outbound travel industry definition

What is Inbound and Outbound Tourism?

by Hammad Ur Rehman | Oct 25, 2021 | Travel Guide | 6 comments

Don’t you just love traveling around the world and exploring different places? Staying or visiting different countries or states for the sake of fun-filled holidays or work-related visits, are termed tourism. Tourism can be of two types, Inbound tourism or Outbound Tourism. Now the question arises that what is inbound and outbound tourism?

Well, the difference between the two is just a matter of perspective, that is, from where and how you see it. In simple words, if we look from the USA tourism perspective, the outbound tourism would be Robert going to Pakistan, while inbound tourism would be, Ali coming to the USA. Similarly, if we look from a Pakistani tourism perspective, the outbound tourism would be Ali going to the USA, and the inbound tourism would be, Robert coming to Pakistan.

Let’s move on and further elaborate on these two types of tourism.

What is Inbound tourism?

Inbound tourism is economically significant for a country. The tourist countries economically rely on the inbound visitors to drive their maintenance, growth, and development.

What exactly is inbound tourism? In easy words, you can call it incoming tourism. Let’s move further to see the definitions, meanings, significance, drawbacks, and examples of inbound tourism.

Definition of inbound tourism

When someone travels to a country, other than their own country, for tourism, this is called inbound tourism.

Inbound tourism is frequently influenced by certain factors like:

• Season or Weather
• Public holidays
• School’s summer or winter vacations

According to WTO (World Trade Organization) and UN (United States Nation), inbound tourism can be defined as follows:

“ The act of traveling to another country for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, or other purposes .”

Importance of inbound tourism

Through foreign exchange, tourism may bring a lot of wealth into a country. This is especially advantageous in places where the local exchange rate is cheaper as compared to visitors’ native currency. Therefore, inbound tourism has high significance in many countries mainly because of the benefits it provides economically.

Mostly, countries target specific nations for advertising and promoting their inbound tourism. For instance, in today’s era, Chinese people tend to spend more on traveling every year as compared to any other nation, plus, the greatest outbound tourism markets are also produced by China. Therefore, Chinese inbound tourists are highly in demand by many tourist countries.

Drawbacks of inbound tourism

Depending entirely on income from the inbound tourism may cause problems. There are many places like Maldives, Goa, Fairy meadows, Greece, etc., whose economies rely on tourists from other countries.

The primary drawback of inbound tourism is that the place is at the hands of the transportation network. Many tourism industries have been ravaged as a result of airlines ceasing to operate a specific route. Cultural conflicts can also take place due to inbound tourism.

Some other disadvantages of inbound tourism include:

• Disposal, contamination, and emissions are all on the rise.
• Environmental and aquatic habitats are being physically harmed on a daily basis.
• Inappropriate buildings are being built next to historical places and monuments.
• Plenty of resources are being used up.
• Building infrastructure and utilization of land.

Inbound Tourism examples

Now that we have a basic understanding of inbound tourism, let’s look at some practical examples.

If a person from one country travels to another country for tourism, then it’s an inbound tourist. For example, Ali is having a summer break from his university and wants to go abroad. So, he decides to go for tourism to France and enjoys his summer break there. This is an example of inbound tourism because Ali is coming from Pakistan to France for his vacation, and it is a tourist activity for him.

Likewise, Robert is also having a summer break from his school and wants to visit another country. So, he decides to go for tourism to Pakistan and enjoys his summer break there. This is also an example of inbound tourism because Robert is coming from America to Pakistan for his vacation, and it’s a tourist activity for him.

Generally, some of the countries that are renowned for inbound tourism include Maldives, Goa, Greece, etc.

What is outbound tourism?

Leaving your homeland for the sake of gaining international tourism experience has wide importance for many countries.

Let’s jump into detail and find out what is outbound tourism, how do we define it, the importance of outbound tourism has it got any disadvantages, and a few examples of outbound tourism.

Definition of outbound tourism

When a tourist travels or visits outside his or her country for the sake of tourism, but not for more than a year. This type of tourism is called outbound tourism.

The WTO (World Trade Organization) and UN (United States Nation) define outbound tourism as follows, “The act of leaving your home country internationally for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.”

Throughout the years, the market for outbound tourism has grown significantly. However, different regions of the world have different growth rates of the tourism market, but the factors leading to progress are similar.

Importance of outbound tourism

Outbound tourism also has a positive impact on the economy of the county. It provides economic improvements in a variety of industries such as education, healthcare, business, and retail, etc.

For example, the more people travel to foreign nations, the more their demands for products and services increase. Thus, it is a source of economic growth and prosperity for many countries.

This direction of tourism helps in increasing employment opportunities, foreign currency earnings, and trade balance. Thus, it is a source of economic growth and prosperity for many countries.

Within a very short period, China has become the largest source of outbound tourists. The increasing number of Chinese outbound tourists opens the gate of opportunities for tour group operating companies, hotels, national government ad retailers.

Drawbacks of outbound tourism

Apart from the advantages, there are a few disadvantages of outbound tourism as well. These drawbacks include the following:

• Many outbound tourists spend a huge amount of money on international chains like KFC fast-food chains, which reduces the positive effects of tourism as the tourist is using money that has been taken out of his residence.
• ·Sometimes, a country relies far too much on its outbound tourism market. For example, some Caribbean island nations depend on money from tourists to fund their entire economy and government, but this is a risky move as the tourism market is highly inconsistent, and a small incident can lead to a large drop in tourism.

Outbound tourism examples

Let’s go through an example of outbound tourism from the USA point of view:

John is a US citizen and has a passport to the USA. He wants to go for tourism so he can explore the international culture and experience new things. So, he goes for a tour to Spain with his family and friends. This is an example of outbound tourism because John has applied for a tourist visa and is traveling outside his country, USA.

Another example of outbound tourism from Spain’s perspective:

Robert is a tourist from Spain who wants to go for tourism in the USA, but he has no American visa. So, he goes for a tour to the UK with his family and friends. This is an example of outbound tourism because Robert has applied for a tourist visa and is traveling outside his country, Spain.

What is domestic tourism?

Until here, we discussed international inbound and outbound tourism. However, tourism can also be domestic. Now you would want to ask what is domestic tourism ?

Well, it’s very simple. In domestic tourism, the tourist visits different regions, cities, or towns of the same country where he/she resides. In easy words, domestic tourism is vacations spent within the same country you live in.

Let me give you an example of domestic tourism, Sarah lives in California, USA, and for her vacations, she visits Pennsylvania, USA.

Domestic tourism is used by the government to eradicate poverty, economic development, production of employments, infrastructure upgrades, reduce the load from overcrowding. For instance, If the government of California promotes domestic tourism within its state, then more people would come to visit various places in California, which are less popular, and it would boost the economy of California by providing employment opportunities to the people.

Also Learn: Domestic vs International Travel

Final Thoughts

In general, tourism contributes significantly to international trade and the provision of job opportunities in many nations. I hope this article has provided you with a clear picture of what are the types of tourism and why are they significant. All types of tourism are important for the economic growth of any nation.

Check our article on: What is FIT And GIT in The Tourism

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What Is Outbound Tourism

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Minne Rosenthal

• Plan Your Trip
• Sustainability
• Travel Essentials & Accessories

Overview of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism refers to the phenomenon of people traveling from their home country to other countries for various purposes, such as leisure, business, education, or healthcare. It is a key component of the global travel industry and has experienced significant growth in recent years.

With the increasing affluence of societies, improved transportation systems, and easier access to information, the number of outbound tourists has been steadily increasing. This trend has transformed the way people view travel, turning it from a luxury to a regular part of life for many individuals.

One of the primary motivations for outbound travel is the desire to explore new cultures, see iconic landmarks, and experience different lifestyles. People are drawn to the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain new perspectives, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s standing in awe of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, immersing oneself in the vibrant streets of Tokyo, or relaxing on the picturesque beaches of Bali, outbound travel offers a chance to escape the routine and discover the wonders of the world.

Moreover, outbound tourism plays a vital role in fostering international cooperation and understanding. By engaging with diverse cultures and interacting with local communities, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for global interconnectedness and promote a sense of unity among nations.

In addition to personal benefits, outbound tourism also contributes significantly to the economy of both the home and destination countries. It creates employment opportunities in various sectors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, and entertainment. The influx of tourist spending also boosts local businesses, stimulates economic growth, and encourages infrastructure development.

Despite the numerous advantages of outbound tourism, it does present some challenges. Managing the environmental impact of increased travel, ensuring the safety and security of tourists, and addressing concerns related to overcrowding in popular tourist destinations are among the key issues that need to be addressed. It is essential to adopt sustainable practices, promote responsible travel, and strike a balance between economic development and conservation efforts.

In summary, outbound tourism has become an integral part of modern society. It offers individuals the chance to explore new cultures, broaden their horizons, and create lifelong memories. It also plays a significant role in economic development and cultural exchange. However, it is crucial to manage its impacts and promote sustainable practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the global travel industry.

Definition of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism is a term used to describe the act of traveling from one’s home country to visit another country for various purposes, including leisure, business, education, or healthcare. It is essentially the opposite of inbound tourism, which refers to visitors coming into a country from abroad.

Outbound tourists are individuals who leave their home country with the intention of visiting and staying in another country for a specific period. These travelers seek experiences beyond their familiar surroundings, exploring different cultures, historical landmarks, natural wonders, and engaging in a range of activities that are unique to the destination they choose to visit.

The concept of outbound tourism has evolved over time due to advancements in transportation and the integration of technology. In the past, traveling to other countries was often viewed as a luxury reserved for the elite or experienced travelers. However, with the rise of affordable air travel, improved travel infrastructure, and the widespread accessibility of information through the internet, outbound tourism has become more accessible and popular among a wider range of people.

Outbound tourism can take various forms depending on the purpose and duration of the trip. For example, leisure tourism involves traveling for relaxation and enjoyment, while business tourism encompasses travel for professional purposes such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating business deals. Educational tourism refers to trips undertaken to broaden one’s knowledge through studying abroad or participating in workshops or training programs. Additionally, medical tourism has emerged as a significant category, with individuals traveling abroad to seek specialized medical treatments or procedures.

Outbound tourism is driven by various factors, including personal interests, curiosity, the desire for personal growth, and the need to build connections with people from different cultures. Improved living standards, rising disposable incomes, and the availability of travel incentives and discounts also contribute to the growth of outbound tourism.

Global tourism organizations and governments recognize the importance of outbound tourism in fostering cultural exchange, economic development, and diplomatic relations between countries. Efforts are being made to promote international cooperation, simplify travel procedures, and ensure the safety and well-being of outbound tourists.

Overall, outbound tourism reflects the human desire to explore, learn, and connect with the wider world. It offers individuals the opportunity to experience different cultures, broaden their horizons, and create lasting memories. As the world becomes more interconnected, outbound tourism is expected to continue its growth trajectory, playing a significant role in the global travel industry.

Importance of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism holds immense importance in both personal and global contexts. It enriches individuals’ lives by providing opportunities for exploration, cultural immersion, personal growth, and relaxation. Additionally, it plays a vital role in economic development, job creation, and international relations. Here, we delve into the key reasons why outbound tourism is significant.

First and foremost, outbound tourism allows individuals to expand their horizons and experience different cultures. Traveling to other countries exposes tourists to new languages, customs, traditions, and ways of life. This exposure fosters understanding, empathy, and tolerance, breaking down stereotypes and promoting cultural exchange. It enables individuals to gain a broader perspective of the world, appreciate diversity, and develop a sense of global interconnectedness.

Furthermore, outbound tourism is an essential driver of economic growth. It stimulates various sectors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, and retail. The income generated from outbound travelers contributes to the local economies of destination countries, creating jobs and generating tax revenue. This infusion of money also encourages investment in infrastructure development, benefiting both locals and future tourists.

In addition to economic impacts, outbound tourism plays a crucial role in international relations. It fosters diplomacy, encourages bilateral cooperation, and builds bridges between nations. Through personal interactions with people from different countries, stereotypes can be dismantled, cultural misunderstandings can be overcome, and mutual respect can be fostered. Such interpersonal connections facilitate diplomatic discussions, trade partnerships, cultural collaborations, and ultimately contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.

Outbound tourism also benefits the environment and wildlife conservation efforts. Responsible travelers prioritize eco-friendly practices, support sustainable tourism initiatives, and contribute to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Moreover, the demand for sustainable practices in the travel industry encourages stakeholders to adopt environmentally friendly policies, reducing carbon footprints and promoting conservation efforts.

From a personal perspective, outbound tourism provides individuals with a break from their daily routine, reducing stress levels and promoting mental well-being. It offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and self-reflection. Travelers can gain new skills, overcome challenges, and cultivate a sense of confidence and independence.

In summary, outbound tourism is of great importance for both individuals and society as a whole. It broadens horizons, promotes cultural understanding, drives economic growth, fosters international cooperation, and contributes to personal well-being. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the significance of outbound tourism is expected to grow, encouraging individuals to explore and embrace the wonders of the global community.

Factors Influencing Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism is influenced by a variety of factors that shape travel preferences, behavior, and decision-making. Understanding these factors is crucial for travel industry stakeholders, governments, and marketers to effectively cater to the needs and desires of outbound tourists. Here, we highlight some key factors that influence outbound tourism.

1. Economic Factors: The economic stability and prosperity of a country play a significant role in shaping outbound tourism. As individuals’ disposable incomes rise, they have more financial resources to allocate towards leisure travel. Economic factors such as GDP per capita, employment rates, and exchange rates influence people’s ability to afford international travel and impacts their spending patterns during their trips.

2. Destinations and Attractions: The availability and appeal of tourist destinations and attractions greatly influence outbound tourist flows. People are drawn to iconic landmarks, natural wonders, historical sites, cultural events, and unique experiences that different countries offer. The perceived safety, ease of travel, and accessibility of a destination also impact the decision to choose a particular location.

3. Travel Infrastructure: The quality and efficiency of travel infrastructure, including transportation systems (such as airports, airlines, and railways), accommodation options (such as hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals), and connectivity (such as internet and mobile networks), significantly impact outbound tourism. Well-developed infrastructure ensures smooth travel experiences and enhances the overall satisfaction of travelers.

4. Demographic Factors: Demographic characteristics, such as age, income level, and family composition, play a role in outbound tourism. Younger individuals and a growing middle class tend to have more disposable income and a desire for adventure, contributing to increased travel. Family dynamics and the presence of children can influence destination choices and the types of activities that families engage in during their trips.

5. Technological Advancements: The rapid advancements in technology have had a profound impact on outbound tourism. The widespread availability of the internet, social media platforms, and travel apps has made it easier for individuals to research, plan, and book their trips. Online travel agencies, price comparison websites, and user-generated content have revolutionized the way people make travel decisions, increasing the convenience and accessibility of travel information.

6. Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural and social factors influence outbound tourism by shaping individual preferences and motivations. People may be influenced by their social networks, including friends, family, and colleagues, who share their travel experiences and recommendations. Cultural events, festivals, and trends play a role in driving tourism to specific destinations, as travelers seek to immerse themselves in local traditions and experiences.

7. Government Policies: Government policies and regulations can both facilitate or impede outbound tourism. Visa restrictions, safety advisories, travel advisories, and tax policies can affect the decision to travel to specific destinations. Governments that actively promote tourism, provide financial incentives, and ensure safety and security often experience higher outbound tourist numbers.

8. Marketing and Promotional Efforts: Effective marketing and promotional activities can significantly influence outbound tourism. Destination branding, advertising campaigns, targeted messaging, and travel incentives can impact people’s perceptions of a destination and influence their travel choices. Collaborative efforts between tourism boards, airlines, travel agencies, and hospitality businesses are often employed to attract outbound tourists.

In summary, outbound tourism is influenced by a complex interplay of economic, cultural, technological, and demographic factors. Understanding these influences is crucial for destinations and stakeholders in the travel industry to attract, cater to, and meet the evolving preferences and needs of outbound tourists.

Benefits and Challenges of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism brings a range of benefits to individuals, communities, and economies. However, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Here, we explore the benefits as well as the challenges of outbound tourism.

Benefits of Outbound Tourism:

1. Economic Growth: Outbound tourism contributes to economic growth by generating revenue and creating employment opportunities in various sectors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, and retail. The influx of tourist spending stimulates local businesses, encourages infrastructure development, and boosts the overall economy of both the home country and the destination.

2. Cultural Exchange: Outbound tourism promotes cultural exchange by providing individuals with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Travelers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different customs, values, and perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and promoting global interconnectedness.

3. Personal Enrichment: Outbound tourism offers individuals the chance to broaden their horizons, learn new languages, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and gain a more profound understanding of the world. It provides opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and self-reflection.

4. Environmental Conservation: Outbound tourism can support environmental conservation efforts by promoting responsible and sustainable travel practices. Travelers who prioritize eco-friendly options and engage in activities that protect natural resources and wildlife contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

Challenges of Outbound Tourism:

1. Environmental Impact: The increase in outbound tourism has led to environmental challenges, such as pollution, resource depletion, and the degradation of natural sites. Managing the carbon footprint of transportation and implementing sustainable practices in accommodation and tourist activities are vital for minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

2. Overtourism: Popular tourist destinations are often overcrowded, leading to issues such as damage to infrastructure, strain on local resources, cultural commodification, increased waste, and loss of authenticity. Balancing tourism growth with the carrying capacity of destinations and promoting alternative destinations can help alleviate the pressures of overtourism.

3. Sociocultural Impact: The influx of tourists can impact local communities by altering social dynamics, traditions, and livelihoods. It is essential to respect local cultures, promote responsible behavior, and ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably among the local population.

4. Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of outbound tourists is of utmost importance. Travelers may face risks such as theft, scams, natural disasters, or political unrest. Governments and tourism stakeholders must take measures to provide accurate information, enhance safety protocols, and establish effective communication channels to address emergencies.

5. Economic Leakage: In some cases, a significant portion of the revenue generated by outbound tourism can leak out of the local economy. This happens when international tour operators, foreign-owned hotels, or multinational corporations benefit more from tourism than local businesses. Promoting entrepreneurship and local ownership in the tourism industry can help address this issue.

It is crucial for destination management organizations, governments, and travelers themselves to address these challenges and implement sustainable practices. By doing so, outbound tourism can continue to bring economic, cultural, and personal benefits without compromising the natural environment, local communities, and unique identities of destinations.

