XII Unit-5 TOUR PACKAGING & PROGRAMMING (English)
Introduction to Package Tour
A package tour is a combination of different travel services such as transport, accommodation, food, and sightseeing offered at a single inclusive price.
Started in the mid-19th century by Thomas Cook (1855 Paris tour)
Combines multiple services into one package
Reduces hassle and saves time for tourists
Creates business opportunities for tourism stakeholders
Main Components:
Transport
Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Guide and other services
5.1 Meaning of Package Tour
A package tour is a pre-arranged combination of two or more travel services sold at a single price to provide convenience and cost savings to tourists.
Inclusive pricing (one-time payment)
Saves time and reduces uncertainty
Designed based on customer needs and trends
Transport and accommodation are major cost elements
Classification of Package Tours
Package tours are classified based on type of service and operation:
Escorted Tour
Independent Tour
Hosted Tour
Incentive Tour
Freedom Tour
Escorted Tour
An escorted tour is a tour in which a professional tour manager or guide accompanies the tourists throughout the journey.
Full assistance from start to end
Help in check-in, boarding, and baggage
Provides information about destinations
Manages meals and sightseeing
Example: Group tours, club or community travel
Independent Tour (FIT)
An independent tour is designed for individual travelers who prefer to plan and customize their travel according to their own needs and budget.
Flexible itinerary
Customized services
Includes tickets, hotels, transfers, sightseeing
Higher cost due to personalization
Example: Solo travelers, luxury tourists
Hosted Tour
A hosted tour is a tour where a local ground operator or destination management company acts as a host and manages services at the destination.
Airport/railway pickup
Hotel booking and confirmation
Local transport and guide
Cultural interaction and hospitality
Special Point:
Focus on host-guest relationship
Incentive Tour
An incentive tour is an all-inclusive tour organized by companies to reward employees for their performance.
Sponsored by corporate organizations
Luxury and group travel
Motivates employees
Example: Corporate tours by Thomas Cook, SOTC
Freedom Tour
A freedom tour is a tour designed according to the preferences, budget, and choices of the customer, offering maximum flexibility.
Flexible travel plan
Choice of destinations and services
Suitable for budget travelers
Can be individual or group
What do you mean by Package Tours?
A package tour is a pre-arranged combination of two or more travel services such as transport, accommodation, food, and sightseeing, offered at a single inclusive price. It is designed to provide convenience, save time and cost, and reduce uncertainty for tourists. These tours combine all essential travel services into one plan, making travel easy and hassle-free.
Enumerate the Classification of Package Tours
Package tours are classified based on the type of services and operation:
Escorted Tour
Independent Tour (FIT)
Hosted Tour
Incentive Tour
Freedom Tour
Discuss the Concept of Freedom Tours
A freedom tour is a type of tour designed according to the preferences, needs, and budget of the customer. It provides maximum flexibility to travelers in choosing destinations, travel time, accommodation, and other services.
This type of tour is suitable for working-class people and budget travelers whose choices may differ from others. It allows tourists to decide how, when, and where to travel, making it highly flexible and personalized. Freedom tours can be organized for individuals or groups.
Make a List of Package Tours Promoted by Tour Operators
Tour operators promote different types of package tours, such as:
Escorted Tours
Independent Tours
Hosted Tours
Incentive Tours (Corporate/MICE tours by companies like Thomas Cook and SOTC)
Freedom Tours
5.2 Components of Package Tour
Components of a package tour are the different services combined together by tour operators to create a complete travel experience and sold at a single price.
These components determine the success and sale of a package tour
Tour operators purchase services from airlines, hotels, transport, etc.
Final price = Cost of services + Profit margin
Designed based on customer demand and market trends
Accommodation
Accommodation refers to lodging facilities provided to tourists during their travel.
Major component (about one-third of total cost)
Includes primary accommodation: star hotels, resorts, business hotels
Includes supplementary accommodation: guest houses, lodges, service apartments
Selected based on budget and customer preference
Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing is the organized visit to places of tourist interest included in a package tour.
