Publisher's Synopsis
Retail travel agents are the most important travel intermediaries. Agents act as sales outlets for suppliers and wholesalers from whom they receive commission for any sales made. They also act as travel counsellors, advising people as to when, where, and how to travel; as salespersons actively selling travel; and as assistants, making reservations in response to customer requests. The scope and functions of a modern travel agency has increased manifold over the years. This book explains the various concepts and operations of a travel agency in a systematic manner and makes it easier for not only students of tourism management, but also working professionals to comprehend the subject. Since customer relations is the key to the success of travel agency business, this book explains the need for understanding and retaining the customers, as it is easier to retain loyal customers than to make new ones. The book contains some additional features including Glossary of Travel Agency and Airlines Terms, Hospitality Industry Terms, Travel Trade Publications, International Tourism Periodicals, Travel Industry Journals, Education and Training in Travel and Tourism, International Organisations, Travel Related Publications of International Organisations, and Comprehensive Bibliography. Throughout the book, the approach has been to explain the concepts in a simple and exhaustive manner. The main objective of the book is to provide valuable source material on the complex subject of travel agency business to graduate as well as post-graduate and management students of travel and tourism, travel agencies, airlines and others engaged in the business of travel and tourism.