Popular Destinations for Outbound Tourists

Outbound tourism offers individuals a wide variety of destinations to explore, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. From bustling cities to serene beaches, natural wonders to historical sites, the options are endless. Here, we highlight some of the most popular destinations for outbound tourists.

1. Europe: Europe attracts millions of outbound tourists each year, offering a rich blend of cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. Destinations like Paris with the Eiffel Tower, Rome with the Colosseum, and Barcelona with the Sagrada Familia are perennial favorites. European cities, with their cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant café culture, entice travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

2. Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia is a hotspot for outbound tourists, with countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia offering a mix of vibrant cities and breathtaking natural landscapes. The allure of beautiful beaches, ancient temples, exotic cuisine, and warm hospitality makes this region a top choice for leisure travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.

3. United States: The United States is a diverse destination that attracts outbound tourists with its iconic cityscapes, natural wonders, and world-famous attractions. New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas offer a vibrant urban experience, while national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite captivate nature enthusiasts.

4. Australia and New Zealand: Australia and New Zealand are renowned for their stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and outdoor adventures. From the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to Milford Sound in New Zealand, these countries offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

5. East Asia: East Asian countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea are popular destinations for their rich history, traditions, modern innovation, and captivating landscapes. Travelers are drawn to the bustling streets of Tokyo, the ancient Great Wall of China, and the vibrant K-pop culture that attracts music and entertainment enthusiasts.

6. Africa: Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural richness make it an exciting destination for outbound tourists seeking unique experiences. Safari adventures in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, along with iconic landmarks such as Egypt’s ancient pyramids, draw visitors from around the world.

7. Caribbean and Latin America: The Caribbean and Latin American countries offer a mix of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites. Destinations like Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic attract travelers seeking relaxation, water sports, and the charm of Caribbean and Latin American heritage.

8. Middle East: Middle Eastern destinations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman are known for their futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and rich traditions. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become global tourism hubs, offering a blend of modernity and Arabian culture.

These are just a few examples of the popular destinations for outbound tourists. Each destination has its own unique appeal, ranging from cultural attractions to natural wonders, historical landmarks to modern metropolises. The choices are endless, ensuring that travelers have a wide range of options to curate their ideal travel experiences.

Trends in Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism has witnessed several trends in recent years, driven by changing consumer behaviors, advancements in technology, and evolving global travel preferences. These trends shape the way people plan, experience, and engage with outbound travel. Here, we explore some of the significant trends in outbound tourism.

1. Rise of Experiential Travel: Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic and experiential travel experiences. They want to immerse themselves in the local culture, engage with communities, and participate in meaningful activities. This trend has led to the growth of activities such as culinary tours, responsible tourism initiatives, volunteer programs, and cultural exchanges.

2. Focus on Sustainable Tourism: Travelers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their travel choices. There is a growing demand for sustainable tourism practices, including eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tourism, carbon-neutral travel options, and support for local communities. This trend highlights the importance of preserving destinations for future generations.

3. Digital Transformation: Technology has revolutionized how people plan, book, and share their travel experiences. The rise of online platforms, mobile apps, and social media has made travel information more accessible, allowing travelers to research and book their trips with ease. Social media platforms have also become influential in shaping travel trends, with travelers seeking Instagrammable destinations and unique photo opportunities.

4. Multi-destination Trips: Travelers are increasingly opting for multi-destination trips, combining visits to multiple countries or cities within the same trip. This trend allows travelers to maximize their time and explore diverse destinations in a single journey. It is often facilitated by improved transportation networks, such as low-cost airlines and high-speed rail connections.

5. Niche and Adventure Tourism: Niche tourism segments, such as adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism, have seen significant growth. Travelers seeking unique experiences are now opting for activities like hiking, diving, wildlife safaris, yoga retreats, and cultural immersions. This trend reflects the desire for personal enrichment and the pursuit of new and transformative experiences.

6. Solo Travel: Solo travel has become increasingly popular, with more individuals choosing to embark on journeys alone. This trend reflects the desire for independence, self-discovery, and the freedom to tailor the travel experience to individual preferences. It has led to the emergence of solo-friendly destinations and services that cater specifically to solo travelers.

7. Medical and Wellness Tourism: The demand for medical and wellness tourism has grown significantly. Travelers seek destinations that offer high-quality healthcare services, specialized medical treatments, and wellness retreats to improve their physical and mental well-being. This trend is driven by the desire for advanced medical treatments, alternative therapies, and holistic wellness experiences.

8. Slow Travel: Slow travel advocates for a more relaxed and immersive travel experience, where travelers spend more time in a single destination, exploring it thoroughly and connecting with the local culture. This trend promotes a deeper understanding of a place, sustainable tourism practices, and a more meaningful travel experience.

These trends in outbound tourism reflect the changing preferences and priorities of travelers worldwide. The industry continues to evolve, and travelers can expect more personalized, conscious, and immersive travel experiences in the future.

Outbound Tourism and its Economic Impacts

Outbound tourism has significant economic impacts on both the home and destination countries. It generates revenue, creates employment opportunities, stimulates economic growth, and contributes to the overall development of the tourism industry and related sectors. Here, we explore the economic impacts of outbound tourism.

1. Revenue Generation: Outbound tourism is a major source of revenue for both the home and destination countries. Outbound tourists spend money on transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, shopping, entertainment, and other tourist-related activities. This influx of spending contributes directly to the local economies of the destination countries, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue. In the home country, outbound tourism can also contribute to foreign exchange earnings, as tourists convert their currency to the currency of the destination country.

2. Employment Opportunities: Outbound tourism creates employment opportunities in various sectors of the economy. The growth of outbound tourism leads to increased demand for transportation services, such as airlines, cruise lines, and travel agencies. Accommodation providers such as hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals also benefit from the influx of outbound tourists. Furthermore, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, souvenir shops, and other sectors of the tourism industry experience increased business, resulting in job creation and economic stability.

3. Economic Multiplication Effect: Outbound tourism has a multiplying effect on the economy. The spending by tourists creates a ripple effect throughout the local economy, as the businesses that receive tourist spending, in turn, spend on goods and services provided by other local businesses. This multiplier effect stimulates economic activity beyond the tourism sector, contributing to overall economic growth and development.

4. Infrastructure Development: The growth of outbound tourism often leads to infrastructure development in both the home and destination countries. Governments recognize the economic benefits of tourism and invest in improving transportation networks, enhancing airports, upgrading roads and highways, expanding hospitality infrastructure, and establishing tourism-related amenities. These infrastructure developments not only benefit the tourism industry but also improve the overall quality of life for residents, attracting further investment and contributing to regional development.

5. Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Outbound tourism provides opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the tourism value chain. Locally-owned guesthouses, family-run restaurants, independent tour operators, and artisanal shops can benefit from the patronage of outbound tourists. This helps to distribute the economic benefits of tourism more equitably, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable economic growth in communities.

6. Contribution to Trade Balance: Outbound tourism can have a positive impact on a country’s trade balance. When outbound tourists spend money in the destination country, it helps to offset the outflow of funds for imported goods and services. The revenue generated from outbound tourism can help to balance the trade deficit and strengthen the country’s economic position.

In summary, outbound tourism has significant economic impacts, with the potential to drive revenue generation, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to infrastructure development. However, it is important to manage these economic impacts responsibly, ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably, and that the negative effects, such as environmental degradation and economic leakage, are minimized through sustainable practices.

Outbound Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Outbound tourism plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange between tourists and the local communities they visit. It provides a platform for people from different cultures and backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another. Here, we delve into the significance of outbound tourism in promoting cultural exchange.

1. Exposure to Different Cultures: Outbound tourism exposes individuals to diverse cultures, traditions, customs, and ways of life. Through direct interactions with locals, tourists gain insights into the unique aspects of the destination’s culture, such as language, art, music, dance, food, and religious practices. This exposure broadens their understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for cultural diversity, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and understanding society.

2. Cultural Immersion: Outbound tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture during their travels. They can participate in local traditions, festivals, and events, providing them with a firsthand experience of the destination’s cultural heritage. This immersion fosters empathy, respect, and a deeper connection with the local community.

3. Exchange of Ideas and Perspectives: Outbound tourism encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives between tourists and locals. Through interactions, conversations, and shared experiences, both parties have the opportunity to challenge stereotypes, break down cultural barriers, and gain a broader worldview. This exchange of knowledge fosters mutual understanding and can lead to personal and societal growth.

4. Learning Opportunities: Outbound tourism provides valuable learning opportunities for tourists to understand different cultures. They can engage in activities such as cooking classes, language lessons, traditional craft workshops, or visits to historical sites and museums. These experiences enable tourists to gain a deeper appreciation for the destination’s cultural heritage, history, and contributions to the world.

5. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Outbound tourism can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage. As tourists show interest in visiting historical sites, traditional villages, or cultural landmarks, local communities are encouraged to preserve and maintain their heritage for future generations. This helps to safeguard cultural assets, traditions, and practices that might otherwise be at risk of disappearing.

6. Building Bridges and Breaking Stereotypes: Outbound tourism has the power to build bridges between nations and break down stereotypes. When individuals from different countries interact and engage in meaningful exchanges, they gain firsthand experiences that challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes. This helps to foster goodwill, mutual respect, and long-lasting connections between people from different cultures.

7. Mutual Benefits: Cultural exchange through outbound tourism brings benefits to both tourists and host communities. Tourists gain a deeper understanding of the world, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and return home with a broader perspective. Local communities benefit from economic opportunities, preservation of cultural traditions, and the enrichment of their own cultural experiences through interactions with tourists.

In summary, outbound tourism facilitates cultural exchange, promotes understanding, and builds bridges between individuals from different cultures. It exposes tourists to diverse cultural experiences, challenges stereotypes, fosters empathy, and contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage. Through these interactions, outbound tourism plays a crucial role in promoting a more interconnected and harmonious global society.

Sustainable Practices in Outbound Tourism

Sustainable practices in outbound tourism aim to minimize the negative impact of travel on the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and promote responsible and ethical tourism. As the tourism industry continues to grow, it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of destinations and the well-being of host communities. Here, we highlight some key sustainable practices in outbound tourism.

1. Reduce Carbon Footprint: One of the primary goals of sustainable tourism is to reduce the carbon footprint of travel. This can be achieved by opting for eco-friendly transportation options, such as using public transport or choosing airlines that prioritize fuel efficiency and carbon offset programs. Travelers can also minimize their environmental impact by participating in carbon offset initiatives and supporting renewable energy projects.

2. Support Local Communities: Sustainable tourism practices emphasize supporting local communities and reducing economic leakage. Travelers can achieve this by staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and purchasing locally-made products and crafts. Engaging in cultural exchanges, respecting local customs and traditions, and hiring local guides for tours can also contribute to the economic development and empowerment of local communities.

3. Respect the Environment: Responsible tourists should respect the natural environment and wildlife conservation efforts. This means adhering to guidelines for protected areas, national parks, and marine reserves. Travelers can minimize waste generation, practice proper waste disposal, and support organizations that focus on environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, participating in activities that promote wildlife conservation and avoiding attractions that exploit animals can help protect biodiversity.

4. Promote Responsible Cultural Interactions: Sustainable tourism encourages respectful interactions between tourists and local communities. Travelers should seek opportunities to engage with local cultures and traditions in a sensitive and responsible manner. This includes respecting cultural norms, seeking permission before taking photos, using appropriate language, and educating oneself about local customs and etiquette before visiting a destination.

5. Opt for Sustainable Accommodations: Sustainable accommodations aim to minimize their impact on the environment. Travelers can choose eco-friendly and certified accommodation options that implement practices such as energy conservation, waste management, water efficiency, and the use of renewable resources. Look for certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Globe to ensure that accommodations meet certain sustainability criteria.

6. Conserve Resources: Responsible tourists should strive to conserve resources during their travels. This can be achieved by using water and energy efficiently, avoiding excessive plastic consumption by carrying reusable water bottles and bags, and supporting establishments that follow sustainable practices such as recycling and minimizing single-use plastics.

7. Educate Yourself: Sustainable tourism begins with education and awareness. Travelers can educate themselves about the destination’s environmental and cultural issues, as well as sustainable tourism practices. By understanding the local context, travelers can make informed choices and actively contribute to the sustainability of the destination.

Implementing sustainable practices in outbound tourism is crucial for protecting natural resources, preserving cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and ensuring the long-term viability of destinations. By adopting these practices, travelers can minimize their impact on the environment, respect local cultures, and contribute to the well-being of host communities, thus promoting a more responsible and conscious approach to tourism.

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Glossary of tourism terms

Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Activity/activities : In tourism statistics, the term activities represent the actions and behaviors of people in preparation for and during a trip in their capacity as consumers ( IRTS 2008, 1.2 ).

Activity (principal): The principal activity of a producer unit is the activity whose value added exceeds that of any other activity carried out within the same unit ( SNA 2008, 5.8 ).

Activity (productive): The (productive) activity carried out by a statistical unit is the type of production in which it engages. It has to be understood as a process, i.e. the combination of actions that result in a certain set of products. The classification of productive activities is determined by their principal output.

Administrative data : Administrative data is the set of units and data derived from an administrative source. This is a data holding information collected and maintained for the purpose of implementing one or more administrative regulations.

Adventure tourism : Adventure tourism is a type of tourism which usually takes place in destinations with specific geographic features and landscape and tends to be associated with a physical activity, cultural exchange, interaction and engagement with nature. This experience may involve some kind of real or perceived risk and may require significant physical and/or mental effort. Adventure tourism generally includes outdoor activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, bush walking, scuba diving. Likewise, some indoor adventure tourism activities may also be practiced.

Aggregated data : The result of transforming unit level data into quantitative measures for a set of characteristics of a population.

Aggregation : A process that transforms microdata into aggregate-level information by using an aggregation function such as count, sum average, standard deviation, etc.

Analytical unit : Entity created by statisticians, by splitting or combining observation units with the help of estimations and imputations.

Balance of payments : The balance of payments is a statistical statement that summarizes transactions between residents and non-residents during a period. It consists of the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, the capital account, and the financial account ( BPM6, 2.12 ).

Bias : An effect which deprives a statistical result of representativeness by systematically distorting it, as distinct from a random error which may distort on any one occasion but balances out on the average.

Business and professional purpose (of a tourism trip): The business and professional purpose of a tourism trip includes the activities of the self-employed and employees, as long as they do not correspond to an implicit or explicit employer-employee relationship with a resident producer in the country or place visited, those of investors, businessmen, etc. ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Business tourism : Business tourism is a type of tourism activity in which visitors travel for a specific professional and/or business purpose to a place outside their workplace and residence with the aim of attending a meeting, an activity or an event. The key components of business tourism are meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. The term "meetings industry" within the context of business tourism recognizes the industrial nature of such activities. Business tourism can be combined with any other tourism type during the same trip.

Business visitor : A business visitor is a visitor whose main purpose for a tourism trip corresponds to the business and professional category of purpose ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Central Product Classification : The Central Product Classification (CPC) constitutes a complete product classification covering goods and services. It is intended to serve as an international standard for assembling and tabulating all kinds of data requiring product detail, including industrial production, national accounts, service industries, domestic and foreign commodity trade, international trade in services, balance of payments, consumption and price statistics. Other basic aims are to provide a framework for international comparison and promote harmonization of various types of statistics dealing with goods and services.

Census : A census is the complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well defined characteristics: for example, Population, Production, Traffic on particular roads.

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism : Coastal tourism refers to land-based tourism activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing and other coastal leisure, recreation and sports activities which take place on the shore of a sea, lake or river. Proximity to the coast is also a condition for services and facilities that support coastal tourism. Maritime tourism refers to sea-based activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports and includes their respective land-based services and infrastructure. Inland water tourism refers to tourism activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports which take place in aquatic- influenced environments located within land boundaries and include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, groundwater, springs, cave waters and others traditionally grouped as inland wetlands.

Coherence : Adequacy of statistics to be combined in different ways and for various uses.

Competitiveness of a tourism destination : The competitiveness of a tourism destination is the ability of the destination to use its natural, cultural, human, man-made and capital resources efficiently to develop and deliver quality, innovative, ethical and attractive tourism products and services in order to achieve a sustainable growth within its overall vision and strategic goals, increase the added value of the tourism sector, improve and diversify its market components and optimize its attractiveness and benefits both for visitors and the local community in a sustainable perspective.

Consistency : Logical and numerical coherence.

Country of reference : The country of reference refers to the country for which the measurement is done. ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Country of residence : The country of residence of a household is determined according to the centre of predominant economic interest of its members. If a person resides (or intends to reside) for more than one year in a given country and has there his/her centre of economic interest (for example, where the predominant amount of time is spent), he/she is considered as a resident of this country.

Country-specific tourism characteristic products and activities : To be determined by each country by applying the criteria of IRTS 2008, 5.10 in their own context; for these products, the activities producing them will be considered as tourism characteristic, and the industries in which the principal activity is tourism-characteristic will be called tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 5.16 ).

Cultural tourism : Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions.

Data checking : Activity whereby the correctness conditions of the data are verified. It also includes the specification of the type of error or of the condition not met, and the qualification of the data and their division into "error-free data" and "erroneous data".

Data collection : Systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

Data compilation : Operations performed on data to derive new information according to a given set of rules.

Data confrontation : The process of comparing data that has generally been derived from different surveys or other sources, especially those of different frequencies, in order to assess and possibly improve their coherency, and identify the reasons for any differences.

Data processing : Data processing is the operation performed on data by the organization, institute, agency, etc., responsible for undertaking the collection, tabulation, manipulation and preparation of data and metadata output.

Data reconciliation : The process of adjusting data derived from two different sources to remove, or at least reduce, the impact of differences identified.

Destination (main destination of a trip): The main destination of a tourism trip is defined as the place visited that is central to the decision to take the trip. See also purpose of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.31 ).

Destination management / marketing organization (DMO) : A destination management/marketing organization (DMO) is the leading organizational entity which may encompass the various authorities, stakeholders and professionals and facilitates tourism sector partnerships towards a collective destination vision. The governance structures of DMOs vary from a single public authority to a public/ private partnership model with the key role of initiating, coordinating and managing certain activities such as implementation of tourism policies, strategic planning, product development, promotion and marketing and convention bureau activities. The functions of the DMOs may vary from national to regional and local levels depending on the current and potential needs as well as on the decentralization level of public administration. Not every tourism destination has a DMO.

