Page 243 - Tourism The International Business

11. Travel distribution systems

Supplier needs

A supplier, at the same time, expects the following from the tour operator:
• a complete list of those on the tour;
• specific arrival and departure times;
• a complete rooming list, detailing the number of different types of rooms needed;

• credit information to set up billing procedures;
• confirmation and deposit dates;
• notification of any special needs, for handicapped passengers, for example;
• complete tour itinerary (this might enable the supplier to suggest additions such as places to eat and sights
to see).
Attractions. It is helpful to the operator if attractions provide a brief description of their facility that might be
included in the tour brochure. This helps not only the operator but also the attraction. Brochures from the

attraction can be sent to the supplier for distribution to the tour members en route. This increases the anticipation
of the tour members prior to the visit.

Exhibit 91: Tour escorts must know the appropriate behavior when

visiting centers of worship. Wong Tai Sin Temple, Kowloon Peninsula.
(Courtesy Hong Kong Tourist Association.)

Accommodations. After a day of traveling a tour group wants a friendly reception and some extra amenities.
Often a group will get impersonal treatment from staff members who think that, because 40 people arrive at once,
they will only expect “group treatment”. Thus, the ability to treat each member of a group as an individual is
important. Some kind of hospitality reception is appreciated; a wine and cheese or cocktail party can put everyone
in a happy mood.

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