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Posted by Chester Morton / Thursday 17 May 2018 / No comments
The qualities of a good tour operator
THE
QUALITIES OF A TOUR OPERATOR
Definition of a tour operator
A tour operator could be a private individual but it could also refer
to a company that organizes a tour package(s) or holiday(s) for the public to
patronize. Sometimes, they themselves put together a holiday or tour package
but other times it is put up by others and the tour operator only sells the
final package to the public.
QUALITIES OF
A TOUR OPERATOR
Honesty/integrity
One of qualities of a tour operator is that he or she
must be an honest person. Also his or her company must deal honestly with the
public. The information that is put on a tour brochure must be true to the
word. The realities on the ground must not be a far cry from what is
advertised. Where there are unexpected changes the tour operator must be honest
about it and explain to the clients.
Good understanding of ICT
A good tour operator must have ICT skills. The world
is now technologically advanced in many fronts including the world of tourism.
Tickets could be bought online, reservations can be made online, advertisements
can be made online and a host of other things can be accomplished online
without having to move an inch. He or she also needs to keep records of the
company’s activities and this can be done on the computer. A good knowledge of
computer and the world-wide-web will therefore be useful to the tour operator
hence the need for him to be computer and internet literate.
Marketing skills
The tour operator must possess marketing skills. He
must be able to market his tour package in order to attract clients. In the
midst of the stiff competition in the industry, without the skills of a
marketer, the tour operator would find it very tough to stay above water.
Good public relations skills
The tour operator must have good public relations skills.
The tour operating company deals with different kinds of human beings with
different backgrounds and levels of exposure. The tour operator must therefore
enhance all the positive stories about their operations to the public and
minimize any negative stories about their work, if possible, prevent such
negative stories from getting into the public domain.
Good financial standing
Another quality of a tour operator is that the company
must be in a good financial position. It must not be financially distressed.
Operating a tour business can sometimes be capital intensive, especially, if
one must pre-finance it so being in good financial position helps the company.
Time conscious
A tour operator must be time conscious. Tour buses
must depart at the appointed time, people must reach their destinations at the
time advertised etc. Hotel arrangements must be top notch so clients can be
checked into their accommodations on time.
SAMPLE
QUESTION(S)
1. a. Who is a tour operator?
b. Highlight
six qualities of a good tour operator.
The good qualities of a travel agent
The functions of a travel agency
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