Essential part of any package tour
Includes local tours and excursions
Cost is shared among group members
May include cultural, historical, and recreational activities
Airlines
Airline service refers to air transport provided for domestic and international travel in a package tour.
Includes flight tickets and onboard services
Different classes: First class, Business class, Economy class
Used for long-distance and international travel
Railways
Railway service refers to train travel included in tour packages, mainly for domestic and regional travel.
Important where air connectivity is limited
Provides scenic and economical travel
Examples: Indrail Pass, Eurail Pass, BritRail, Amtrak
Car Rental Service
Car rental service provides vehicles for transfers and local travel during the tour.
Used for airport pickup, drop, and sightseeing
Includes luxury and standard vehicles
Often arranged through annual contracts
Luxury Coach Service
Luxury coach service refers to comfortable buses used for group travel in package tours.
Used in group tours
Features: AC, comfortable seats, microphone, large windows
Example: Volvo coaches for sightseeing
Cruise or Ferry Services
Cruise or ferry services provide water transport along with accommodation and entertainment.
All-inclusive packages (room, food, entertainment)
Used for luxury tourism and unique experiences
Example: Royal Caribbean, Royal Virgo
Event Services
Event services include arrangements for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE tourism).
Includes venue booking, food, conference kits
Managed by event planners or MICE operators
Includes pre- and post-tour programs
Insurance
Insurance in package tours provides financial protection against risks during travel.
Covers trip cancellation, health, and luggage
Protects both tourists and tour operators
Examples: Bajaj Allianz, TATA AIG
Ground Handling Services
Ground handling services include all support services provided at the destination.
Includes guides, interpreters, transfers, entry tickets
Ensures smooth operation of the tour
Managed by local operators
Miscellaneous Services
Miscellaneous services are additional services provided to enhance tourist comfort and experience.
Porter services at airports/railways
Tips for guides and hotel staff
Welcome drinks, gifts, special dinners
Explain the Components of Package Tours
Package tours consist of various services combined together to provide a complete travel experience at a single price. These components are:
Accommodation: Hotels, resorts, guest houses for stay
Transport: Airlines, railways, car rentals, luxury coaches
Sightseeing: Visits to tourist attractions and excursions
Cruise/Ferry Services: Water transport with entertainment and stay
Event Services: Arrangements for meetings, conferences (MICE)
Insurance: Coverage for health, luggage, and cancellations
Ground Handling Services: Local support like guides, transfers, entry tickets
Miscellaneous Services: Porterage, tips, welcome drinks, gifts
These components together make the package tour convenient and attractive for tourists.
What are the Different Types of Accommodation Services?
Accommodation services are divided into two main types:
Primary Accommodation:
Includes star hotels, business hotels, resorts, and international hotels. These provide full services like rooms and meals.Supplementary Accommodation:
Includes guest houses, lodges, bungalows, and service apartments. These are usually budget-friendly and offer limited services.
What do you Mean by Ground Handling Services?
Ground handling services refer to all the support services provided to tourists at the destination.
These include:
Airport/railway transfers
Local transport arrangements
Tour guides and language interpreters
Entry tickets to attractions
These services ensure smooth and comfortable travel for tourists at the destination.
Find the Difference between Primary and Complementary Services in Package Tour
Primary Services:
Basic and essential services in a package tour
Includes transport, accommodation, and meals
Forms the main part of the package cost
Complementary Services:
Additional services that enhance tourist experience
Includes sightseeing, guides, insurance, events, and miscellaneous services
Adds value and attractiveness to the package
5.3 Customized or Tailor-Made Package and Group Inclusive Tours
Customized or Tailor-Made Package (FIT)
A customized or tailor-made package is a tour specially designed according to the needs, preferences, and budget of individual travelers, also known as Free Independent Travelers (FIT).