Documentation: Processes and procedures for imputation,  weighting,  confidentiality  and suppression rules, outlier treatment and data capture should be fully documented by the  survey provider.  Such documentation should be made available to at least  the body financing the survey.

Domestic tourism : Domestic tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference, either as part of a domestic tourism trip or part of an outbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Domestic tourism consumption : Domestic tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Domestic tourism expenditure : Domestic tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor within the economy of reference, (IRTS 2008, 4.15(a)).

Domestic tourism trip : A domestic tourism trip is one with a main destination within the country of residence of the visitor (IRTS 2008, 2.32).

Domestic visitor : As a visitor travels within his/her country of residence, he/she is a domestic visitor and his/her activities are part of domestic tourism.

Durable consumer goods : Durable consumer goods are goods that may be used repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more, assuming a normal or average rate of physical usage. When acquired by producers, these are considered to be capital goods used for production processes, as is the case of vehicles, computers, etc. When acquired by households, they are considered to be consumer durable goods ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.39 ). This definition is identical to the definition of SNA 2008, 9.42 : A consumer durable is a goodthat may be used for purposes of consumption repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more.

Dwellings : Each household has a principal dwelling (sometimes also designated as main or primary home), usually defined with reference to time spent there, whose location defines the country of residence and place of usual residence of this household and of all its members. All other dwellings (owned or leased by the household) are considered secondary dwellings ( IRTS 2008, 2.26 ).

Ecotourism : Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community. Ecotourism increases awareness towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural environment and cultural assets both among locals and the visitors and requires special management processes to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem.

Economic analysis : Tourism generates directly and indirectly an increase in economic activity in the places visited (and beyond), mainly due to demand for goods and services thatneed to be produced and provided. In the economic analysis of tourism, one may distinguish between tourism's 'economic contribution' which refers to the direct effect of tourism and is measurable by means of the TSA, and tourism's 'economic impact' which is a much broader concept encapsulating the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism and which must be estimated by applying models. Economic impact studies aim to quantify economic benefits, that is, the net increase in the wealth of residents resulting from tourism, measured in monetary terms, over and above the levels that would prevail in its absence.

Economic territory : The term "economic territory" is a geographical reference and points to the country for which the measurement is done (country of reference) ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Economically active population : The economically active population or labour force comprises all persons of either sex who furnish the supply of labour for the production of goods and services as defined by the system of national accounts during a specified time-reference period (ILO, Thirteenth ICLS, 6.18).

Economy (of reference): "Economy" (or "economy of reference") is an economic reference defined in the same way as in the balance of payments and in the system of national accounts: it refers to the economic agents that are resident in the country of reference ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Education tourism : Education tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation the tourist's engagement and experience in learning, self-improvement, intellectual growth and skills development. Education Tourism represents a broad range of products and services related to academic studies, skill enhancement holidays, school trips, sports training, career development courses and language courses, among others.

Employees : Employees are all those workers who hold the type of job defined as "paid employment" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employer-employee relationship : An employer-employee relationship exists when there is an agreement, which may be formal or informal, between an entity and an individual, normally entered into voluntarily by both parties, whereby the individual works for the entity in return for remuneration in cash or in kind ( BPM6, 11.11 ).

Employers : Employers are those workers who, working on their own account with one or more partners, hold the type of job defined as a "self-employment job" and, in this capacity, on a continuous basis (including the reference period) have engaged one or more persons to work for them in their business as "employee(s)" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employment : Persons in employment are all persons above a specified age who, during a specified brief period, either one week or one day, were in paid employment or self-employment (OECD GST, p. 170).

Employment in tourism industries : Employment in tourism industries may be measured as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in any of their jobs, as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in their main job, or as a count of the jobs in tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 7.9 ).

Enterprise : An enterprise is an institutional unit engaged in production of goods and/or services. It may be a corporation, a non-profit institution, or an unincorporated enterprise. Corporate enterprises and non-profit institutions are complete institutional units. An unincorporated enterprise, however, refers to an institutional unit —a household or government unit —only in its capacity as a producer of goods and services (OECD BD4, p. 232)

Establishment : An establishment is an enterprise, or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and in which only a single productive activity is carried out or in which the principal productive activity accounts for most of the value added ( SNA 2008, 5.14 ).

Estimation : Estimation is concerned with inference about the numerical value of unknown population values from incomplete data such as a sample. If a single figure is calculated for each unknown parameter the process is called "point estimation". If an interval is calculated within which the parameter is likely, in some sense, to lie, the process is called "interval estimation".

Exports of goods and services : Exports of goods and services consist of sales, barter, or gifts or grants, of goods and services from residents to non-residents (OECD GST, p. 194)

Frame : A list, map or other specification of the units which define a population to be completely enumerated or sampled.

Forms of tourism : There are three basic forms of tourism: domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. These can be combined in various ways to derive the following additional forms of tourism: internal tourism, national tourism and international tourism.

Gastronomy tourism :  Gastronomy tourism is a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor's experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative culinary experiences, Gastronomy Tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes. Eno-tourism (wine tourism), as a sub-type of gastronomy tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards, wineries, tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.

Goods : Goods are physical, produced objects for which a demand exists, over which ownership rights can be established and whose ownership can be transferred from one institutional unit to another by engaging in transactions on markets ( SNA 2008, p. 623 ).

Gross fixed capital formation : Gross fixed capital formation is defined as the value of institutional units' acquisitions less disposals of fixed assets. Fixed assets are produced assets (such as machinery, equipment, buildings or other structures) that are used repeatedly or continuously in production over several accounting periods (more than one year) ( SNA 2008, 1.52 ).

Gross margin : The gross margin of a provider of reservation services is the difference between the value at which the intermediated service is sold and the value accrued to the provider of reservation services for this intermediated service.

Gross value added : Gross value added is the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 3.32 ).

Gross value added of tourism industries : Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI) is the total gross value added of all establishments belonging to tourism industries, regardless of whether all their output is provided to visitors and the degree of specialization of their production process ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.86 ).

Grossing up : Activity aimed at transforming, based on statistical methodology, micro-data from samples into aggregate-level information representative of the target population.

Health tourism : Health tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation, the contribution to physical, mental and/or spiritual health through medical and wellness-based activities which increase the capacity of individuals to satisfy their own needs and function better as individuals in their environment and society. Health tourism is the umbrella term for the subtypes wellness tourism and medical tourism.

Imputation : Procedure for entering a value for a specific data item where the response is missing or unusable.

Inbound tourism : Inbound tourism comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Inbound tourism consumption : Inbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Inbound tourism expenditure : Inbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(b) ).

Innovation in tourism : Innovation in tourism is the introduction of a new or improved component which intends to bring tangible and intangible benefits to tourism stakeholders and the local community, improve the value of the tourism experience and the core competencies of the tourism sector and hence enhance tourism competitiveness and /or sustainability. Innovation in tourism may cover potential areas, such as tourism destinations, tourism products, technology, processes, organizations and business models, skills, architecture, services, tools and/or practices for management, marketing, communication, operation, quality assurance and pricing.

Institutional sector : An aggregation of institutional units on the basis of the type of producer and depending on their principal activity and function, which are considered to be indicative of their economic behaviour.

Institutional unit : The elementary economic decision-making centre characterised by uniformity of behaviour and decision-making autonomy in the exercise of its principal function.

Intermediate consumption : Intermediate consumption consists of the value of the goods and services consumed as inputs by a process of production, excluding fixed assets whose consumption is recorded as consumption of fixed capital ( SNA 2008, 6.213 ).

Internal tourism : Internal tourism comprises domestic tourism and inbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident and non-resident visitors within the country of reference as part of domestic or international tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(a) ).

Internal tourism consumption : Internal tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of both resident and non-resident visitors within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and inbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Internal tourism expenditure : Internal tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of visitors, both resident and non-resident, within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and inbound tourism expenditure. It includes acquisition of goods and services imported into the country of reference and sold to visitors. This indicator provides the most comprehensive measurement of tourism expenditure in the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(a) ).

International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities : The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) consists of a coherent and consistent classification structure of economic activities based on a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, principles and classification rules. It provides a comprehensive framework within which economic data can be collected and reported in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking. The classification structure represents a standard format to organize detailed information about the state of an economy according to economic principles and perceptions (ISIC, Rev.4, 1).

International tourism : International tourism comprises inbound tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips and the activities of non-resident visitors within the country of reference on inbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(c) ).

International visitor : An international traveller qualifies as an international visitor with respect to the country of reference if: (a) he/she is on a tourism trip and (b) he/she is a non-resident travelling in the country of reference or a resident travelling outside of it ( IRTS 2008, 2.42 ).

Job : The agreement between an employee and the employer defines a job and each self-employed person has a job ( SNA 2008, 19.30 ).

Measurement error : Error in reading, calculating or recording numerical value.

Medical tourism : Medical tourism is a type of tourism activity which involves the use of evidence-based medical healing resources and services (both invasive and non-invasive). This may include diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention and rehabilitation.

Meetings industry : To highlight purposes relevant to the meetings industry, if a trip's main purpose is business/professional, it can be further subdivided into "attending meetings, conferences or congresses, trade fairs and exhibitions" and "other business and professional purposes". The term meetings industry is preferred by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Reed Travel over the acronym MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) which does not recognize the industrial nature of such activities.

Metadata : Data that defines and describes other data and processes.

MICE : See meetings industry.

Microdata : Non-aggregated observations, or measurements of characteristics of individual units.

Mirror statistics : Mirror statistics are used to conduct bilateral comparisons of two basic measures of a trade flow and are a traditional tool for detecting the causes of asymmetries in statistics (OECD GST, p. 335).

Mountain tourism : Mountain tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. It encompasses a broad range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.

National tourism : National tourism comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors within and outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(b) ).

National tourism consumption : National tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of resident visitors, within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and outbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

National tourism expenditure : National tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of resident visitors within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and outbound tourism expenditure ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(b) ).

Nationality : The concept of "country of residence" of a traveller is different from that of his/her nationality or citizenship ( IRTS 2008, 2.19 ).

Non-monetary indicators : Data measured in physical or other non-monetary units should not be considered a secondary part of a satellite account. They are essential components, both for the information they provide directly and in order to analyse the monetary data adequately ( SNA 2008, 29.84 ).

Observation unit : entity on which information is received and statistics are compiled.

Outbound tourism : Outbound tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside the country of reference, either as part of an outbound tourism trip or as part of a domestic tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39(c) ).

Outbound tourism consumption : Outbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Outbound tourism expenditure : Outbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(c) ).

Output : Output is defined as the goods and services produced by an establishment, a) excluding the value of any goods and services used in an activity for which the establishment does not assume the risk of using the products in production, and b) excluding the value of goods and services consumed by the same establishment except for goods and services used for capital formation (fixed capital or changes in inventories) or own final consumption ( SNA 2008, 6.89 ).

Output (main): The main output of a (productive) activity should be determined by reference to the value added of the goods sold or services rendered (ISIC rev.4, 114).

Pilot survey : The aim of a pilot survey is to test the questionnaire (pertinence of the questions, understanding of questions by those being interviewed, duration of the interview) and to check various potential sources for sampling and non-sampling errors: for instance, the place in which the surveys are carried out and the method used, the identification of any omitted answers and the reason for the omission, problems of communicating in various languages, translation, the mechanics of data collection, the organization of field work, etc.

Place of usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides, and is defined by the location of his/her principal dwelling (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.20 to 2.24).

Probability sample : A sample selected by a method based on the theory of probability (random process), that is, by a method involving knowledge of the likelihood of any unit being selected.

Production account : The production account records the activity of producing goods and services as defined within the SNA. Its balancing item, gross value added, is defined as the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption and is a measure of the contribution to GDP made by an individual producer, industry or sector. Gross value added is the source from which the primary incomes of the SNA are generated and is therefore carried forward into the primary distribution of income account. Value added and GDP may also be measured net by deducting consumption of fixed capital, a figure representing the decline in value during the period of the fixed capital used in a production process ( SNA 2008, 1.17 ).

Production : Economic production may be defined as an activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses inputs of labour, capital, and goods and services to produce outputs of goods or services ( SNA 2008, 6.24. ).

Purpose of a tourism trip (main): The main purpose of a tourism trip is defined as the purpose in the absence of which the trip would not have taken place ( IRTS 2008, 3.10. ). Classification of tourism trips according to the main purpose refers to nine categories: this typology allows the identification of different subsets of visitors (business visitors, transit visitors, etc.) See also destination of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 3.14 ).

Quality of a tourism destination : Quality of a tourism destination is the result of a process which implies the satisfaction of all tourism product and service needs, requirements and expectations of the consumer at an acceptable price, in conformity with mutually accepted contractual conditions and the implicit underlying factors such as safety and security, hygiene, accessibility, communication, infrastructure and public amenities and services. It also involves aspects of ethics, transparency and respect towards the human, natural and cultural environment. Quality, as one of the key drivers of tourism competitiveness, is also a professional tool for organizational, operational and perception purposes for tourism suppliers.

Questionnaire and Questionnaire design : Questionnaire is a group or sequence of questions designed to elicit information on a subject, or sequence of subjects, from a reporting unit or from another producer of official statistics. Questionnaire design is the design (text, order, and conditions for skipping) of the questions used to obtain the data needed for the survey.

Reference period : The period of time or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.

Relevance : The degree to which statistics meet current and potential users' needs.

Reliability : Closeness of the initial estimated value to the subsequent estimated value.

Reporting unit : Unit that supplies the data for a given survey instance, like a questionnaire or interview. Reporting units may, or may not, be the same as the observation unit.

Residents/non-residents : The residents of a country are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located in its economic territory. For a country, the non-residents are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located outside its economic territory.

Response and non-response : Response and non-response to various elements of a survey entail potential errors.

Response error : Response errors may be defined as those arising from the interviewing process. Such errors may be due to a number of circumstances, such as inadequate concepts or questions; inadequate training; interviewer failures; respondent failures.

Rural tourism : Rural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing. Rural tourism activities take place in non-urban (rural) areas with the following characteristics:

• Low population density;
• Landscape and land-use dominated by agriculture and forestry; and
• Traditional social structure and lifestyle

Same-day visitor (or excursionist): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Sample : A subset of a frame where elements are selected based on a process with a known probability of selection.

Sample survey : A survey which is carried out using a sampling method.

Sampling error : That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.

Satellite accounts : There are two types of satellite accounts, serving two different functions. The first type, sometimes called an internal satellite, takes the full set of accounting rules and conventions of the SNA but focuses on a particular aspect of interest by moving away from the standard classifications and hierarchies. Examples are tourism, coffee production and environmental protection expenditure. The second type, called an external satellite, may add non-economic data or vary some of the accounting conventions or both. It is a particularly suitable way to explore new areas in a research context. An example may be the role of volunteer labour in the economy ( SNA 2008, 29.85 ).

SDMX, Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange : Set of technical standards and content-oriented guidelines, together with an IT architecture and tools, to be used for the efficient exchange and sharing of statistical data and metadata (SDMX).

Seasonal adjustment : Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique to remove the effects of seasonal calendar influences on a series. Seasonal effects usually reflect the influence of the seasons themselves, either directly or through production series related to them, or social conventions. Other types of calendar variation occur as a result of influences such as number of days in the calendar period, the accounting or recording practices adopted or the incidence of moving holidays.

Self-employment job : Self-employment jobs are those jobs where remuneration is directly dependent upon the profits (or the potential of profits) derived from the goods or services produced.

Self-employed with paid employees : Self-employed with paid employees are classified as employers.

Self-employed without employees : Self-employed without employees are classified as own-account workers.

Services : Services are the result of a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units, or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets. They cannot be traded separately from their production. By the time their production is completed, they must have been provided to the consumers ( SNA 2008, 6.17 ).

Social transfers in kind : A special case of transfers in kind is that of social transfers in kind. These consist of goods and services provided by general government and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) that are delivered to individual households. Health and education services are the prime examples. Rather than provide a specified amount of money to be used to purchase medical and educational services, the services are often provided in kind to make sure that the need for the services is met. (Sometimes the recipient purchases the service and is reimbursed by the insurance or assistance scheme. Such a transaction is still treated as being in kind because the recipient is merely acting as the agent of the insurance scheme) (SNA 2008, 3.83).

Sports tourism : Sports tourism is a type of tourism activity which refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

Standard classification : Classifications that follow prescribed rules and are generally recommended and accepted.

Statistical error : The unknown difference between the retained value and the true value.

Statistical indicator : A data element that represents statistical data for a specified time, place, and other characteristics, and is corrected for at least one dimension (usually size) to allow for meaningful comparisons.

Statistical metadata : Data about statistical data.

Statistical unit : Entity about which information is sought and about which statistics are compiled. Statistical units may be identifiable legal or physical entities or statistical constructs.

Survey : An investigation about the characteristics of a given population by means of collecting data from a sample of that population and estimating their characteristics through the systematic use of statistical methodology.

System of National Accounts : The System of National Accounts (SNA) is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity in accordance with strict accounting conventions based on economic principles. The recommendations are expressed in terms of a set of concepts, definitions, classifications and accounting rules that comprise the internationally agreed standard for measuring indicators of economic performance. The accounting framework of the SNA allows economic data to be compiled and presented in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking ( SNA 2008, 1.1 ).

Total tourism internal demand : Total tourism internal demand, is the sum of internal tourism consumption, tourism gross fixed capital formation and tourism collective consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.114 ). It does not include outbound tourism consumption.

Tourism : Tourism refers to the activity of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ).

Tourism characteristic activities : Tourism characteristic activities are the activities that typically produce tourism characteristic products. As the industrial origin of a product (the ISIC industry that produces it) is not a criterion for the aggregation of products within a similar CPC category, there is no strict one-to-one relationship between products and the industries producing them as their principal outputs ( IRTS 2008, 5.11 ).

Tourism characteristic products : Tourism characteristic products are those that satisfy one or both of the following criteria: a) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share total tourism expenditure (share-of-expenditure/demand condition); b) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share of the supply of the product in the economy (share-of-supply condition). This criterion implies that the supply of a tourism characteristic product would cease to exist in meaningful quantity in the absence of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 5.10 ).

Tourism connected products : Their significance within tourism analysis for the economy of reference is recognized although their link to tourism is very limited worldwide. Consequently, lists of such products will be country-specific ( IRTS 2008, 5.12 ).

