GIT, or group independent travel, refers to a travel group where individuals buy a group package and travel with others on a preset itinerary. These independent travelers enjoy structured flexibility, but traditional group tours have a set itinerary for everyone and a set number of travelers.
Travel and Tour Types
A FIT, or free independent traveler, handles all of the travel, lodging and transportation by themselves. A chartered group tour is an exclusive organized trip with a customized itinerary and limited number of travelers. An inclusive tour refers to a travel program that offers a variety of features and options for a single rate. These usually include air fare, dining, accommodation, sightseeing tours and local performances. A media tour is designed exclusively for travel writers for the sole purpose of helping them to publish positive stories about the target destinations.
Incentive travel is a new perk that is being offered to employee by corporations as a reward for top performance. Sales travel missions are when suppliers from one tourism region collectively travel to another region or country for the purpose of collecting promotion materials, networking with companies and participating in special educational seminars for travel agents. Familiarization tours are free trips for travel agents, journalists, wholesalers and other travel trade professionals. The goal is to educate and familiarize them with tourism options, products, services and destinations.
Travel Costs and Expenses
A free sale is a travel product, such as a hotel room or airline seat, that is given to a travel wholesaler to sell. They do not have to first confirm availability before closing the sale. A commissions is the percentage of the total travel product that is paid to travel agents and other travel processionals after they successfully sell the product. Most travel agents receive around 10 percent of the retail price. Wholesalers may receive anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of the advertised price. The commission levels for online travel professions vary because online deals usually offer better rates and lower profit margins.
Discounted fares are usually negotiated airline and hotel costs for select travel groups, industry conventions, trade shows and corporate meetings. Sometimes, travel agents are allowed discretionary costs in order to successfully and consistently sell products. The base rate refers to the absolute minimum price that a travel wholesalers can sell the product for while still making a profit. All travel costs and expenses are identified and adjusted through quantitative research. These are usually comprehensive surveys and interviews that provide standardized financial and personal answers.
Anyone who is interested in a career selling and working with group independent travel packages should consider a job as a travel agent. These individuals are sales-driven, results-focused and committed to ensuring customers have amazing travel experiences. They usually have personal travel experience and a bachelor’s degree related to hospitality management or travel business administration. Travel agents enjoy exclusive benefits and discounted travel benefits. Most travel agents earn certification through the American Society of Travel Agents.
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