Features:
Personalized travel plan
Flexible itinerary (no fixed schedule)
Suitable for individuals or small groups (2–5 members)
Focus on comfort, privacy, and exclusivity
Can choose destinations, hotels, and services
Characteristics of FIT Tourists:
Prefer freedom of movement
Like exploring new and unique places
Avoid crowded destinations
Can adjust to different environments
May select luxury hotels or budget options like guest houses, hostels, or B&B (European Plan – EP)
Important Point:
FIT tourists may plan their own tour or take selected services from tour operators
Targets niche market and specific customer needs
Group Inclusive Tour (GIT)
A Group Inclusive Tour (GIT) is a pre-planned and organized tour for a group of people, offered at an inclusive price with a fixed itinerary.
Features:
Fixed travel itinerary
Usually an escorted tour
Covers popular (beaten-track) destinations
Designed based on group interest, time, and capacity
Can be short-haul (MICE) or long-haul (leisure travel)
Advantages:
Cost-effective (cheaper than FIT)
Bulk booking of hotels, transport, etc.
Tour operators get discounts from service providers
Suitable for large groups
Examples:
Corporate tours (MICE)
School/college trips
Religious or leisure group tours
5.4 Tour Formulation and Designing Process
Tour formulation and designing process means the systematic planning, preparation, costing, marketing, and operation of a package tour so that it becomes attractive, sellable, and profitable.
It is a multi-stage process.
It helps tour operators reduce risks and improve tour quality.
It is based on market demand, customer feedback, destination study, and cost control.
Senior and experienced staff usually handle this work because a good tour design can make or break the business.
Why Tour Designing Is Important
Package tour business faces risks like season, price rise, and socio-political changes.
A well-designed tour helps tour operators respond to market demand.
It increases customer satisfaction and sales.
It improves the chances of success in a competitive market.
Steps in Tour Formulation and Designing
1. Initial Research
Initial research is the first step in which the tour operator studies the destination and source market before designing the package.
It helps identify the demand trend.
It shows the strengths and weaknesses of the package.
It helps in making corrective measures.
It improves the quality and appeal of the tour.
2. Collecting Feedback
Feedback collection means taking suggestions and opinions from guests and tour guides to improve the tour plan.
Feedback is taken through questionnaires.
Questions may be open-ended or close-ended.
It helps understand customer satisfaction.
It gives ideas for better package design.
3. Finalizing the Area of Operation
Explanation:
After research and feedback, the operator decides where the package will be operated.
Political conditions are checked.
Economic situation is studied.
Social development is considered.
Only suitable destinations are selected.
4. Preparing the Itinerary
An itinerary is a detailed travel plan that shows the sequence of places, activities, transport, and stay during the tour.
It is prepared carefully.
Do’s and don’ts are included.
It makes the travel organized.
It helps avoid confusion during the tour.
5. Selecting Destination Companies
Explanation:
Tour operators choose local destination companies for ground support.
These companies handle local arrangements.
They are authorized for ground handling responsibilities.
They help make the tour smooth at the destination.
6. Contacting Vendors
Vendors are service providers such as hotels, transport companies, airlines, and other tour-related businesses.
Tour operators contact primary and supplementary service providers.
They negotiate for the best quotations.
This helps reduce cost.
Better negotiation improves profitability.
7. Costing and Pricing
Costing means calculating the total cost of all services included in the package.
Pricing means fixing the final selling price of the package tour.
Every element of the package is costed carefully.
Profit margin is added to final price.
Pricing must be competitive.
Good pricing helps in selling the package successfully.
8. Tour Brochure Designing
A tour brochure is a promotional document that gives full information about the package tour to potential customers.
It is prepared after destination selection and costing.
It contains tour details, services, itinerary, and price.
It helps in attracting customers.
A clear brochure improves sales.
9. Selling the Tour Package
Explanation:
After the brochure is ready, the package tour is sold to customers.
Selling can be done directly by the tour operator.
It can also be sold through retail travel agents.
Reservation systems are used for booking.
A strong sales system helps reach more customers.
10. Marketing and Sales Promotion
Explanation:
Marketing and sales promotion are used to inform and attract the target market.
Advertisements are used.
Promotions help create demand.
The right audience is targeted.
This increases package visibility and bookings.