Tourism consumption : Tourism consumption has the same formal definition as tourism expenditure. Nevertheless, the concept of tourism consumption used in the Tourism Satellite Account goes beyond that of tourism expenditure. Besides the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips, which corresponds to monetary transactions (the focus of tourism expenditure), it also includes services associated with vacation accommodation on own account, tourism social transfers in kind and other imputed consumption. These transactions need to be estimated using sources different from information collected directly from the visitors, such as reports on home exchanges, estimations of rents associated with vacation homes, calculations of financial intermediation services indirectly measured (FISIM), etc. ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.25 ).

Tourism destination : A tourism destination is a physical space with or without administrative and/or analytical boundaries in which a visitor can spend an overnight. It is the cluster (co-location) of products and services, and of activities and experiences along the tourism value chain and a basic unit of analysis of tourism. A destination incorporates various stakeholders and can network to form larger destinations. It is also intangible with its image and identity which may influence its market competitiveness.

Tourism direct gross domestic product : Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) is the sum of the part of gross value added (at basic prices) generated by all industries in response to internal tourism consumption plus the amount of net taxes on products and imports included within the value of this expenditure at purchasers' prices ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.96 ).

Tourism direct gross value added : Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) is the part of gross value added generated by tourism industries and other industries of the economy that directly serve visitors in response to internal tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.88 ).

Tourism expenditure : Tourism expenditure refers to the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables, for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips. It includes expenditures by visitors themselves, as well as expenses that are paid for or reimbursed by others ( IRTS 2008, 4.2 ).

Tourism industries : The tourism industries comprise all establishments for which the principal activity is a tourism characteristic activity. Tourism industries (also referred to as tourism activities) are the activities that typically producetourism characteristic products. The term tourism industries is equivalent to tourism characteristic activities and the two terms are sometimes used synonymously in the IRTS 2008, 5.10, 5.11 and figure 5.1 .

Tourism product : A tourism product is a combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions, facilities, services and activities around a specific center of interest which represents the core of the destination marketing mix and creates an overall visitor experience including emotional aspects for the potential customers. A tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels and it has a life-cycle.

Tourism ratio : For each variable of supply in the Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism ratiois the ratio between the total value of tourism share and total value of the corresponding variable in the Tourism Satellite Account expressed in percentage form ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.56 ). (See also Tourism share).

Tourism Satellite Account : The Tourism Satellite Account is the second international standard on tourism statistics (Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 –TSA:RMF 2008) that has been developed in order to present economic data relative to tourism within a framework of internal and external consistency with the rest of the statistical system through its link to the System of National Accounts. It is the basic reconciliation framework of tourism statistics. As a statistical tool for the economic accounting of tourism, the TSA can be seen as a set of 10 summary tables, each with their underlying data and representing a different aspect of the economic data relative to tourism: inbound, domestic tourism and outbound tourism expenditure, internal tourism expenditure, production accounts of tourism industries, the Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) attributable to tourism demand, employment, investment, government consumption, and non-monetary indicators.

Tourism Satellite Account aggregates : The compilation of the following aggregates, which represent a set of relevant indicators of the size of tourism in an economy is recommended ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.81 ):

• Internal tourism expenditure;
• Internal tourism consumption;
• Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI);
• Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA);
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP).

Tourism sector : The tourism sector, as contemplated in the TSA, is the cluster of production units in different industries that provide consumption goods and services demanded by visitors. Such industries are called tourism industries because visitor acquisition represents such a significant share of their supply that, in the absence of visitors, their production of these would cease to exist in meaningful quantity.

Tourism share : Tourism share is the share of the corresponding fraction of internal tourism consumption in each component of supply ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.51 ). For each industry, the tourism share of output (in value), is the sum of the tourism share corresponding to each product component of its output ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.55 ). (See also Tourism ratio ).

Tourism single-purpose consumer durable goods : Tourism single-purpose consumer durables is a specific category of consumer durable goods that include durable goods that are used exclusively, or almost exclusively, by individuals while on tourism trips ( TSA:RMF 2008 , 2.41 and Annex 5 ).

Tourism trip : Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.29 ).

Tourist (or overnight visitor): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Tourism value chain : The tourism value chain is the sequence of primary and support activities which are strategically fundamental for the performance of the tourism sector. Linked processes such as policy making and integrated planning, product development and packaging, promotion and marketing, distribution and sales and destination operations and services are the key primary activities of the tourism value chain. Support activities involve transport and infrastructure, human resource development, technology and systems development and other complementary goods and services which may not be related to core tourism businesses but have a high impact on the value of tourism.

Travel / traveller : Travel refers to the activity of travellers. A traveller is someone who moves between different geographic locations, for any purpose and any duration ( IRTS 2008, 2.4 ). The visitor is a particular type of traveller and consequently tourism is a subset of travel.

Travel group : A travel group is made up of individuals or travel parties travelling together: examples are people travelling on the same package tour or youngsters attending a summer camp ( IRTS 2008, 3.5 ).

Travel item (in balance of payments): Travel is an item of the goods and services account of the balance of payments: travel credits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from an economy by non-residents during visits to that economy. Travel debits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from other economies by residents during visits to other economies ( BPM6, 10.86 ).

Travel party : A travel party is defined as visitors travelling together on a trip and whose expenditures are pooled ( IRTS 2008, 3.2 ).

Trip : A trip refers to the travel by a person from the time of departure from his/her usual residence until he/she returns: it thus refers to a round trip. Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips.

Urban/city tourism : Urban/city tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business.

Usual environment: The usual environment of an individual, a key concept in tourism, is defined as the geographical area (though not necessarily a contiguous one) within which an individual conducts his/her regular life routines ( IRTS 2008, 2.21 ).

Usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.16 to 2.18).

Vacation home : A vacation home (sometimes also designated as a holiday home) is a secondary dwelling that is visited by the members of the household mostly for purposes of recreation, vacation or any other form of leisure ( IRTS 2008, 2.27 ).

Valuables : Valuables are produced goods of considerable value that are not used primarily for purposes of production or consumption but are held as stores of value over time ( SNA 2008, 10.13 ).

Visit : A trip is made up of visits to different places.The term "tourism visit" refers to a stay in a place visited during a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.7 and 2.33 ).

Visitor : A visitor is a traveller taking a trip to a main destination outside his/her usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose (business, leisure or other personal purpose) other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country or place visited ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ). A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Wellness tourism : Wellness tourism is a type of tourism activity which aims to improve and balance all of the main domains of human life including physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. The primary motivation for the wellness tourist is to engage in preventive, proactive, lifestyle-enhancing activities such as fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, pampering and healing treatments.

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The Ultimate Guide All About Outbound Tourism

All About Outbound Tourism, also known as international tourism, is an ever-growing sector that has been gaining popularity in the past few decades. With the increase in globalization, people have become more interested in exploring new cultures, cuisines, and destinations around the world.

In this highly competitive travel industry, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of outbound tourism to stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a travel agent , or a seasoned professional in the industry, this ultimate guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of outbound tourism.

We will discuss everything you need to know about outbound tourism, including the current trends, the top destinations, the benefits and challenges of outbound tourism, and the best practices for the industry. We will be delving into the different types of outbound tourists, such as business, adventure, and leisure travelers, and their unique requirements.

All About Outbound Tourism In Details

Traveling overseas to experience new cultures is becoming increasingly popular among leisure travelers. This section covers everything you need to know All About Outbound Tourism its definition, reasons why it’s preferred over domestic travel, top destinations favored by outbound tourists like Spain and France, and planning tips.

It’s worth noting that international tourism supports economies around the world with a positive impact on GDP, as per WTO and United Nations reports.

Historical Overview Of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism, or traveling to a foreign country for leisure or business purposes, has a long and fascinating history. While ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans engaged in travel for trade and diplomacy, it wasn’t until the 19th century that leisure travel began to take off.

The advent of steamships and railways made it easier and more affordable for people to travel abroad, leading to the rise of mass tourism. In the early 20th century, advancements in aviation technology further revolutionized outbound tourism.

Air travel has become faster and more comfortable, making it possible for people to visit far-off destinations in hours rather than days or weeks. Outbound tourism is a major industry today, with millions of people traveling abroad each year for vacation, education, business, and other purposes.

As technology continues to evolve and the world becomes increasingly connected, it will be interesting to see how outbound tourism continues to change and adapt over time.

Factors Affecting Outbound Tourism

There are several factors that can affect outbound tourism, including economic conditions, political stability, cultural differences, and technological advancements. Economic conditions play a significant role in outbound tourism, as individuals are more likely to travel when they have disposable income and job security.

Political stability is also an important factor, as individuals are less likely to travel to countries with high levels of political unrest or instability. Cultural differences can also impact outbound tourism as individuals may be hesitant to visit countries with vastly different customs and traditions than their own.

Technological advancements have also made travel more accessible and affordable, allowing more individuals to participate in outbound tourism. By considering these factors when planning for outbound tourism, individuals can make informed decisions and have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Planning An Outbound Trip

Planning an outbound trip can be an exciting and daunting task. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it is important to consider a few key factors before embarking on your journey. First, decide on your destination and research any necessary visas or travel requirements.

Next, budget your trip, including transportation, accommodation, and activities. Creating an itinerary to make the most of your time abroad may also be helpful. When booking flights and accommodations, compare prices and read reviews from previous travelers.

Finally, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unexpected events. With careful planning and preparation, you can have a successful outbound trip filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories.

Choosing A Destination

Choosing the right destination is crucial while planning an outbound trip for leisure or vacationing abroad. Cost-effectiveness, accessibility by air or road transport, and safety concerns must be considered when selecting a place.

Researching the local culture and customs can ensure that travelers are respectful to natives and avoid offending them at any cost. Weather patterns and climatic conditions in the desired location are equally important before making any reservations. Opt for a spot that caters to your interests, such as historical sites or adventure activities.

Transportation Options For Outbound Travel

Travelers going on an outbound trip have multiple transportation options to choose from. For longer distances, air travel is the most popular and convenient choice. Land transport like buses, trains, and cars can be chosen if you’re traveling shorter distances or in groups.

Sea transport options such as cruises and ferries offer a unique experience with onboard amenities while exploring different destinations. Budgets and personal preferences help determine which mode of transportation to select.

Accommodation Options For Outbound Travel

When selecting accommodation options for outbound tourism, you must take into account your budget and travel style. Hotels are renowned for their variety of services and facilities; however, they tend to be more costly than other choices.

Hostels are an economical option that fosters socializing amongst travelers while sacrificing privacy. Vacation rentals provide homelike vibes, with kitchens and living rooms requiring prior scheduling. Homestays offer an authentic experience of the local culture but necessitate adaptability.

Activities And Attractions For Outbound Travel

When traveling outside your home country for leisure or business purposes, there are many activities and attractions you can experience as part of outbound tourism. From sightseeing to adventure sports and cultural experiences to food tours, there is truly something for everyone.

Popular outbound tourist attractions include museums, historical sites, national parks, and beaches. As always, conducting thorough research before departure ensures a meaningful travel experience. Outbound tourism has a positive impact on global economies through international trade growth and inbound tourism increases.

Cultural Considerations For Outbound Travel

When planning an outbound trip, it is essential to consider cultural differences in your destination. Understanding different customs and traditions can help you avoid potential misunderstandings while traveling abroad. Dressing appropriately and respecting religious practices are also important factors to consider.

Awareness of these cultural considerations will help make your outbound travel experience even more enjoyable. Outbound tourism significantly contributes to the GDP of many countries, including Spain, France, America, Germany, Australia, Italy, Japan, and Thailand.

Health And Safety Precautions For Outbound Travel

To avoid potential health and safety risks while traveling outbound, it’s vital to research potential risks and take necessary precautions.

This can include obtaining vaccinations or medications before the trip, packing appropriate clothing and gear based on local weather conditions, researching any safety concerns or political instability in the destination such as in the United States or Spain, being aware of cultural norms like respecting religious practices and restrictions on photography or other activities such as leisurely visits to France’s wine country.

Outbound travelers should also keep in mind the positive impact of outbound tourism on GDPs, like in Germany or Australia, as well as international trade per the WTO. By following these guidelines for safe travel during outbound tourism, you can enjoy your travels worry-free.

Economic Impact Of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism can have a significant economic impact on both the home country and the destination country. Individuals who travel abroad typically spend money on transportation, accommodations, food, and entertainment. This spending can generate revenue for local businesses and help stimulate the destination country’s economy.

Additionally, outbound tourism can create job opportunities in the travel industry and related sectors such as hospitality and transportation. On the flip side, outbound tourism may also have an impact on the home country’s economy. While individuals are spending money abroad, they may not be contributing to their home country’s economy.

However, some argue that outbound tourism can also benefit the home country by promoting cultural exchange and increasing international cooperation. Overall, outbound tourism has both positive and negative economic impacts that should be carefully considered when analyzing its effects on society.

The Benefits Of Outbound Tourism

Outbound tourism, or traveling outside of one’s home country, can have numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole. For individuals, outbound tourism can provide new experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth. It can also be a way to escape from the stresses of everyday life and recharge.

From a societal perspective, outbound tourism can bring economic benefits to both the home country and the destination country. It can create job opportunities in the travel industry and support local businesses.

Outbound tourism can also foster cultural exchange and promote understanding between different countries and cultures. Overall, many benefits to outbound tourism make it a worthwhile endeavor for both individuals and society.

The Impact Of Outbound Tourism On The Economy

Outbound travel continues to be a major contributor to economies around the world. It plays a crucial role in job creation and increased revenue across regions like Europe and Asia. In fact, many countries like Spain and France rely heavily on inbound tourists for their GDP growth.

Governments should continue implementing policies like visa facilitation or marketing campaigns that support this growing market. While it’s true that there are negative impacts like environmental degradation or cultural homogenization associated with it, we need to strike a balance between promoting outbound tourism for economic benefits and ensuring sustainable practices.

Planning an outbound trip can be a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a wonderful experience. From choosing a destination to picking the right transportation and accommodation options, there are many factors to consider for a successful trip .

Understanding outbound tourism’s historical overview and cultural considerations can help you navigate different customs and traditions. It’s also important to take health and safety precautions to avoid potential risks while traveling. All About Outbound Tourism not only benefits individuals but has a significant impact on the economy as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is outbound tourism.

Outbound tourism means traveling from one’s home country to another destination for leisure or business. It has become more popular due to advancements in transportation and communication. This type of tourism benefits both the home country and the destination economically. Sightseeing, shopping, and trying new cuisines are among the favorite activities of outbound tourists.

What Are Examples Of Outbound Travel?

Outbound travel involves leaving one’s home country for another, be it for leisure, education, business, or other purposes. Examples include vacations, conferences, visiting loved ones, volunteering, and adventure tourism. Thorough research and planning are essential for a successful and safe trip.

What Is The Role Of An Outbound Tour Operator?

An outbound tour operator is responsible for arranging travel plans for people traveling outside of their home country. They collaborate with airlines, hotels, and transportation providers to create all-inclusive travel packages, handle visa applications and logistics, and aim to provide a stress-free and pleasurable experience for their clients while discovering new places.

What Are The 4 Main Types Of Tourism?

Tourism can be divided into four main categories: cultural, adventure, eco, and leisure. Cultural tourism involves visiting historical sites and landmarks to learn about a region’s culture. Adventure tourism involves thrilling activities like skiing or bungee jumping. Eco-tourism promotes sustainable practices and supports conservation efforts. Leisure tourism is a more relaxed form of travel for rest and relaxation.

What Are Some Popular Destinations For Outbound Tourism?

The choice of an outbound tourism destination depends on the traveler’s preferences and budget. Popular options include Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the US, as well as beach destinations such as Mexico, Thailand, and the Maldives. Adventure travel to places like New Zealand, Iceland, and Canada is also becoming more popular.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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The Travel Glossary - find the best Terms, Definitions and Acronyms

Travel terms, glossary, definitions and acronyms of the travel industry from A – Z. Click on a letter to see the terms and descriptions in our glossary.

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Add-collect, adjoining room.

Average Daily Rate. A hotel industry term used to calculate average hotel room rate. Equal to room revenue divided by rooms sold.

advance purchase

The advance time before travel that a fare requires a ticket to be issued, normally 3,7,14 or 21 days.

Agent Error. An incorrect entry made by a consultant during the reservation process.

AEA (see “Association of European Airlines”)

A US based travel agency that has entered into an agreement with BCD Travel to use the BCD Travel trademarks and provide travel services to customers in the affiliate’s territory.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)

An independent corporation jointly owned by most of the major United States airlines; ARC collects payments for tickets sold by travel agencies and distributes the monies to the airlines; ARC also governs appointment of travel agencies to sell domestic air transportation.

airport code

The three-letter code used by airlines and the air travel industry to identify airports around the world, e.g. LHR=London Heathrow, JFK=New York John F. Kennedy. http://www.world-airport-codes.com/

airport security check

Airport security checks are procedures and measures for screening passengers and baggage to ensure security against terrorist threats and other dangers.  Find out how to get through quickly

airport tax

Tax levied by certain airports throughout the world. In many cases this can be built into the total ticket price, although some airlines will not co-operate, thus making payable locally by the passenger.

On outbound journey’s, airside includes all those areas of the airport terminal after you have passed through passport control. On inbound journey’s, airside includes all those areas of the terminal before you pass through passport control.

A short-hop aircraft for up to 20 passengers, usually flying unscheduled services with a 200 / 500-mile range.

all-inclusive

A hotel program which usually includes all meals, snacks, beverages and activities.

A joint partnership between specified carriers which may include, but not limited to, interlining, code-sharing, joint frequent flyer program participation, and even equity participation of stock ownership.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a government-subsidized corporation that operates all passenger train service in the United States.

Automatic Number Identification. A contact center term for a telephone network feature that passes that number of the phone the caller is using to the contact center, real-time.

American Plan. A hotel rate that includes breakfast and dinner, sometimes lunch.

Asia Pacific. A geographical term used interchangeably with ASPAC and often used in reference to the entire Asian market.

Advance Purchase Excursion Fare

applicable fare

The fare to be applied.

Accounts Receivable. Money which is owed by a customer to a company for products or services provided on credit.

ARC (see “Airlines Reporting Corporation”)

An eight-digit identification number issued by ARC to travel agencies who have met accreditation standards.

Arrival Unknown. An ARNK is added to a reservation when there is a break in the itinerary and continuity is not recognized; it does count as a segment when ticketing.

