Travel Agents and Agencies

The tourism distribution system consists of consumers, (retail) travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, incoming (travel) agents, destination marketing organizations, and suppliers (e.g., hotels, airlines). A travel agent or agency acts as an intermediary (or middleman) between the consumer and the suppliers. Agents and agencies act on behalf of two parties: consumers (referred to as the clients) and suppliers of tourism products (referred to as the principal). They offer for sale to consumers travel services (such as inclusive tours, package holidays, tickets for airlines, train, ferry and attractions, car rentals, accommodations) on behalf of principals (such as tour operator, airline, cruise line, car hire company, hotel). Agents and agencies gain a commission for selling the services of a principal, which is normally a percentage of the ...