2. Organizations in the Distribution Process7
Organizations in the Distribution Process

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Become familiar with tourism distribution systems organizations and their functions.
Understand travel agents and their role in the distribution system.
Consider the impact of the Internet on the distribution system.
Examine the role of the tour wholesaler.
Recognize that travel suppliers can use a combination of channels of distribution.

4. Operating Sectors of the Tourism Industry

5. Tourism Distribution Channels
Suppliers
Transportation Providers Accommodations Food Service Resorts
Recreation, Entertainment, etc.
Customers
Individuals Pleasure Groups Business Groups, Etc.
Tour
Wholesaler
Specialty
Channeler
Retail Travel
Agent
Direct
Channel
via
Internet
Telephone
Office
Host Retail Travel Agent
Home-based Travel Agent

6. Top Ten Travel Agencies
2009 Sales

7. United States Tour Operators Association Fact Sheet
Year Founded
1972
What is USTOA?
A national organization of wholesale tour operators in the U.S.
What is a Tour Operator?
An entity whose primary purpose is to plan, arrange and market tours and/or vacation packages featuring domestic and/or worldwide destinations. The cost of such tour and vacation packages generally includes air and/or land transportation, ground arrangements such as accommodations, meals, local guides and other related services. The tour and vacation packages are commissionable to retail travel agents, who, in turn, sell the product to the public
USTOA Offices
275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, NY Ph: (212) ; Fax: (212) ;
USTOA Web Address:
USTOA’s Mission:
Inform the travel industry, government agencies and the public about tour operators’ activities and objectives
Education consumers on matters pertaining to tours and vacation packages
Help consumers recoup financial loss arising from an Active Member’s bankruptcy or insolvency
Represent the tour operator community and cooperate with other trade organizations and government agencies
Facilitate and encourage tourism on a worldwide basis.
Help maintain a high level of professionalism within the tour operator industry.

8. Trade Fairs and Shows
Special entities in promotion /distribution of travel are fairs, exchanges, shows, exhibitions, and markets. The entities bring buyers and sellers together at venues where billions of dollars of business is transacted.
ITB BERLIN
The biggest of these entities is ITB Berlin, which takes place in March every year. ITB is, without doubt, the largest travel trade show in the world.
Visit ITB’s Web site at
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
The World Travel Market (WTM) held annually in London each November is the world’s second largest travel trade show.
Visit its Web site at
POW WOW
In the United States, the major trade show is USTA’s International Pow Wow.
See