Around-the-world

A continuous journey circumnavigating the globe in one general west-to-east or east-to-west direction in which both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are crossed not more than once each.

ARR (see “Average room rate”)

Asia South Pacific. A geographic term used interchangeably with APAC.

Automated Ticket & Boarding Pass. IATA standard transportation ticket and combined boarding pass which features a magnetic strip containing passenger and journey details.

Average Ticket Price. The average price of all tickets purchased; domestic and international are sometimes calculated separately.

availability

The total number of seats allowed to be sold at a particular rate.

average room rate (ARR)

Ratio of hotel’s sales revenue to the number of occupied rooms.

back-to-back ticketing

An against-the-rules practice whereby a traveler books a return ticket nested inside another return ticket to avoid minimum stay requirements for the purpose of saving money. For example, the traveler uses the first ticket to fly from origin to destination on Monday in week 1, then he uses the second ticket to fly from destination to origin on Friday in week 1 and back to destination on Monday in week 2, and then he uses the first ticket again to fly back to origin on Friday in week 2. The normal Saturday night stay requirement is then avoided. While this will sometimes save money, most airlines do not allow this practice and doing so might result in penalties.

backtracking

Having to return to your original airport of entry in a country to make the return trip home. A time-consuming and costly procedure to overcome by arranging an op-jaw itinerary, which allows you to fly out to one point and return from another.

Carry-on-baggage and checked baggage have many restrictions. Most notable are the number and size of the baggage. Many airlines allow only 1 carry-on bag, plus one personal item (purse, back-pack, computer bag). For checked baggage restrictions and fees, refer to the carrier’s website for details.

banker’s buying rate (BBR)

Exchange rate used to convert from one currency to another; called the ‘buying rate’ because it is the rate used when banks purchase currency from an individual

banker’s selling rate (BSR)

Exchange rate used to convert from one currency to another; called the ‘buying rate’ because it is the rate used when banks sell currency to an individual

Best Available Rate. A hotel industry pricing method for yielding room rates (floating) based on demand while ensuring the best rate is presented for sale to agents, consumers.

A fare without tax.

Measurement of hotel occupency.

blackout dates

Certain dates or periods when travel on specific fares is not permitted (usually holidays).

blocked space

Multiple reservations, often subject to deposit forfeiture, which wholesalers or travel agents make with a supplier in anticipation of resale.

boarding pass

A permit to board a ship, plane, or other form of transportation. In the case of air travel, the card indicates boarding gate and aircraft seat number.

booking code

A letter code used to make an airline reservation at a particular fare level in a computerized reservation system. (CRS/GDS)

Bank Settlement Plan. Outside the USA, a system by which the travel agent community pays carriers for tickets it issues.

Business Travel Account. If a company has a corporate credit card program where certain purchases such as air, rail, and associated transaction fees are centrally billed to one “master” credit card number, this is referred to as the Business Travel Account (BTA). This account allows for the purchase of certain air travel expenses for corporate employees without the need to issue individual credit cards to each traveler for the designated expenses. Because the account has no physical card, it’s often called a “ghost card.”

BTC (see “Business Travel Center”)

Business Travel News. A travel industry publication that delivers news and research to the corporate travel population.

bucket shop

An unlicensed, unbonded travel agency used by some airlines to dispose of excess capacity seats that are available on certain flights.

buffer zone

For taxation purposes, an extension of the US border 225 miles north into Canada and 225 miles south into Mexico border; all cities within this area are assessed the 7.5% US domestic tax when tickets are purchased and sold in the US.

A net fare contract for certain number of seats. Similar to blocked space except that the tour operator, wholesaler, or travel agent usually contracts for airline seats at a low, non-commissioned price without the option of releasing space back to the airline.

A partition (usually a wall) on an airplane separating compartments.

Travel slang for the removal of a passenger from a flight through overbooking; usually applied to those holding concessionary tickets.

bundled pricing

A pricing proposal, always a transaction fee, where elements other than air (e.g. car hire, hotel, rail) are included in the fee with the air transaction.

business class

Level of airline service between First class and Economy class. On European routes business class has now replaced first class as premier service level. Most airlines have their own brand names. (e.g. British Airways – Club World and Club Europe: Air France – Le Club etc.)

Business Travel Center (BTC)

Standard full service and online service in a local call center, undedicated, team environment.

Business Travel Management

Business travel management is the process of planning, organizing, and overseeing business travel for an organization. This includes booking travel arrangements, managing expenses, and developing policies and procedures for business travel.

cancellation policy

The advance time a hotel requires a booking to be canceled by to avoid being billed for the room

carrier (CXR)

Another term for airline.

Credit Card. A system of payment whereby the issuer of the card grants a line of credit to the cardholder, to be used to make payment to a merchant or to withdraw cash.

Collision Damage Waiver. An industry term for optional insurance provided by car rental companies that eliminates all responsibility of the driver in an accident.

centralized billing

System under which a travel supplier, credit card company, agency or other supplier consolidates all costs/charges incurred by different employees or departments into one total invoice.

change of equipment

Also known as “change of gauge”. A single flight number used to represent flights on two different aircraft; usually on international destinations.

Notification to an airline or hotel that a traveler has arrived to take a flight or stay at a hotel; some airlines provide curbside check-in while others only allow check-in at the ticket counter.

Advice to a hotel that a guest is leaving the property and usually includes payment for the stay.

A traveler who has had his/her second birthday, but not yet his/her twelfth birthday (this definition may vary by carrier).

Churning refers to any repeated booking or canceling of the same itinerary in the same class or different classes of service in one or more PNRs or GDS.

circle pacific

Travel from IATA Area 1 (North and/or South America) to IATA Area 3 (Asia, Australia, South Pacific) by way of the North Pacific Ocean in one direction, via the South Pacific Ocean in the opposite direction, and at least one flight within IATA Area 3 that crosses the Equator.

circle trip (CT)

A journey from origin to destination with a return to origin in a continuous, circuitous route using two or more fare components

The orgin (from) and arrival (to) points of a trip, usually by air or train.

city terminal

Airline office, usually city center, where passengers may check-in, receive seating details and board special bus/ taxi/ helicopter/ rail/ shuttle services to the airport.

class of service

The interior of an aircraft is divided into sections, each with a different level of service and amenities; common classes of service are first, business, and economy.

Cruise Lines International Association. An association dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry.

Section of a hotel offering higher security and special facilities either for a premium payment or as an incentive/ privilege for frequent users.

club ticket

Fully flexible, redeemable business class ticket valid one year from date of issue. Phrase used primarily in the U.K.

Another term for bus.

Close of Business. A term meaning the end of the business day.

A marketing agreement between two airlines (very common amongst airlines that have an alliance) where a seat is purchased on one airline (the selling carrier), but the flight is actually operated by a different airline (the operating carrier).

combination

Two or more fares shown separately in a fare calculation.

Computerized Reservation System

System used to book and process travel reservations, also known as a Global Distribution System (GDS).

A hotel employee who attends to guests’ needs for special information, theater and restaurant reservations, and any other special requests.

connecting flight

A flight which the passenger must change aircraft.

A stop in a given city for less than 4 hours (domestic US); less than 12 hours (domestic US as part of an international journey); less than 24 hours (international); continuing on the next applicable flight to an onward destination; designated by X/ in a linear fare construction line.

conjunction ticket

Two or more tickets concurrently issued to a passenger and which together constitute a single contract of carriage.

connecting rooms

Two rooms that are side-by-side that have a common connecting interior door.

consolidation fare

A group inclusive tour fare available to travel agents and other operators to construct packages to destinations which are inclusive of accomodation. Consolidation fares, although group fares, are for sale to individual passengers.

consolidator

A person or company which forms groups to travel on charter or at group fares on scheduled flights to increase sales, earn override commissions or reduce the chance of tour cancellations.

A group of independent companies that join together to gain greater profits.

construction point

A city through which fares have been combined for the purpose of pricing an itinerary; a destination city or a turnaround point; a fare break shown on the ticket.

A contact center term for an individual who is calling or visiting your company by phone or through the website, and who is requesting an interaction with an agent.

contact center

An umbrella term that generally refers to reservations centers, help desks, information lines or customer service centers, regardless of how they are organized or what types of transactions they handle.

continental breakfast

A light breakfast of such things as coffee, pastry and sometimes juice.

contract fare / contract discount

A discounted fare agreed upon by the client and a carrier; contract fares require a client give the carrier a certain percentage of its business in all markets.

corporate fare

A discounted airfare for business travelers.

corporate rate

A special rate negotiated between a supplier (hotel or car for example) and a company.

corporate hotel rate

Learn how to get corporate hotel rates .

Corporate Travel Department (CTD)

A CTD (Corporate Travel Department) establishes a direct purchasing relationship between the company and its travel suppliers. The accrediting body, ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation) authorizes the company to function as its own “travel agency” and control it’s financial settlement.

co-terminals

A group of cities/airports considered to be the same point; example: JFK/LGA/EWR.

country of commencement (COC)

The country in which a journey begins; the base fare is converted from NUCs into the currency of the Country of Commencement by using the IATA ROE.

country of payment (COP)

The country in which a ticket is being purchased; the base fare is converted from the currency of the Country of Commencement into the currency of the country of payment using the Bank Rate if the countries are not the same.

Cost Per Mile. A calculation of the average price paid per mile.

Cost Per Transaction. A calculation of the total cost a company incurs for generating a customer transaction.

Customer Relationship Management. A term used for a database that is used to house and maintain customer information.

CRS (see “Computerized Reservation System”)

Corporate Social Responsibility . A concept whereby companies consider the impact to society and the environment of their actions.

Central Security Record. A hotel industry term for the name of the Viewership Management Table used to maintain a list of offices authorized to access a client’s negotiated hotel rates.

Central Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Central Time or CT.

Corporate Travel Department. A company’s in-house travel agency that purchases air transportation and related travel services on behalf of its own employees.

Computer Telephony Integration. A contact center term for the software, hardware, and programming necessary to integrate computers and telephones so they can work together seamlessly and intelligently.

A checkpoint at which imported goods are verified for legality and value.

Data Release Authorization (DRA)

Under a DRA, Client instructs, as of the date specified, BCD Travel to receive, process, and/or transfer certain personal travel data from Client’s travelers, including, but not limited to, transactional ticket-level, segment-level, and traveler-level information, which may include, without limitation, traveler name and address, origination and destination, corporate and/or personal credit card number, passport number, drivers license, travel preferences, and other special needs or any other sensitive data as may be provided by or behalf of the travelers (“Travel Data”).

Decision Source (DS)

A BCD Travel product that allows our customers to interact with their reservation data.

delegate rate

An inclusive rate for meetings on a daily basis. Twenty-four hour delegate rate also includes accommodation. Phrase primarily used in the U.K.

denied boarding compensation (DBC)

Commonly called “bumping,” – When more passengers arrive to take a flight than can actually fit on the plane; although legal, the carrier is only responsible for providing compensation to a traveler if he/she has a confirmed reservation and is checked in and has arrived at the departure gate within a pre-determined time period; compensation may be in cash or in a voucher for future travel; passengers who voluntarily relinquish their seats are compensated with a cash payment or voucher towards a future trip and are then accommodated on the next available flight; if an airline delivers a bumped passenger to his/her destination within an hour of the originally-scheduled time, no compensation is required.

deregulation

Originally applied to American air travel: in 1978, federal law phased out the civil Aeronautics Board and stopped government intervention or regulation of airline routes and fares.

destination

The final stopping place as shown on the ticket; the furthest point on a fare component used to price an itinerary.

Destination Management Company

Company, possibly an incoming tour operator, who organizes local ground services at destination.

differential

The difference between the fares for two different classes of service between two cities; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

direct fare

The fare for one-way or half round-trip travel visa the shortest route operated between two cities.

direct flight

A flight from origin to destination that makes one or more intermediate stops, but passengers do not change planes.

directional fare

Fare valid only in a specified direction of travel.

discount fare

Transportation fare lower than the full published tariff for an airline’s route. A discount fare usually entails certain stipulations regarding purchase or travel (space availbility).

DMC (see “Destination Management Company”)

Domestic travel.

Travel wholly within any one country; typically used to designate intra-US travel.

A hotel room with two double beds and/or accommodating 2-4 people.

double booking

The practice of making reservations for two or more flights, cars or hotels as a type of backup; considered to be unethical.

double occupancy

The way in which almost all cruise fares and tour packages are quoted, that is, based on two people traveling together. Most hotel rooms are quoted based on two adults to a room, as well.

double open jaw (DOJ)

Travel in which the outbound departure point and arrival and the inbound point of departure and arrival are not the same.

To move a passenger to a lower class of service or accommodation.

drop-off charge

A fee charged for dropping a rental car at a different location from where it was picked up.

Being exempt from any import tax.

economy class

The rear area of the aircraft in which passengers having paid one of the lower fare types are seated.

electronic miscellaneous document – Associated (EMD-A)

Document that allows for the fulfillment of all flight related services and fees (such as bags, seats, meals, etc.). An EMD or EMD-A is linked to a specific eticket coupon in the airline’s database.

electronic miscellaneous document – Standalone (EMD-S)

Non-flight related services (such as lounge access or change fee collection) a stand alone EMD, a EMD-S is issued. To issue an EMD-S a manually created service segment must be in the PNR. Specific services that can be charged on an EMD-S is dependent on the airline’s own requirements.

electronic ticket (eticket)

An airline transportation ticket that is entirely in a GDS; no physical ticket is required for travel.

EMD (see “electronic miscellaneous document”)

Endorsement.

Permission from the plating carrier, the ticketed carrier or the carrier losing air space for the traveler to use the flight coupon(s) for travel on another airline at no additional cost; usually only required for international tickets.

end-on-end combination

A special type of combination in which two round trip fares are combined to produce a complete itinerary.

In this example, the passenger buys a round trip ticket from AAA to BBB (Rule 1), and a separate round trip fare from BBB to CCC (Rule 2). The net effect is to travel from AAA to CCC, but breaking the fare at BBB, which may in some cases be less expensive than the round trip (through) fare from AAA to CCC.

equivalent fare paid

An amount converted into the currency of the country of payment when the published fare is in a currency other than that of the country of payment.

ERA (see “European Regions Airline Association”)

Eastern Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Eastern Time or ET.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is a free, automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects the same information collected on Form I-94W. ESTA applications may be submitted at anytime prior to travel, though it is recommended travelers apply when they begin preparing travel plans.

Estimated Time of Arrival. A measure of when an object is expected to arrive at a certain place.

Estimated Time of Departure or Delivery. The expected start time of a particular journey or the expected delivery of a good or service.

e-ticket (see “electronic ticket”)

Electronic Ticket Record.

European Regions Airline Association

Association which aims to identify, protect and promote the interests of regional air transport in Europe. Over 170 memebers including airlines, aircraft manufacturers and airports. www.eraa.org

excess baggage

Baggage in excess of the allowable number, size or weight.

The process of reissuing a ticket due to a change of flight, fare basis, dates or routing.

excursion fare

Round-trip fare with restrictions, such as minimun and maximum stays and the need to purchase well in advance.

executive card

Types of privilege cards available to frequent users of airlines, hotel chains, car rental companies, etc. Most carry benefits and have their own brand names, e.g. British Airways Executive Blue, Executive Silver, Executive Gold and Premier.

executive room

Higher grade than standard room and usually slightly larger, the executive room often has additional facilities for the business traveler such as trouser press, desk etc. and may be located on a separate Executive Club Floor.

Expatriot (or expat)

An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person’s upbringing or legal residence.

explant/ outplant/ offsite

Branch office dedicated to serving a single client that is not located on the client’s premises, but rather operates as a separate part of a BTC.

familiarization tour

A complimentary or reduced-rate travel program for travel agents, airline or rail employees, which is designed to acquaint participants with specific destinations. Often known as “Fam-Trips”.

family plan

A hotel rate that allows children to stay free with adults in the same room.

A combination of letters and numbers used to identify a fare type which may also indicate the rules of the fare

fare component

A fare between two points.

fare ladder

A vertically-written fare construction that includes fare components, surcharges and additional amounts collected.

• fee – bundled air transaction fee An air transaction fee that includes the costs associated with servicing air, hotel and car transactions. Therefore, hotel and car only bookings (not to exceed XX% of air bookings) are not charged a transaction fee.
• fee – management fee Fee assessed in addition to direct costs. Covers primarily overhead and profit. Can be assessed as % of sales, per transaction or fixed amount.
• fee – management fee structure (formerly cost plus offering) Client fee arrangement whereby direct expenses are passed through to the client in addition to management fee. Management fee could be % of sales, fixed fee, or per transaction.
• fee – online booking tool fee (PNR fee) Charged per unique reserved PNR. Additional fees may be assessed for transactions booked on a website accessed via the online booking tool.
• fee – online transaction fee (e-fulfillment fee) Charged per online transaction – that excludes any ‘flow through costs’ charged by the online booking tool provider.
• fee – transaction fee structure Client fee arrangement whereby client is billed per transaction for all major program costs including direct expenses and contribution to overhead and profit, usually at POS.
• fee – unbundled (menu) transaction fee Separately charged per each type of transaction, e.g. hotel, car, rail and air. AM and MIS costs might also be charged separately.

final destination

The last point on an itinerary/fare component.

first class

The cabin on an aircraft where there are fewer seats, more elaborate service and amenities.

FIT (see “Fully Independent Traveler”)

Flag carrier.

The airline that internationally represents a given country; sometimes financed or owned by the government.

flight coupon

A section of an airline ticket; one flight coupon is required to take each flight.

flight/time specific

A fare rule that requires a to fly on a specific flight or at a specific time of day.

FOI (see “Form of Indemnity”)

Form of Payment. The method of payment for a transaction.

form of indemnity

A form that needs to be completed by the passenger in order to claim refund in respect of an air ticket that has been misplaced or stolen.

frequent flyer number

Find out what a frequent flyer number is and how to get one

frequent flyer program

An airline loyalty program that provides awards to travelers who use an airline or its partners.

frequent guest program

A hotel loyalty program that provides awards to guests who use a hotel chain.

frequent renter program

A car rental loyalty program that provides services (such as fast pickup) to those who use a car rental vendor.

front office (FO)

An industry term used for products associated with customer-facing activities. The GDS is a front office system.

fuel surcharge

A surcharge assessed for fuel use applicable for travel between specified points and/or for departure from a specified city.