11. Tour Operation
Explanation:
Tour operation means the actual execution of the package tour after sales are completed.
Ground operators manage services at the destination.
Transport, accommodation, and sightseeing are coordinated.
Smooth operation ensures customer satisfaction.
This stage completes the package tour process.
What are the tour formalities?
Tour formalities are the necessary steps and arrangements that a tour operator follows before launching a package tour. These include research on the destination and market, collecting customer feedback, selecting the area of operation, preparing the itinerary, contacting vendors, negotiating quotations, costing and pricing, designing the brochure, selling the package, and finally operating the tour through ground operators.Explain the designing process of tour packages.
The designing process of tour packages is a step-by-step method used to create a complete and attractive package tour. It starts with destination research and source market study, followed by feedback collection from guests and guides. After that, the itinerary is prepared, destination companies are selected, vendors are negotiated with, cost and price are fixed, the brochure is designed, the tour is sold, and the package is operated with proper ground support.What are the formulation processes for developing a package tour?
The formulation processes for developing a package tour are:
Initial research on destination and source market.
Collection of feedback from guests and tour guides.
Final selection of the area of operation.
Preparation of a well-structured itinerary.
Selection of destination companies for ground handling.
Contact and negotiation with vendors for best quotations.
Costing and pricing of the package tour.
Finalization of the tour brochure.
Selling the package through direct or retail channels.
Marketing, sales promotion, and actual tour operation.
Why there is a need for systematic and planned approach for package tour?
A systematic and planned approach is needed for package tours because the business involves many risks such as seasonality, price changes, and socio-political factors. Proper planning helps tour operators reduce risks, improve quality, and match customer demand. It also helps in better costing, smooth operations, higher sales, and greater customer satisfaction. A well-planned package tour can make the business successful and profitable.
5.5 Tour Brochure Designing
A tour brochure is a printed or digital promotional document that gives complete information about a package tour, including destinations, services, conditions, and booking details.
It helps customers understand the tour clearly.
It removes confusion and ambiguity.
It is written in simple and easy language.
It is also used for sales promotion by tour operators.
Purpose of a Tour Brochure
To give full information about the tour.
To attract customers.
To promote package tours through travel agents.
To explain services, conditions, and booking rules clearly.
Main Contents of a Tour Brochure
1. Introduction
Explanation:
The introductory part gives the background of the tour and the area of operation.
It introduces the package tour.
It explains the purpose of the brochure.
It gives a general idea about the tour.
2. Travel Information
Explanation:
This section gives details about the mode of transport and travel arrangements.
Information about arrival and departure.
Transfer details.
Transport facilities included in the package.
3. Accommodation Details
Explanation:
This part explains the hotel and room services provided in the tour.
Location of hotel.
Type of room services.
Hotel category and stay arrangements.
4. Tour Services
Explanation:
This section contains details of all travel-related services.
Guide services.
Sightseeing arrangements.
Cultural programmes.
Dine and shopping suggestions.
5. Do’s and Don’ts
Definition:
Do’s and don’ts are the rules and instructions given to help tourists behave properly and enjoy the tour safely.
Helps guests make the tour enjoyable.
Gives proper guidance during travel.
Prevents mistakes and confusion.
6. Inclusive and Exclusive Services
Explanation:
A brochure clearly mentions which services are included in the package and which are not.
Inclusive services = services covered in the package price.
Exclusive services = services not included in the package price.
This helps customers know exactly what they are paying for.
7. Images and Visuals
Explanation:
Brochures include pictures to make the tour more attractive.
Images of tourist places.
Pictures of hotels and transport.
Photos of souvenir shops and local attractions.
Visuals increase interest in the package.
8. Booking Form and Conditions
Definition:
A booking form is the document used by customers to reserve the tour package. Booking conditions are the rules and terms for booking.
Includes reservation details.
Shows payment and cancellation rules.
Also mentions meal plans and ground services.
Importance of Tour Brochure
Helps customers get clear information.
Supports tour selling and marketing.
Helps travel agents promote packages.
