator: job description.

targetjobs editorial team

21 Nov 2023, 12:07

Tour operators are responsible for organising and preparing holiday tours. They follow trends in the popularity of destinations and packages, and adjust company plans accordingly.

What does a tour operator do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Due to Covid-19, you may find it difficult to gain work or experience as a tour operator. As we explain here , however, recruiters will not view time out of work due to the pandemic as a 'gap' in your CV. For guidance on searching for work during this difficult time, take a look at our advice for job hunting during a pandemic .

Responsibilities of a tour operator vary according to the time of year and size of employer, but generally include:

• deciding how many holidays to sell each season and the resorts/countries to use
• visiting resorts to ascertain accommodation quality and suitability
• liaising with coach operators, airlines, hoteliers and resort reps
• agreeing service levels, contracts and costs
• confirming customer names with airlines/hotels
• collecting, evaluating and responding (as appropriate) to customer feedback
• using market research information to guide decisions
• producing brochures and internet-based information
• providing pricing information
• marketing holidays to clients via travel agents, websites, brochures and television advertising
• handling bookings, invoicing and issuing of tickets
• predicting profits or number of bookings
• working with travel consultants from different travel agencies to put holiday packages together
• combining travel, accommodation and services such as sightseeing arrangements to create holiday packages.

Typical employers of tour operators

• Private touring companies
• Small specialist organisers
• Major international tour operators
• Bespoke tour designers
• Cruise liners.

Vacancies are advertised online and in trade publications including Travel Trade Gazette and Travel Weekly , as well as their online equivalents. Networking and speculative applications are advisable. A few larger companies operate graduate training schemes. Paid summer vacation jobs may be available with some employers.

Qualifications and training required

A degree is not a standard formal requirement for this role, though it may be an advantage. Degrees in leisure, travel, tourism, management, marketing, IT, business, languages or hotel and catering management are particularly likely to be relevant. Relevant professional or vocational qualifications, such as NVQs and HNDs, may also be beneficial.

Pre-entry experience gained working with the general public or within the hotel, tourism or travel trades (particularly overseas) will strengthen your applications and improve your chances. It may be possible to start work in a tour rep, tour guide or travel agent role and then move on to a tour operator position.

Key skills for tour operators

• A demonstrable interest in travel
• Knowledge of key holiday destinations
• Foreign language skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Organisational skills
• Commercial awareness
• Good time management skills.

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

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What is a travel specialist and how to become one

A travel specialist is a professional who helps people plan and organize their travel arrangements. They use various systems like SABRE and Amadeus to make domestic and international reservations, provide travel-related advice and information, and handle all aspects of travel including booking flights, hotels, and transportation. They also provide customer service and support, manage travel arrangements for businesses and individuals, and ensure compliance with travel policies and procedures. They may also have training in specific destinations, such as Ireland and Scotland, and may be certified in travel product knowledge. Their role often involves working closely with clients to understand their travel requirements and providing personalized service to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

How long does it takes to become a travel specialist?

It typically takes 2-3 years to become a travel specialist:

• Year 1-2: Obtaining an associate degree in a relevant field, such as travel, hospitality, or tourism.
• Year 2-3: Accumulating the necessary work experience, which includes duties such as booking travel arrangements, providing travel advice, and arranging transportation and accommodations for clients.
• Salary $54,498
• Growth Rate 20%
• Jobs Number 7,580
• Most Common Skill Reservations
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
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Travel Specialist career paths

A travel specialist can pursue various career paths. They can become a travel consultant, manager, or operations manager. They can also become a project manager, general manager, or account manager. Some travel specialists can also work as a team leader, office manager, or accounting manager.

Key steps to become a travel specialist

Explore travel specialist education requirements.

The educational requirements for a travel specialist typically include a high school diploma, with some professionals obtaining a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree. According to Manraj Singh Virk , a student assistant at California State University, San Bernardino, continuous learning and updating knowledge in relevant fields can increase earning potential. This includes staying informed about accounting standards, business intelligence concepts, and modern technology. Other valuable characteristics include a sense of harmony, team spirit, social responsibility, and a strong will to bring positive change.

Most common travel specialist degrees

Bachelor's

High School Diploma

Start to develop specific travel specialist skills

Travel specialists use a variety of skills to assist clients with their travel arrangements. They use computerized reservation systems like Sabre and Amadeus to book transportation and hotel reservations, and they use financial management software like Concur to process expense reports and track government centrally billed accounts. They also provide exceptional customer service skills and use their product knowledge to plan and sell honeymoons, vacations, group travel, cruises, and destination weddings. They may also install and maintain software on PCs and solve customer complaints with travel services.

Complete relevant travel specialist training and internships

Research travel specialist duties and responsibilities.

They use their expertise to meet clients' needs by booking travel arrangements, understanding their requirements, and providing personalized advice. They also install and maintain software for customers, ensure compliance with regulations, and create detailed itineraries. They work closely with other departments to resolve escalated customer issues and utilize various computer systems to run reports and manage expenses. They also provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with airline, hotel, and rental car agencies.

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• Perform every role from booking hotel/transportation/dining/convention/translation services for a primarily Japanese clientele.
• Service diverse facets of corporate domestic and international travel for multiple Apollo accounts.

Prepare your travel specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your travel specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a travel specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Travel Specialist Resume templates

Apply for travel specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a travel specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

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Average travel specialist salary

The average Travel Specialist salary in the United States is $54,498 per year or $26 per hour. Travel specialist salaries range between $35,000 and $83,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do travel specialists rate their job?

Travel specialist reviews.

challenges in flight bookings; hotels; schedules; tours

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Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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