Hotel rate with accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

full economy

This is a fully flexible, fully refundable ticket which is valid for one year from date of issue in economy class.

full exchange

Change an already ticketed reservation, with no flown flight segments.

full to full exchange

Change to a ticketed reservation when no segments are flown and the change is to any segment other than the outbound flights. Or when a segment has been flown and there is a change to a remaining flight segment. In either of these instances, the FULL value of the original ticket must be exchanged for the ‘combined’ FULL value of the new ticket.

fully independent traveler

A traveler / tourist not part of a tour group.

One of the world’s CRSs (GDSs).

Area in an airport where passengers for a flight gather before boarding their flight or deplane on arrival.

gateway city

The last domestic city from which a passenger departs prior to arriving at an international destination; the first point of arrival in a given country (e.g., on the journey SFO-CHI-FRA-MUC, CHI and FRA are gateway cities).

GDS (see “ Global Distribution System “)

Gds operations (gdso).

An industry term for computer reservation systems that book and sell tickets for multiple airlines.

GEBTA (see “Guild of European Business Travel Agents)

In the credit card industry a system used by corporations whereby travel related charges made through designated travel agencies are centrally billed but no plastic card actually exists. Often referred to as “Lodge card” in Europe.

global distribution system

An industry term for computer reservation systems that book and sell tickets for multiple airlines.  Learn more

global indicator

Two-letter code used to identify the direction of travel applicable to a given fare.

governing carrier

The airline whose fares and rules are used on a given itinerary.

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Solar based time in Greenwich, England, from which time in all other time zones in the world is based.

ground time

The time not flying.

A booking solution that allows the booking and managing of all ground transportation services, such as limousines, executive sedans, taxis, vans and parking services.

A fare that offers discounts to groups of varying minimum sizes in selected markets, with various conditions, and usually require round trip travel within a specified time limit.

guaranteed hotel reservations

This means that the hotel will hold the room all night. However if the room is not required, failure to cancel will result in a charge. Where reservations are made on an ad hoc basis, rather than through a regular account arrangement, a credit card number will be required to effect this guaranteed reservation.

Hotel rate for accommodation, breakfast and one other meal.

half round trip fare

Half of a fare designated for use on round-trip journeys.

Fee or tax some countries or cities levy on arriving or departing travelers.

Half of the globe; the North and South hemispheres are divided by the Equator; the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans divide the East and West hemispheres.

higher intermediate point (HIP)

A pair of cities within a one-way or half round-trip fare component that has a direct fare higher than the direct fare between the origin and destination of the fare component; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

hotel sourcing

Hotel sourcing or procurement is the process of identifying, negotiating and contracting with hotels to secure accommodations for a specific group, event or organization.

An airport at which an airline centers many of its schedules, particularly connecting flights to smaller destinations.

(see “International Air Transport Association”)*

IATA Number (see “ARC Number”)

Iata rate of exchange (roe).

Rates of exchange designated by IATA to convert local currency to NUCs and to convert NUCs into the currency of commencement of travel.

ICAO (see “International Civil Aviation Organization”)

Interline e-ticket. An interline agreement between airlines that allow e-ticketing on each other’s flights. Interline agreement between airlines permitting travel service cooperation in areas such as: baggage transfer services, guaranteed connection times.

IGK (see “International Gatekeeper”)

Immigration.

Area at which a traveler’s documentation (e.g., Passport and Visa) are verified to ensure the traveler may enter the country.

implant (on-site)

Dedication operational team, based within an office of the client.

implementation

Phase of launching a new relationship, including e.g. opening a new location, training staff, installing technical equipment, and informing clients, travelers and travel arrangers.

inbound travelers

Travelers coming into a specified location are considered inbound. Travelers departing from the location are considered outbound.

A traveler who has not yet reached his/her second birthday.

Term used in the U.S. to describe an implant.

international departure taxes

Taxes levied on all travelers departing a country on an international journey that are, typically collected at the airport at the time of departure.

Between two airlines; TUS-HP-DEN-UA-LON is an interline journey.

interline baggage agreement

An agreement between two air carriers that a carrier will transfer baggage to the other carrier.

interline connection

When a passenger changes airlines as well as aircraft during a journey (same as off-line connection).

interline ticketing agreement

An agreement between two air carriers that permits air travel of one carrier to be on a ticket issued and/or ‘plated’ on another carrier.

intermediate point

A ticketed point of an international journey at which there is no fare break; an intermediate point may be a stopover or connection.

intermediate stop

An enroute stop at a city between the origin and destination (see also Direct Flight).

International Air Transport Association

The world trade association of international air carriers; appoints travel agencies to sell tickets; determines rules and regulations for international carriers. www.iata.org

International Civil Aviation Organization

Specialed agency of the United Nations with responsibility for civil aviation action in standardization, technical co-operation and the formulation of international aviation law. www.iaco.int

A chronological plan showing a traveler’s booked arrangement.

A special through fare (usually only internationally) that permits travel on two or more different airlines.

The origin to final destination of a fare construction.

BCD Travel provides support for KDS. KDS provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

On outbound journeys, landside includes all those areas of the terminal before you arrive at passport control. On inbound journeys, landside includes all those areas of the terminal after you’re through passport control.

last date of purchase

The date by which a ticket must be issued – fares are not guaranteed until tickets are issued.

last room availability (LRA)

A hotel industry term for ensuring a negotiated rate is always available when standard inventory is available or when the room type negotiated is available.

LDW (see “Loss Damage Waiver”)

One flight; one part of an entire journey.

Lowest Fare Routing. The least expensive airfare available to a destination.

local currency fare (LCF)

See Country Of Payment (COP).

locator reference

Unique identifying booking number used within a computer reservations system as part of a booking file.

In the credit card industry a system used by corporations whereby travel related charges made through designated travel agencies are centrally billed but no plastic card actually exists. Often referred to as “Ghost Card” in the U.S.

Loss Damage Waiver

Additional insurance pertaining to car rentals, covering theft and vandalism in addition to accident damage.

low cost carrier (LCC)

An airline that offers generally low fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services.

lowest combination principle

Construction of a fare using a particular combination of sector fares to provide the lowest fare when there is no published fare between two points.

Marine Travel

Specialized travel services, available 24/7, provides travel arrangements (including helicopters and charter aircraft) for marine personnel.

Market Number (MK)

A code all online booking tools (OBTs) add at the time each reservation is made, as a way to track PNRs for online adoption and fulfillment purposes. It should never be removed once added to the PNR.

Married Segments

Two or more connecting flight segments joined, or “married,” meaning that these segments are inseparable and the subsequent rebooking or cancellation of any one flight segment must, at the same time, be applied to the connecting flight segment.

maximum permitted mileage (MPM)

The number of miles that may be flown on a published direct fare between origin and destination; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

maximum stay

The maximum amount of time a traveler may stay at a destination before return is required.

MCO (see “Miscellaneous Change Order”)

Meetings, Incentives and Corporate Events. An industry term for a department within a company that offers meeting planning services to customers. BCD Travel’s department is called BCD M&E

midoffice (MO)

An industry term for the management information (MIS) portion of a travel agency’s system.

mileage fare

A fare based on the total miles flown from the origin to destination; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

mileage surcharge

A percentage of fare increase applied to a fare because the routing exceeds the maximum permitted mileage; the percentage is in 5% increments to a maximum of 25%; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

minimum connection time

The amount of time required to change planes; varies by airport and often varies by carrier.

minimum stay

The minimum time a travel traveler must stay at a destination (or be gone ‘away from home’ internationally) before return travel can commence.

miscellaneous charge order (MCO)

An accountable document issued by a travel agency or airline as proof of payment for a specific fee (such as pet service fee) or as residual amount of an exchange (higher priced ticket exchanged for a lower priced ticket) to be used on a future purchase.

Mountain Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Mountain Time or MT.

National Business Travel Association

U.S. business travel association which is a member of IBTA. www.nbta.org

NBTA (see “National Business Travel Association”)

New distribution capability. Read more

negotiated fare/rate

This is a term used by travel agents to descibe reduced airfares that have been negotiated by their air fare specialists on behalf of clients.

neutral units of construction (NUC)

An imaginary currency established by IATA that allows fares of different currencies to be added together; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

Non Last Room Availability. A hotel industry term for restricting availability of a negotiated rate when occupancy levels are high. Negotiated room rate is not guaranteed to be available.

Net Operating Income. A financial term for the amount by which operating revenue exceeds operating expenses in a specific accounting period.

non-endorsable

This expression often appears in the endorsements box of an airline ticket and it means that the flight coupon on which the worlds appear may be used only on the services of the airline indicated.

non-refundable(NR)

A ticket issued on a fare that does not allow for a refund; most non-refundable tickets can be changed for a fee and any difference in fare.

normal fares

The full fare established for first, business, economy or an intermediate class and any other fares published designated as normal fares.

normal open jaw (NOJ)

Travel from a country and return to the same country with a surface sector at either the origin or turnaround point (single open jaw – SOJ) or at both the origin and the turnaround point (double open jaw – DOJ).

An airline passenger or hotel guest who fails to use and/or cancel a reservation.

National Transportation Safety Board. An independent US government agency that investigates accidents including aviation, highway, marine, pipelines and railroads.

OBT and OBLT (see Online Booking Tool”)

Off-airport location.

Usually a car rental office serving an airport but physically located off the airport site (and often picking up renters at the airport in buses or taxis). When the office is located on-site, the term used is on airport location.

A destination that a carrier does not serve; see also Interline.

off-line connections

When a traveler changes airlines as well as aircraft during a journey (may also be referred to as interline connection). Changes of aircraft with the same airline are known as on-line connections.

offline transaction (traditional transaction)

A transaction that initated by an agent following a call/email request by a client.

Time of year or day of the week when travel is less common.

off-line point

Airline term to describe points (areas or cities) they do not serve.

off-loading

This occurs when an airline has over-booked: that is, it has sold more seats on a particular flight than the aircraft has to offer. The passengers to be off-loaded are usually those who have paid the lowest fares. Off-loaded passengers will normally qualify for denied boarding compensation. Passengers may also be off-loaded at the captain’s discretion if they are unfit to travel due to drink, drugs, illness or for bad behavior.

BCD Travel is a re-seller of onesto. On-esto provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

Online Booking Tool

A web-based platform allowing travelers to make self-service reservations (e.g. Cliqbook, GetThere).

operating carrier

In a codeshare, the airline providing the plane, crew and ground handling services.

online or online point

On the same carrier; TUS-UA-DEN-UA-LON is an online journey.

online adoption

An account’s use of their predetermined online booking tool.

online high touch transaction

A transaction that originates via an online booking tool, but then requires more than one agent intervention (one touch).

online low touch transaction

A transacion that originates via an online booking tool, and then requires agent intervention or manual review/processing that is initated by the customer.

online transaction fee

(E-fulfillment fee) A fulfillment fee canged per online trasaction – that excludes any ‘flow through costs’ charged by the online booking tool provider.

A BCD Travel office located at/on/in a client’s location.

Term used to describe the principle of showing a client the complete cash-flow cycle, including commissions and overrides.

open date sector

Part of a journey for which no firm reservation has been made (usually owing to changeable plans on the part of the traveler) but for which the fare has been paid.

open jaw ticket

Where passengers fly out to one destination and return from another. Open jaw arrangements save backtracking and make a trip more cost effective.

Much-used term for unrestricted air services between several countries.

open ticket

A ticket valid for transportation between two points but has no specific flight reservation.

originating carrier

The first airline of a passenger’s journey and/or portion of a trip.

Other Service Information. A GDS entry that provides information to a carrier that does not require action for traveler action such as contract discount code, record locators of additional family members traveling together (TCP), age information for children/infants, etc.

Travel from the point of origin to the farthest destination.

outplant (off-site)

Dedication operational team, based within a BTC office.

overbooking

Also known as bumping. Airlines and hotels can predict, with some accuracy, how many travelers/guests will show up for previously made reservations; when more people show up than what is expected, travelers/guests are re-accommodated; see also Denied Boarding Compensation.

Abbreviations for ‘passport and visa’ used in the U.K. Some affliates have a specialist team which advises on and acquires passports/visa on behalf of their clients.

Pacific Asia Travel Association

Association which aims to promote travel to Asia Pacific. www.pata.org

PAR (see “Passenger Account Record”)

Passenger account record.

In Galileo, the profile showing passenger information.

passenger facility charges

An airport-designated surcharge to raise funds for airport expansion, renovation, operating costs, etc.

passenger name record

Record held within a CRS/GDS which gives the personal details associated with a particular booking.

An official document issued by a government to its citizens that establishes an individual’s identity and nationality and enables travel abroad.

PATA (see “Pacific Asia Travel Association”)

Abbreviation for passengers.

Payment Card Industry. Security standards set to help protect account data information.

Time of year or day of the week when travel is most common.

A fee charged by a carrier or vendor for changing and/or canceling a reservation or ticket.

Per diem is a daily allowance given to an employee to cover business travel expenses such as lodging, meals and incidentals while traveling for the company. Learn more about per diem .

Penalty excursion fare. Public excursion fare are within minimum stay requirements, but which has no advanced purchase requirements.

PIR (see “Property Irregularity Report”)

Plate / plated.

See Validating Carrier.

PMS (see “Property Management System”)

Pnr (see “passenger name record”).

Purchase Order. A commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller that indicates the quantities and agreed upon prices for products / services.

point-to-point fares

De-regulation has led to a growing number of these on routes throughout the world. They are low fares in first, business, or economy class between two points by direct flights. Stopovers are usually, but not always, prohibited.

Point of Service or Point of Sale. The time and place in which a transaction is made.

prepaid ticket advice (PTA)

A form used when a person is buying a ticket that will be issued at the airport of the same or a different city. Example: A ticket purchased in Chicago to be picked up by the traveler in and for a departure from Buenos Aires.

pre-trip auditing

A product offered by travel management companies that allows for the review of travel itineries before departure to identify savings or prevent unnecessary expenditure.

pricing unit (PU)

A journey, or part of a journey which can be priced and ticketed as a separate entity; a round-trip, circle trip, one-way, normal open jaw or special open jaw; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

pricing unit concept (PUC)

An alternative method of fare construction for multiple-stopover journeys that uses pricing units; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

primary carrier

Airline flying the governing sector (prime segment).

prime segment

The first “true” international journey; often called the “over-the-water” segment; see also Gateway.

A computerized file containing company and traveler information.

promotional fare

A fare designed to attract passengers who would not otherwise travel.

proof of citizenship

Documentation that establishes nationality.

property irregularity report

Form submitted by passengers to ground handling agents at airports in the event of loss or damaged baggage.

property management system

Computer-based system for controlling hotel inventory, check-in and -out and billing.

Pacific Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Pacific Time or PT.

PTA (see “Pre-paid Ticket Advice”)

Public fares (air).

Fares that anyone can obtain and is available in a regular fare display.

Quality of Service Index. An index developed by the Civil Aeronautics Board to provide a comparative rating of service offered by individual airlines.

A computer’s electronic filing system. Also a contact center term for the holding point for a number of calls or interactions that are waiting to be answered by an agent. The calls or interactions are usually assigned to available agents in a first-arrived, first-answered basis, but may also be assigned based on a company’s routing strategies.

queue group

A contact center term for a group of virtual queues. Also referred to as a DN Group or Group of Queues.

The official posted rate for each hotel room.

rate desk (see “International Rate Desk”)

Rate of exchange (roe) (see “iata rate of exchange”), rearden commerce.

BCD Travel is a referrer for Rearden. Rearden provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

reason codes (RC)

An industry term for codes used to document and report on traveler decisions and behavior.

reconfirmation

Particularly on international flights, passengers are required to indicate their intention of using the next leg of their itinerary by contacting the appropriate carrier before departure; internationally, reconfirmation is requested 72 hours prior to departure.

record locator

A computerized number that identifies a Passenger Name Record – PNR or other reservation; when speaking to travelers, usually called a confirmation number.

red-eye flight

Usually an overnight flight that arrives early in the morning – great when you don’t want to lose precious sightseeing time at your destination.

If necessary for a passenger to change journey en route, the ticket must be reissued. The value of the original ticket will be offset against the new fare and any extra or refund, calculated. Settlement can be direct with airline or with referral to the issuing agent.

BCD Travel is a re-seller for ResX. ResX provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

return journey

A journey for which the fare is assessed as a single pricing unit using half round-trip fares.

revalidation

If the passenger’s travel date or flight needs to be changed, without affecting the route, there is not always a need to reissue the ticket. The relevant flight coupon is simply revalidated by means of a revalidation sticker.

Revenue Per Available Room. A hotel industry measure that calculates room revenue divided by rooms available (occupancy times average room rate will closely approximate RevPAR.)

Rate Loading Instructions. A hotel industry term for the instructions provided to hotel properties for loading client-specific or TMC-specific rate codes as displayed in the GDS.

room with facilities

Describes a hotel room which has a bathroom en-suite. In some smaller two-star or three-star hotels facilities may refer to toilet and washbasin only.

round-the-world (RTW) (see “Around-the-World”)

A trip that begins and ends in the same city with no un-flown portions; internationally, with the same dollar amount on both portions .

route deal / route incentive

An agreement between a corporate customer and an airline. The agreement allows for an incentive payment to be made to the cient by the airline as a reward for loyalty.

The carrier and/or cities and/or class of service and/or aircraft type via which transportation is provided between two points.

routing fare

A fare based on a specified routing.

run-of-the-house (ROH)

A flat rate for which a hotel offers any of its available rooms.

Schengen Visa

A special visa that permits holders to travel to any of the 25 Schengen member countries on a single visa (rather than obtaining a visa for each country. It is only issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe for leisure, tourism or business travel. Schengen Visa holders are not permitted to live permanently or work in Europe. The following countries are currently active Schengen Visa members: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

A specific time of year for a fare; High Season is the most popular time of year to travel to a specific destination and fares are more expensive at that time; Low Season is the least popular time of year to travel to a specific destination and fares are less expensive at that time; Fares affected by seasonality are usually indicated as such by fare basis coding and/or seasonality details listed in the fare’s rules.

The distance between aircraft seats, measured in inches and commonly used to show a passenger’s legroom.

security surcharge

Surcharge assessed by a carrier to cover costs of airport and in-flight security.

secondary carrier

Airline(s) flying the sectors preceding and/or succeeding the prime segment.