Builds trust between tourists and tour operators.
Makes the package more attractive and professional.
What is brochure?
A brochure is a printed or digital document that gives complete information about a package tour in a simple and attractive way. It includes details about destinations, transport, accommodation, services, conditions, and booking information.Explain the importance of tour brochures
Tour brochures are important because they give clear and complete information about the tour package. They help customers understand what is included and what is not included in the tour. Brochures also attract tourists, remove confusion, support sales promotion, and help travel agents sell the package more effectively. They make the tour look professional and trustworthy.What are the skills needed to designing a tour brochure?
The skills needed to design a tour brochure are:
Good writing skill to use simple and clear language.
Proper knowledge of the tour package and destination.
Ability to present information in an attractive and organized way.
Communication skill to explain services, conditions, and benefits clearly.
Creativity to use pictures, layout, and design effectively.
Marketing skill to make the brochure appealing to customers.
What are the stages of developing a tour brochure?
The stages of developing a tour brochure are:
Collecting complete information about the tour.
Writing the introductory part of the brochure.
Adding details of transport, accommodation, sightseeing, and other services.
Mentioning do’s and don’ts clearly.
Explaining inclusive and exclusive services.
Adding images and visuals of tourist places, hotels, and transport.
Including booking form and booking conditions.
Finalizing and sending the brochure for sales promotion through travel agents.
5.6 Tour Programming and its Importance
Tour programming means adding extra attractive activities and events in a package tour without removing the main sightseeing or excursion activities. It is done to increase the value and appeal of the tour.
It makes the tour more enjoyable.
It adds value to the package.
It helps attract more customers.
It improves the overall quality of the tour.
Meaning of Tour Programming
Tour programming is the planning of extra activities during a tour.
These activities are added to make the package more interesting.
The main activities like sightseeing remain included.
It gives tourists more satisfaction and a better experience.
Examples of Tour Programming
Tour operators may include activities such as:
Photography.
Music.
Dance.
Painting.
Sculpting.
Swimming.
Fishing.
Surfing.
Canoeing.
Rowing.
Trekking.
Cooking.
Cultivating.
These activities give tourists a lifetime experience and make the tour memorable.
Use of Local Festivals and Fairs
Tour operators check local calendars.
They include fairs and festivals in the itinerary.
This helps tourists experience local culture.
It makes the package more attractive and meaningful.
Importance of Tour Programming
1. Value for Money
Tourists feel that they are getting more services for the price paid.
It increases customer satisfaction.
2. Better Itinerary
It improves the quality of the tour plan.
The itinerary becomes more attractive and engaging.
3. Matches Customer Needs
Activities are arranged according to customer interests and traits.
It makes the package more personalized.
4. Business Opportunity
It creates more income opportunities for tour operators.
More value-added services can increase sales.
5. Branding and Positioning
It helps build a better image of the tour operator.
It improves market position.
6. Target Market
It helps tour operators attract the right group of customers.
The package becomes suitable for a specific market segment.
What are the skills needed to design a tour brochure?
The skills needed to design a tour brochure are:
Good writing skill to use simple and clear language.
Proper knowledge of the tour package and destination.
Ability to present information in an attractive and organized way.
Communication skill to explain services, conditions, and benefits clearly.
Creativity to use pictures, layout, and design effectively.
Marketing skill to make the brochure appealing to customers.
What is the importance of tour packages?
Tour packages are important because they provide complete travel services in one plan at a single price. They save time, reduce confusion, and make travel more convenient for tourists. Tour packages also help customers get value for money and allow tour operators, hotels, transport companies, and other service providers to earn business. They make travel organized, attractive, and easy to manage.Why programming is given much importance in package tour business?
Programming is given much importance in package tour business because it adds value to the tour without reducing the main sightseeing or excursion activities. It makes the package more attractive, enjoyable, and worth buying. Tourists get extra activities like music, dance, cooking, trekking, and festivals, which improve their travel experience. It also helps tour operators attract customers, build branding, cater to target markets, and create repeat buyers.
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