Tour operators and travel agents often cross paths as they trek across the proverbial travel landscape. While these professions have many natural intersections, they also have their own unique goals and responsibilities. Generally, travel agents work broadly on selling a vast variety of travel experiences, while tour operators are more focused on creating unique and specialised travel packages.
Building a career as a successful tour operator will, however, take more than just creating travel packages. If this is your chosen career path, you’ll need to employ a strategic approach to help you stand out in this ultra-competitive market. If you’re wondering how to become a successful tour operator, then read on to discover our four key strategies.
But first, what is the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent?
A travel agent is the individual broker or agency responsible for selling various types of holiday packages. So then what is a tour operator? In short, a tour operator is a person or organisation responsible for planning specific trips and holiday packages. In other words, the tour operator creates the services, and the travel agent is the intermediary who sells these services.
Although both professions share similar qualifications and skill requirements, there are key differences to be noted. Tour operators need advanced business management, hospitality and planning skills, while the essential capabilities of a travel agent lie more in good marketing skills and sound knowledge of flight arrangements and visa applications.
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Define your unique selling proposition (USP)
Start by figuring out what makes your tours different from the rest. Do you offer exclusive access to hidden gems and tailor-made adventures, or do you focus on a specific niche market like eco-tourism? Once you know your unique selling point, you can tailor your offerings and marketing to attract your ideal customers.
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Harness tour operator booking software for ultra-efficiency
Efficiency and accuracy in booking accommodations and other land travel arrangements are paramount, especially for tour operators. By making use of tour operator booking software, such as Global Accommodation’s StayGlobal booking portal, you’ll find that you can streamline this process significantly. This easy-to-use tour operator booking software gives you access to an extensive network of hotels worldwide, facilitating the swift procurement of the best direct B2B deals for your clients. Leveraging this advanced technology not only saves you time but also ensures that your clients receive top-quality accommodation and additional travel services, thereby enhancing their overall travel experience.
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Forge partnerships with service providers you can rely on
When it comes to adding real value to your tours, reliable service providers are indispensable. Collaborating with Global Accommodation allows you access to their established network of accommodation providers and destination management companies (DMCs), guaranteeing the seamless execution of all land arrangements, including local transportation, guided tours, excursions and more. Aligning with reputable service providers ensures you can trust that the trip will unfold seamlessly, affording your clients a stress-free and gratifying experience.
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Prioritise exceptional customer service
Exceptional customer service forms the bedrock of every flourishing tour operation. From the initial inquiry to the culmination of the tour, you should absolutely strive to surpass your client’s expectations at every turn. Personalised attention, swift responses and a willingness to go the extra mile can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates. What’s more – satisfied clients are not only likely to recommend your services to others but also to return for future trips, thus fueling the growth of your business.
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned tour operator or a novice aspiring to venture into the field for the first time, adopting these strategies can catapult your business to new heights. As you venture forth on your endeavour, don’t forget that Global Accommodation serves as the quintessential B2B travel supplier, equipped with a network comprising over 1,000,000 hotels and 150 destination management companies worldwide. Whenever you need to make trip planning a breeze, keep us in mind!
