Partnering among tour operators the norm now
A startling 17% of tour operator business comes from other tour operators, says the National Tour Association (NTA).
A study shows that a growing number of operators rely on other operators to purchase their product; more than half offer receptive services.
“Partnering between tour operators is becoming the norm rather than the exception,” said NTA Chairman and CEO, Ann Thomas. She added:
“With smaller groups, closer booking times and diverse travel requests, it has become the sensible thing to do. Partnering gives us the opportunity to offer value to our guests by working with colleagues in our association.”
She said NTA continues to provide programs that deliver bottom-line results for tour operators.
At the 2005 Tour Operator Spring Meet, NTA revamped the Tour Operator Partnering Session around the “speed dating” business meeting concept. With this new format, during each appointment, both operators have approximately three minutes to explain what new, different or unique ideas they have for packaging their product.
The National Tour Association is an organization of nearly 4,000 tourism professionals involved in the growth and development of the packaged travel industry.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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