Categories of tour operators

1
Categories of tour operators

• Joanne Thirlaway

2
Learning Objectives

• By the end of today's sessions you should be able
  to
• Describe the categories of tour operators
• Give examples of the each category of tour
  operator including the destinations featured

3
MASS MARKET

• Some of the best known names TUI(Thomson),
  First Choice, MyTravel (Airtours), Thomas Cook
• Organise air inclusive tours, often referred to
  as a package holiday
• Over 14 million passengers in 2000 used the Top 4
  groups
• Linked to their own airlines and often own a
  travel agent

4
Integrated

• Own an airline and or travel agency
• TUI (Thomson) Britannia, MyTravel (Airtours)
  MyTravel (Airtours International), First Choice
  Air 2000, Thomas Cook JMC Holidays
• Some of the best known names TUI (Thomson),
  First Choice, etc.
• Organise air inclusive tours (AITs) and often
  referred to as a package holiday
• Carries approximately 13 million people each
  year dominates the outbound market

5
Specialist

• Less well known
• Niche operators
• Offer wide variety of holidays to different
  market segments
• Offer different activities
• Some of the best known are members of AITO
• Fastest growing area of tourism worldwide

6
Independent

• Mainly members of AITO Association of
  Independent Tour Operators
• Many specialist operators
• Not tied with other organisations

7
Domestic

• Tend to sell direct using magazine and newspaper
  advertising e.g. Radio Times and Sunday
  supplement offers
• Usually short breaks
• Work with Tourist Councils to develop products
  and support national marketing campaigns
• Use variety of accommodation and transport
• Holiday centres e.g.Butlins

8
Outgoing

• Selling holidays to depart from the UK to
  overseas
• Covers different categories of tour operators

9
Incoming Tour Operators

• Selling holidays overseas for people visiting
  Britain
• Over 300 incoming tour operators
• BA Holidays is one of the biggest
• Range of services from meet and greet to full
  guided tour
• Often cater for special groups e.g. Japanese,
  antique lovers, etc
• Packages sold abroad through overseas agents and
  airline offices
• Tours often based around a theme using
  Britains main attractions castles, heritage,
  gardens, royalty, etc