The whole world is available for modern tourists to travel. Today you can enjoy the Northern Lights in Finland, tomorrow — sunbathe on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and a week later — participate in an African safari… As practice shows, in order to plan and competently organize a vacation, it is best to contact representatives of the tourism industry. And most often at this moment, novice tourists have a question, who exactly to ask for help? It is known that representatives of a tour operator or travel agency can help in choosing a ticket. Each of them has advantages and features. Today we understand the difference between a tour operator and a travel agency. -otlichajutsja-3e49c94.jpg” alt=”Tour operator or travel agency: what to choose, what is the difference?” />
Subtleties of the tourism industry: understanding the concepts
Tour operator — a company that creates a tourism product. Representatives of the operator book hotels, charter planes or buy tickets for flights, enter into agreements with transfer companies, hire guides abroad. Thus, tour packages are formed. That is, everything that is included in the cost of the tour “cooks” tour operator.
The difference between a travel agency and a tour operator is that it is the agency that sells ready-made products —.package tours to potential travelers. The travel agency acts as an intermediary between the client and the operator. In parallel, the agency can offer additional services in the form of transfers, excursions and, of course, travel manager consultations 24/7.
Who is better?
When we figured out what a travel agency and a tour operator are, we will answer the question of where it is better to buy a ticket. It would seem that the best option — contact the “creator” directly; tourism product. But not everything is so simple!
In fact, the tour operator can most often offer:
- only certain destinations in which he specializes;
- limited list of hotels and tours in general;
- fixed prices, usually without discounts.
Therefore, when the question arises, which travel agency to choose or a tour operator, it is better to give preference to the agency. The main reasons are that the travel agency:
- collaborates with several trusted tour operators, which greatly expands the choice of tours for travelers;
- offers a variety of vacation options — beach, ski, wellness, sightseeing, event, children, etc;
- can sell tours with discounts, in installments, and will always find something to offer for an early booking promotion or from last minute trips.
Where is it cheaper?
If you want to save money, it is better to use the services of a travel agency. Although the prices for tours are set by the operator, the agency can sell the ticket at a discount. Sometimes even cheaper than the tour operator. The fact is that the agency receives profit not from the margin for the client, but from the commission from the operator himself. Therefore, there is often no difference in prices on the websites of the operator and the agency at all! travel agencies — interest and concern for customers, while the operator is aimed at the mass sale of vouchers. That is why sales specialists and travel agency consultants work 24/7 and will always help the client from the moment of choosing a tour until returning from vacation.
It seems now, what difference does a travel agency or a tour operator make, is obvious to everyone, isn't it?