A journey from one point to another.

A flight; see Leg.

self-service reservations

Situation where the traveler makes his/her own reservations. A reservation generated by the customer using an online booking tool.

selling carrier

In a codeshare, the airline offering the flight for sale, under their vendor code

service fee

A fee charged by a travel agency to a company/individual for travel services.

Service Level Agreement

An agreement stating measurable performance commitments made to our customers.

Regular or schedulable bus/van transportation such as from an airport to a downtown location; regular air service on heavily-traveled routes (e.g., BOS-LGA).

A journey from and/or to an enroute point of a fare component.

Accommodations designed for one person.

SLA (see “Service Level Agreement”)

Designated take-off and landing times allocated to airlines at certain airports.

soft opening

Period when new hotel is open for business although not entirely finished – some services of facilities may not yet operate.

Standard Operating Procedure. A set of instructions that define the official standard for a specific process or situation.

Scope of Services. A document that defines the number, type, and intensity or complixity of services to be provided.

space available

Confirmation of a reservation subject to availability at the last moment.

special needs

Atypical traveler needs such as a special meal or wheelchair service.

split ticket(ing)

Issuance of two or more tickets usually for the purpose of obtaining a lower fare; usually applied to international itineraries to take advantage of fare and/or currency conversion differences.

Spouse fare

This type of are applies to selected destinations on a round-trip only basis and offers a discount of 50% to the spouse of a full first class or business class passenger. Economy passengers also qualify where there is no business fare.

SSR (see “Self Service Reservation”)

Special Service Request. A GDS request for a carrier to provide additional action for a traveler such as special meal, ticket number transmission, wheelchair, etc.

standard room

The normal hotel room type, generally with television, and en-suite bathroom.

A passenger on waitlist or one prepared to travel if space becomes available at the last moment.

Interruption of travel for more than domestic US – 4 hours; domestic US as part of an international journey – 12 hours; international – 24 hours .

stopover charge

An additional fee assessed for making a stopover.

STP (see “Satellite Ticket Printer”)

Any extra literature included with the delivery of travel documents.

sub-journey

A self-contained pricing unit that is combined end-on-end with another self-contained pricing unit on the same ticket; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

surcharge (Q)

An airline-imposed fee included in fare calculations; see also Excess Mileage Surcharge, Fuel Surcharge, and Security Surcharge.

surface sector

Travel from one point or another not by air (ARNK – which stands for Arrival Not Known).

Travel 24. A BCD Travel department that services customers 24 hours a day when their normal business office is closed.

Ticket Fulfillment Location. An industry term for a virtual ticket printer that is shared by various BCD Travel ARC ticketing locations on the same GDS.

through fare

A fare applicable for transportation via an enroute city(ies) between the origin and destination of the fare that allows for intermediate points of travel.

A contract of carriage for an airline to transport a passenger from one point to another.

ticket on departure

Transportation ticket collected at the point of departure such as an airline ticket counter at an airport.

ticketed point

A city for which a flight coupon has been issued.

time and mileage rate

Car rental rate based on fixed charge for the rental period plus a charge for each kilometer or mile driven during the period of the rental.

TOD (see “Ticket on Departure”)

Tourist card.

A registration form required by certain countries indicating a traveler’s intended stay; used in lieu of a Visa and common in Latin America.

transaction

A Ticket issued; defined as all airline and rail tickets (electronic and paper) issued by BCD Travel or reserved by BCD Travel through a third party, regardless of whether the ticket is subsequently used, refunded, or voided in whole or in part. Cancellation of a reservation before a ticket is issued is not considered a transaction. Optional: Hotel and car booking made, regardless of whether or not the traveler uses the hotel or car reservation.

transaction – domestic air

Domestic – travel between two destinations that are within the same country. e.g. Frankfurt to Berlin

transaction – regional air

Regional – Travel within the same continent. e.g. Madrid to London

transaction – international air

International – Travel between two continents. e.g. New York to London

transaction – offline – traditional

A transaction that is initiated by an agent following a call/email request by a client

transaction – online high touch

Transaction – online low touch.

A transaction that originates via an online booking tool and then requires agent intervention or manual review/processing that is initiated by the customer.

transaction – online no touch

“Touchless E-fulfillment transaction” An electronic transaction entirely processed through an online booking tool and BCD central fulfillment service, without any agent intervention and where invoicing is provided via email.

A point at which the passenger changes aircraft; if the change is to/from the same carrier, it is an online transfer; if the change is to/from different carriers, it is an interline transfer.

transit lounge

An area within an airport for the sole purpose of international flight connections; travelers do not clear immigration or customs to enter the transit lounge as it is considered to be an international point.

transit point

Any stop at an intermediate point which does not fall into the definition of a stopover whether or not a change of planes is involved.

Travel Management Company

A travel management company (TMC) is a company that provides corporate travel services to businesses.

A BCD Travel umbrella brand name for our technology suite, which includes a variety of products listed below. read more

• TripSource:Active Itinerary A single point of access for traveler and travel arrangers for active and historical travel detail, including real time flight status, itinerary details, destination information and invoicing, billing and expense information.
• TripSource:Flight Alert Keeps travelers informed & productive while on the road by providing flight status information, including delays and real-time gate changes, for BCD Travel bookings.
• TripSource:Fulfillment Drive touch-less transactions with as little human intervention as possible while driving traveler contact behavior to minimize touches.
• TripSource:Portal (TSP) A comprehensive global solution to address traveler needs, travel program and corporation objectives. Arming travelers with rich content, productivity tools and critical safeguards for business travel, TripSource:Portal empowers travel programs as a centralized communications vehicle to deliver relevant, timely information and critical alerts to targeted audiences. The Portal expands traveler services while aligning program needs to drive savings, support business objectives and avoid corporate travel program risks.
• TripSource:Profile Manager (TSPM) Drives optimal data management by integrating profile management and online booking, and promoting secure web-based self-service maintenance of traveler-level detail.
• TripSource:Quality Measurement (TSQM) Ensures a means to track and manage supplier & transaction quality in addition to resolution of client concerns.
• TripSource:Rail Search (TSRS) BCD own rail booking tool for Deutsche Bahn only.
• TripSource:Ticket Tracker BCD manages and recovers committed travel dollars. Based on markets and supplier rules, BCD communicates with travelers to prevent loss of committed funds and when to apply unused funds toward future travel.
• TripSource:Trip Authorizer In response to growing concern for compliance, this module enables clients to implement pre-trip authorization requirements as well as post-ticketing compliance reporting.

Transportation Security Administration

twin for sole use

A twin-bedded reserved for sole occupency and charged out at a rate that falls between the single and double room price.

Two Factor Authentication

Also known as 2FA. Method of accessing a secure environment where a person proves their identity with two of three methods

User-Defined Interface Data. UDID remarks are standard and contain predefined reporting information such as lost hotel night reason codes, merchant billing codes or additional traveler data fields.

unlimited mileage rate

Car rental rate that covers all costs, other than insurance and petrol, for the duration of the rental, regardless of the distance driven.

Move to a better class of airline service, larger rental car or more luxurious hotel room.

validating carrier

Airline designated as the “owning” ticketed carrier; the carrier on whose “plate” the ticket is issued. The validating carrier is the carrier to which payment is submitted and is usually the first carrier on the itinerary (domestic) or the carrier on the first international flight (international). If a ticket is issued on multiple carriers or is validated on a carrier not on the itinerary, the validating carrier is responsible for payment to the other airlines on the ticket.

The process of stamping an air ticket or other airline document, at the time of issue, with the issue date, name and location of the issuing office and its IATA code number. Tickets not bearing such a stamp re invalid and will not be accepted by airlines.

value-added tax (VAT)

A general tax that applies, in principle, to all commercial activities involving the production and distribution of goods and the provision of services.

VAT reclaim

Value-added tax, or VAT, is included in hotel, dining and car rental bills and more when travelers go to countries that assess the tax. It can be a significant expense: VAT rates can be as high as 25%. The good news is most T&E-related VAT is eligible for reclaim. The bad news: In the past, it’s been hard to collect. But automation has made VAT reclaim for European Union transactions much easier. BCD Travel has partnered with VAT-recovery firm Taxeo to automate the process.

virtual credit card (VCC)

A VCC isn’t a physical card, but it has many of the same features as plastic corporate cards.

virtual payment

A virtual payment is a terminal-based payment method where the payment is delivered through a virtual card (VCC) instead of by check or cash.

An endorsement or stamp placed into a passport by officials of a foreign government giving a traveler permission to visit; not all countries require visas.

VCC (Virtual Call Center)

A network of call centers where the client calls one phone number, regardless of where they are based, that will be routed through to an available agent. For multi-national accounts this service would be multi-lingual as appropriate.

Virtual Multiple Purpose Document. A document issued by a travel agency or airline, working with BSP, as proof of payment for transactions and services, either related to an eticket already issued (example: rebooking fees) or for services other than flights (for items like surface transportation, transfers, and excess luggage charges).

A traffic document which has been spoiled or canceled.

Documents issued to confirm arrangements or used to be exchanged for services.

A list of people seeking a travel service that is sold out; generally, as other travelers cancel, waitlisted individuals are confirmed in the order in which their waitlist request was received – sometimes prioritized by frequent traveler membership.

When a hotel is sold out and there are no rooms available for a person who has a confirmed reservation, the hotel provide alternate accommodations at a different hotel.

an agreement to pay to use an aircraft with a crew , fuel, and insurance

wide-body aircraft

Aircraft with wide passenger cabins and seating configurations that require more than one aisle. Current models include Boeing 747, 777 or Airbus A380, A350

system that checks hand luggage at an airport, without damaging, for example, light-sensitive film material or laptops.

Yield Management

is a variable pricing strategy, based on understanding, anticipating and influencing consumer behavior in order to maximize revenue or profits from a fixed, time-limited resource (such as airline seats or hotel room reservations).

Zulu Time Zone (Z) has no offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Zulu Time Zone is often used in aviation and the military as another name for UTC +0. Zulu time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), is the time zone used by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. It is the basis for all other time zones in the world.

2FA, or two-factor authentication, is an extra layer of security used to protect online accounts. In addition to a password, users are also required to enter a code that is sent to their mobile device. This makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to an account, as they would need to have both the password and the code.

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Outbound tourism

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• Peiyi Ding 3 &
• Shan Jiang 4  

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Outbound tourism describes the phenomenon of residents traveling from one country to another (World Tourism Organization 1994 ). It does not comprise of goods and services acquired for or after the trip within the generating country. It may be contrasted with inbound, domestic, and border tourism . For example, from an Australian perspective, visitors from the United States are inbound tourists, while from the US standpoint, they are outbound tourists.

With rising levels of disposable income, however, many emerging economies have shown fast growth. In 2012, the world’s top five destinations were the United States, Spain , France , China , and Macao (China). Source markets are largely concentrated in the industrialized countries of Europe , the Americas , and Asia and the Pacific (UNWTO 2013 ). With regard to expenditure on outbound tourism, China has shown by far the fastest growth. With the 2012 surge, China leaped to first place (US$102 billion), overtaking both the longtime top spender Germany...

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Gholipour, F., and R. Tajaddini 2014 Cultural Dimensions and Outbound Tourism. Annals of Tourism Research 49:203-205.

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Pearce, D., and R. Butler 2010 Tourism Research: A 20-20 Vision. Oxford: Goodfellow.

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World Tourism Organization 1994 Recommendations on Tourism Statistics. New York: United Nations.

UNWTO 2013 UNWTO Tourism Highlights. Madrid: World Tourism Organization.

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Capital Normal University, Beijing, China

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School of Hospitality Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA

Jafar Jafari

School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

Honggen Xiao

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Ding, P., Jiang, S. (2015). Outbound tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_139-1

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Received : 20 April 2015

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Published : 29 September 2015

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Outbound Vs Inbound Tour Operators

For Tour Operators, deciding which type of tours to offer and which market to specialise in can be a difficult task.

Despite the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel, with the global industry having lost $4.5 trillion in 2020, tourism is now experiencing a revival as international borders begin to reopen.

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the increased demand for travel and improve your business strategy.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your offerings, move into a new market or are just starting out in the industry, we are here to give you some useful advice that will help you to find the best option for your company.

Which Type of Tour Operator Are You?

Before you begin to market and sell your tours, it is important to determine which type of tour operator you are in order to develop an effective strategy, find out who your potential customers are and stand out against competitors.

To help you navigate the market, we are going to explain the key characteristics of two types of tour operators: inbound and outbound.

What is an Inbound Tour Operator?

Sometimes referred to as destination management companies, inbound tour operators are locally-based companies who work by bringing visitors into a specific country or destination, often partnering with other businesses such as accommodation and transport providers in order to offer customers package deals.

As opposed to domestic tour operators, who cater to the needs of travellers in their native country, inbound travel companies focus on non-residents and aim to promote their destination as a whole.

What is an Outbound Tour Operator?

While inbound tour operators bring tourists into a country, outbound tour operators market to travellers in their own country and offer tours in international destinations .

When creating tour packages, outbound tour operators usually focus on specific countries, destinations or regions of the world, and also partner with businesses in the host country to provide customers with convenient and comprehensive packages.

What is the Difference Between Inbound and Outbound Tour Operators?

You might still be wondering, what is the difference between inbound and outbound tour operators?

Although there are many similarities between the two, the main difference between inbound and outbound tour operators is whether they offer tours within their own country or in international destinations .

Both types of businesses can provide specialised tours or focus on the mass market, and whichever segment you choose to cater to, it is crucial to utilise the power of marketing.

In our recent blog post, the tour operators’ guide to creating an exciting marketing strategy , we explain the ways in which you can upgrade your marketing strategy and entice and retain customers.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Before deciding which market you choose to operate in, there are many advantages as well as some disadvantages that you should first consider.

• Inbound tour operators have the advantage of being based in the same location that they offer tours in, meaning that they are likely to have a deeper knowledge of the local area, culture and language in comparison with outbound tour operators, and they may also have already developed relationships with local companies and tour guides.

Inbound tour operators can also benefit from having direct contact with customers in their destination of choice, allowing them to offer a more personalised experience.

• On the other hand, outbound tour operators deal with customers from their own country, which can make it easier to understand their needs and create tour packages accordingly. However, not being based in the destination itself could make it more difficult to resolve any problems that might come up. 

Another huge advantage that outbound tour operators have is the ability to change their offerings based on the latest travel trends and demands. The travel industry is highly competitive and dynamic, and offering outbound tours can allow you to rapidly adapt to changes in the market.

Takeaways for Tour Operators

Whether you are an inbound or outbound tour operator, it is crucial to create an exciting marketing strategy and have a deep knowledge of your chosen market and potential customers.

Here at Nezasa , we work with both inbound and outbound tour operators to assist them in creating the most seamless planning, booking and post-booking process for their clients.

For the latest travel related content and more information about our bleeding-edge software, be sure to keep up with our blog and register for our next webinar.

Outbound Tourism Market by Purpose Type (Business, Holiday/Leisure, VFR & Others) by Tourist Type (Domestic, International) by Tour Type (Independent Traveller, Package Traveller, Tour Group) and Region, Global trends and forecast from 2024 to 2030

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• Segmentation Analysis
• Market Dynamics
• Market Trends

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Regional analysis.

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REPORT OUTLOOK

Scope of the report, market overview.

The global Outbound Tourism market size is projected to grow from USD 16.89 billion in 2023 to USD 35.96 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

Traveling beyond the borders of one’s own country is referred to as outbound tourism by citizens of that nation. Stated differently, it refers to people or organizations departing from their nation of origin for reasons of pleasure, travel, or other objectives. Vacations, business travel, family visits, and educational excursions are just a few of the many activities that fall under this category of tourism. Traveling abroad promotes economic development and cross-cultural exchange as individuals visit new places, and outbound tourism is a major part of this global industry. Travel encompasses a number of elements, including lodging, travel, and leisure pursuits, all of which support the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry worldwide. For destination nations and the travel industry to customize their products and services to the wide range of demands of outbound tourists, it is imperative that they comprehend outbound tourism trends and preferences.

Traveling abroad is important from an economic and cultural standpoint. By promoting international trade and creating income for different sectors, it plays a significant economic role in the expansion of the global tourism industry. Through spending on travel, lodging, food, and leisure activities, this type of tourism strengthens the economies of the nations it visits. Additionally, it promotes career prospects in the travel and hospitality industries. Furthermore, international travel encourages cross-cultural communication and mutual respect between various groups. Travelers promote peace and unity throughout the world by exposing themselves to various customs, ways of life, and viewpoints. Furthermore, the promotion of mutual respect, stereotype dismantling, and improved cross-cultural communication are all made possible by outbound tourism. A world that is richer and more interconnected is created through the ideas and experiences that are shared between outbound tourists and the communities they are visiting, creating a global community that is not limited by geography. All things considered, international cooperation, cultural enrichment, and economic growth can all be accelerated by outbound tourism.

Outbound Tourism Market Segmentation Analysis

The global Outbound Tourism market is bifurcated into two segments, by purpose type, tour type and region. By purpose type, the market is divided into business, holiday/leisure, VFR & others. By tour type, the market is bifurcated into Independent traveler, package traveler, tour group and region.

The tourism industry is divided into several segments based on the reasons for travel, such as business travel, vacation or leisure travel, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and other purposes. People who travel for business purposes, such as conferences, meetings, or corporate events, are said to be engaged in business travel. It is essential to the development of international trade and economic ties. In the VFR segment, people are seen visiting friends and family, highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships and familial ties as the main reasons people travel. Last but not least, the “others” category includes a variety of varied objectives, such as special interest travel, health tourism, and educational travel. Contrarily, holiday or leisure tourism includes travel for leisure activities like sightseeing and vacations, and it makes a substantial economic and cultural contribution to the tourism sector. The tourism sector can customize its offerings, advertising tactics, and facilities to match the specific requirements of every type of traveler by having a thorough understanding of these purpose-driven markets. Travelers’ preferences and expectations can be better met by stakeholders by acknowledging and addressing the variety of reasons they travel, which will ultimately support the expansion and sustainability of the global tourism industry.

