ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the way in which tourism products and services are sold to the consumer. The role of the tour operator and the travel agent are evaluated in terms of their respective roles in the supply chain. The chapter seeks to explain how the distribution chain operates in tourism and how tour operators package holidays. The changing role of travel agents in retail operations is discussed including the transformative effect of information communication technology (ICT) in travel retailing including the growth in social media. The managerial skills needed to manage a travel agency and to present holiday products to consumers via brochures is also explained along with the future for travel retailing.