The traveler market is segmented into three main categories based on the type of tour they take: independent travelers, package travelers, and tour groups. Individuals who travel independently organize and carry out their own travel plans, making their own arrangements for lodging, meals, and activities. This group frequently looks for a more flexible and customized travel experience that permits spontaneity and customized exploration. On the other hand, package travelers choose pre-made travel packages that are provided by travel companies or tour operators. Typically, these packages consist of lodging, transportation, and maybe activities or guided tours. Package travelers value the ease and simplicity of having planned most of their trip ahead of time, which often saves time and effort when it comes to preparation. Tour groups consist of tourists who sign up for scheduled group excursions that are run by tour operators or guides. This category places a strong emphasis on interpersonal communication and shared experiences. It offers a planned schedule and frequently incorporates group activities. People looking for a more guided and social travel experience will find tour groups appealing. The logistics are taken care of by experts, so travelers can concentrate on having fun with a like-minded group.

Outbound Tourism Market Dynamics

Economic prosperity plays a crucial role in driving outbound tourism.

Economic growth is a key factor driving outbound tourism, influencing travel habits as people’s and families’ financial situation improves. People find themselves with more discretionary income as economies grow and incomes rise, which naturally leads to a desire to spend money on vacation and leisure activities. People can now realize their dreams of traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and having fun thanks to this change in their financial situation. The way that rising living standards contribute to the democratization of travel is one clear indication of the relationship between economic prosperity and outbound tourism. What was once thought of as an indulgence for a privileged few becomes more widely available and essential to a wider range of people’s lifestyle options. Having more disposable income makes it easier to pay for travel-related costs like airfare, lodging, and meals, as well as enabling more interesting and varied travel experiences. Raising living standards affects travelers’ tastes and expectations in addition to promoting international travel. A move away from traditional vacationing toward a more sophisticated investigation of various cultures and their lifestyles is evident in people’s increased desire for unusual and culturally immersive experiences. When people prioritize their own development and well-being through their travels, their desire for enriching experiences becomes a determining factor in their travel decisions.

Rising travel costs, including airfare, accommodation, and other expenses, can act as a deterrent for potential outbound tourists.

Exorbitant airfares are a major obstacle to the outbound travel industry, discouraging prospective visitors and affecting their choice-making. The rise in travel expenses, which include airfare, lodging, and other related costs, can have a substantial effect on how affordable international travel experiences are. The overall increase in travel expenses is a result of economic factors such as inflation and rising operational costs in the travel industry. The rise in airfare is one of the main causes of rising travel expenses. Some segments of the potential outbound tourist market may find it more difficult to afford air travel due to fluctuating fuel prices, airline operating expenses, and other economic factors. The ripple effect also affects the cost of lodging, since hotels and other lodging facilities must modify their rates to cover rising operating costs while preserving profit margins. Apart from travel and accommodation, other travel-related expenses like food, entertainment, and local transportation might also go up. For individuals and families, the cumulative effect of growing costs can make travel financially taxing, which may cause them to reevaluate or postpone their plans. The perception of higher travel costs is further influenced by economic factors that affect the purchasing power of currencies, such as inflation. Traveling abroad becomes less attractive or feasible as living expenses rise and people’s disposable income does not go as far.

Opportunities

The demand for unique and immersive travel experiences continues to grow.

Experience travel is becoming more and more popular, which indicates that customers are choosing more customized and meaningful travel experiences. This is creating a lot of opportunities for the outbound tourism industry. There’s a growing demand for customized, real, and culturally enriching travel experiences as tourists look for more immersive and distinctive experiences than just sightseeing. One of the main chances is to meet this changing demand by providing travelers with specially selected travel experiences that speak to their unique interests and preferences. This could entail creating itineraries that incorporate local tours that offer insights into a destination’s cultural fabric and going beyond popular attractions. Travelers are drawn to experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the places they visit, such as guided walks through historic neighborhoods and hands-on activities with local artisans. Another essential component of experiential travel is culinary adventures. There are many opportunities for businesses to offer culinary experiences, like cooking classes, food tours, and dining at real local restaurants. Travelers prioritize their eating experiences because they want to fully immerse themselves in the local cuisine and stimulate their senses.

Outbound Tourism Market Trends

The outbound tourism market is still changing as a result of the emergence of digital technology. Social media, smartphone apps, and online booking sites are all essential for trip preparation—from choosing a destination to making hotel and airline reservations.

Tourists are looking for experiences that are genuine and one-of-a-kind. As an alternative to conventional sightseeing, there is a growing interest in adventure travel, cultural immersion, and off-the-beaten-path locations.

A growing interest in sustainable and responsible tourism practices is being displayed by tourists as they become more conscious of environmental and social issues. This involves minimizing the carbon footprint of travel, staying in eco-friendly lodging, and engaging in conservation-focused events.

More flexible travel arrangements are now possible thanks to the growth of remote work. These days, a lot of people mix work and play travel, which has given rise to “leisure” travel trends, which involve extending business trips for leisure travel.

The market for specialized travel experiences, such as wellness retreats, culinary tourism, and educational travel, is expanding. Tourists are searching for specialized and one-of-a-kind experiences that suit their interests.

Discovering new places that provide distinct cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and less crowds of tourists than well-known tourist destinations is becoming more and more popular among travelers.

The competitive landscape of the Outbound Tourism market was dynamic, with several prominent companies competing to provide innovative and advanced Outbound Tourism solutions.

• Akbar Travels
• BCD Travels
• Booking Holding
• Cox and Kings
• Expedia Group
• In Orbit Tours
• MakeMyTrip Limited
• Mercury Travels
• Raj Travels
• Thomas Cook
• Travelmart India

Recent Developments:

December 5, 2023 — Expedia Group announced today a series of new and expanded travel partnerships across Europe, encompassing B2B technology, advertising partnerships and supply distribution deals, connecting European partners to the company’s extensive global traveller base and giving them access to Expedia Group’s innovative technology and industry expertise.

January 15,2024 – TUI Group continues its strong and strategic growth in Tours & Activities: Its digital platform TUI Musement was selected as the experiences partner by easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines.

In the market for outbound travel, the Asia-Pacific region was beginning to take center stage. Numerous factors can be attributed to this trend. The middle class is expanding and becoming more affluent as a result of the region’s rapid economic growth, particularly in countries like China and India. This rise in wealth has increased people’s desire to travel and experience the world. Furthermore, the development of efficient transportation infrastructure, which includes larger airline networks and improved connectivity, has made it easier for residents of the Asia-Pacific region to travel outside of their borders.

Particularly in China, outbound tourism has increased dramatically, with millions of Chinese tourists visiting places across the globe. The region’s dominance in the outbound tourism market can be attributed to a number of factors, including the desire for varied experiences, exposure to various cultures, and a growing interest in luxury and immersive travel. The influence of digital platforms that facilitate travel planning and booking, in addition to favorable government policies and initiatives to promote outbound tourism, have further propelled the growth of the Asia-Pacific outbound tourism market.

Target Audience for Outbound Tourism Market

• Business Travelers
• Leisure Travelers
• Adventure Travelers
• Cultural and Heritage Tourists
• Luxury Travelers
• Retirees and Seniors
• Group Travelers

Segments Covered in the Outbound Tourism Market Report

Outbound Tourism Market by Purpose Type

• Holiday/Leisure

Outbound Tourism Market by Tour Type

• Independent Traveler
• Package Traveler

Outbound Tourism Market by Tourist Type

• International

Outbound Tourism Market by Region

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East and Africa
• What is the expected growth rate of the Outbound Tourism market over the next 7 years?
• Who are the key market participants in Outbound Tourism, and what are their market share?
• What are the end-user industries driving market demand and what is their outlook?
• What are the opportunities for growth in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa?
• How is the economic environment affecting the Outbound Tourism market, including factors such as interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates?
• What is the expected impact of government policies and regulations on the Outbound Tourism market?
• What is the current and forecasted size and growth rate of the global Outbound Tourism market?
• What are the key drivers of growth in the Outbound Tourism market?
• Who are the major players in the market and what is their market share?
• What are the distribution channels and supply chain dynamics in the Outbound Tourism market?
• What are the technological advancements and innovations in the Outbound Tourism market and their impact on product development and growth?
• What are the regulatory considerations and their impact on the market?
• What are the challenges faced by players in the Outbound Tourism market and how are they addressing these challenges?
• What are the opportunities for growth and expansion in the Outbound Tourism market?
• What are the product offerings and specifications of leading players in the market?
• MARKET DEFINITION
• MARKET SEGMENTATION
• RESEARCH TIMELINES
• ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
• SECONDARY RESEARCH
• PRIMARY RESEARCH
• SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS’ ADVICE
• FINAL REVIEW
• BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
• TOP-DOWN APPROACH
• RESEARCH FLOW
• DATA SOURCES
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• MARKET DRIVERS
• MARKET RESTRAINTS
• MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
• IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET
• THREAT FROM NEW ENTRANTS
• THREAT FROM SUBSTITUTES
• BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
• BARGAINING POWER OF CUSTOMERS
• DEGREE OF COMPETITION
• INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
• HOLIDAY/LEISURE
• INDEPENDENT TRAVELER
• PACKAGE TRAVELER
• INTERNATIONAL
• REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
• REST OF EUROPE
• SOUTH KOREA
• SOUTH-EAST ASIA
• REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
• SAUDI ARABIA
• SOUTH AFRICA
• REST OF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
• COMPANY PROFILES*

(BUSINESS OVERVIEW, COMPANY SNAPSHOT, PRODUCTS OFFERED, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS)

• AKBAR TRAVELS
• BCD TRAVELS
• BOOKING HOLDING
• COX AND KINGS
• EXPEDIA GROUP
• IN ORBIT TOURS
• MAKEMYTRIP LIMITED
• MERCURY TRAVELS
• RAJ TRAVELS
• THOMAS COOK
• TRAVELMART INDIA
• TUI GROUP                      *THE COMPANY LIST IS INDICATIVE

     LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1          GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 2          GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 3          GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 4          GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY REGION (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 5          NORTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 6          NORTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 7          NORTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 8          NORTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY COUNTRY (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 9          US OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 10       US OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 11       US OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 12       CANADA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 13       CANADA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 14       CANADA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 15       MEXICO OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 16       MEXICO OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 17       MEXICO OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 18       SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 19       SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 20       SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 21       SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY COUNTRY (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 22       BRAZIL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 23       BRAZIL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 24       BRAZIL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 25       ARGENTINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 26       ARGENTINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 27       ARGENTINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 28       COLOMBIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 29       COLOMBIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 30       COLOMBIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 31       REST OF SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 32       REST OF SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 33       REST OF SOUTH AMERICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 34       ASIA-PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 35       ASIA-PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 36       ASIA-PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 37       ASIA-PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY COUNTRY (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 38       INDIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 39       INDIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 40       INDIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 41       CHINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 42       CHINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 43       CHINA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 44       JAPAN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 45       JAPAN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 46       JAPAN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 47       SOUTH KOREA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 48       SOUTH KOREA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 49       SOUTH KOREA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 50       AUSTRALIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 51       AUSTRALIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 52       AUSTRALIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 53       SOUTH-EAST ASIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 54       SOUTH-EAST ASIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 55       SOUTH-EAST ASIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 56       REST OF ASIA PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 57       REST OF ASIA PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 58       REST OF ASIA PACIFIC OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 59       EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 60       EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 61       EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 62       EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY COUNTRY (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 63       GERMANY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 64       GERMANY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 65       GERMANY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 66       UK OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 67       UK OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 68       UK OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 69       FRANCE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 70       FRANCE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 71       FRANCE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 72       ITALY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 73       ITALY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 74       ITALY OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 75       SPAIN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 76       SPAIN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 77       SPAIN OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 78       RUSSIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 79       RUSSIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 80       RUSSIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 81       REST OF EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 82       REST OF EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 83       REST OF EUROPE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 84       MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 85       MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 86       MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 87       MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY COUNTRY (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 88       UAE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 89       UAE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 90       UAE OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 91       SAUDI ARABIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 92       SAUDI ARABIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 93       SAUDI ARABIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 94       SOUTH AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 95       SOUTH AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 96       SOUTH AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 97       REST OF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 98       REST OF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

TABLE 99       REST OF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE (USD BILLION) 2020-2030

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1      MARKET DYNAMICS

FIGURE 2      MARKET SEGMENTATION

FIGURE 3      REPORT TIMELINES: YEARS CONSIDERED

FIGURE 4      DATA TRIANGULATION

FIGURE 5      BOTTOM-UP APPROACH

FIGURE 6      TOP-DOWN APPROACH

FIGURE 7      RESEARCH FLOW

FIGURE 8      GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE, USD BILLION, 2020-2030

FIGURE 9      GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE, USD BILLION, 2020-2030

FIGURE 10    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE, USD BILLION, 2020-2030

FIGURE 11    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY REGION, USD BILLION, 2020-2030

FIGURE 12    PORTER’S FIVE FORCES MODEL

FIGURE 13    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY PURPOSE TYPE, USD BILLION, 2022

FIGURE 14    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOUR TYPE, USD BILLION, 2022

FIGURE 15    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY TOURIST TYPE, USD BILLION, 2022

FIGURE 16    GLOBAL OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET BY REGION, USD BILLION, 2022

FIGURE 17    MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

FIGURE 18    AKBAR TRAVELS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 19    AMADEUS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 20    BCD TRAVELS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 21    BOOKING HOLDING: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 22    BTI SITA: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 23    COX AND KINGS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 24    EXPEDIA GROUP: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 25    GOLD CHIP: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 26    IN ORBIT TOURS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 27    KESARI: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 28    MAKEMYTRIP LIMITED: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 29    MERCURY TRAVELS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 30    ORBIT: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 31    RAJ TRAVELS: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 32    SOTC KUONI: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 33    TCI: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 34    THOMAS COOK: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 35    TRAVELMART INDIA: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

FIGURE 36    TUI GROUP: COMPANY SNAPSHOT

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market in the Outbound Tourism market.

Akbar Travels;Amadeus;BCD Travels;Booking Holding;BTI Sita;Cox and Kings;Expedia Group;Gold Chip;In Orbit Tours;Kesari;MakeMyTrip Limited;Mercury Travels;Orbit;Raj Travels;SOTC Kuoni;TCI;Thomas Cook;Travelmart India;TUI Group.

Offering individualized and adaptable travel experiences is the main focus of tour operators and travel companies. Customizing itineraries to each traveler’s interests and preferences is turning into a crucial business tactic.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism industry in Australia - statistics & facts

Inbound tourism: the road to recovery, outbound tourism: top destinations and interests, domestic tourism: exploring their own backyard, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by country of residence

Number of outbound tourists from Australia FY 2023, by destination

Direct tourism GDP growth rate Australia FY 2006-2023

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Number of visitors at Sydney Airport Australia Feb 2019-Dec 2023, by passenger type

Breakdown of hotels Sydney Australia 2023, by category

Number of domestic visitors Sydney, Australia FY 2014-2023, by type of trip

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Tourism in anz.

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• Luxury travel and tourism worldwide
• Hotel industry worldwide
• Cruise industry worldwide

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Gross value added (GVA) of tourism in Australia in financial year 2023, by tourism related industry (in billion Australian dollars)

Tourism contribution Australia FY 2023, by state

Gross value added (GVA) of tourism in Australia in financial year 2023, by state (in billion Australian dollars)

Number of tourism businesses Australia 2023, by type

Number of businesses in the tourism sector in Australia as of June 2023, by type (in 1,000s)

Tourism sector employment Australia FY 2023, by state and type

Number of employees in the tourism sector in Australia in financial year 2023, by state and type (in 1,000s)

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by country of residence
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by age group
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by state visited
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic International visitor trip expenditure Australia FY 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic International visitor trip expenditure Australia FY 2023, by country of residence

Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2010-2023

Number of international visitor arrivals to Australia from financial year 2010 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of international visitor arrivals to Australia in financial year 2023, by country of residence (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by age group

Number of international visitor arrivals to Australia in financial year 2023, by age group (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by state visited

Number of international visitor arrivals to Australia in financial year 2023, by state visited (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitors to Australia FY 2023, by purpose of visit

Number of international visitor arrivals to Australia in financial year 2023, by purpose of visit (in 1,000s)

International visitor trip expenditure Australia FY 2010-2023

Total trip expenditure of international visitors in Australia from financial year 2010 to 2023 (in billion Australian dollars)

International visitor trip expenditure Australia FY 2023, by country of residence

Trip expenditure of international visitors to Australia in financial year 2023, by country of residence (in million Australian dollars)

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Australia FY 2006-2023
• Basic Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Australia 2017-2024, by state of residence
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Australia FY 2023, by destination
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourist trip expenditure FY 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourist trip expenditure Australia FY 2023, by destination
• Premium Statistic Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers Australia 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers Australia 2022

Number of outbound tourists from Australia FY 2006-2023

Number of overseas departures of Australian residents from Australia from financial year 2006 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound tourists from Australia 2017-2024, by state of residence

Number of outbound tourists from Australia from January 2017 to January 2024, by state of residence

Number of outbound tourists from Australia in financial year 2023, by destination (in thousands)

Outbound tourist trip expenditure FY 2019-2023

Trip expenditure of Australian outbound travelers from financial year 2019 to 2023 (in billion Australian dollars)

Outbound tourist trip expenditure Australia FY 2023, by destination

Trip expenditure of Australian outbound travelers in financial year 2023, by destination (in million Australian dollars)

Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers Australia 2022

Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers from Australia in 2022

Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers Australia 2022

Leading sport tourism experience interests among outbound travelers from Australia in 2022

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight tourist trip expenditure Australia FY 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight tourist trip expenditure Australia 2023, by state or territory
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit

Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2014-2023

Number of domestic overnight visitors in Australia from 2014 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by state visited

Number of domestic overnight visitors in Australia in 2023, by state visited (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit

Number of domestic overnight visitors in Australia in 2023, by purpose of visit (in millions)

Domestic overnight tourist trip expenditure Australia FY 2014-2023

Trip expenditure of domestic overnight visitors in Australia from financial year 2014 to 2023 (in billion Australian dollars)

Domestic overnight tourist trip expenditure Australia 2023, by state or territory

Trip expenditure of domestic overnight visitors in Australia in 2023, by state visited (in billion Australian dollars)

Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by state visited

Number of domestic day visitors in Australia in 2023, by state visited (in millions)

Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit

Number of domestic day visitors in Australia in 2023, by purpose of visit (in millions)

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Define Outbound

outbound. Adj . Referring to the leg of the journey departing the city of origin to the destination or destinations.

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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
• What is e-tourism and how is it changing travel?
• 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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