ABSTRACT
Pre-tour preparations involve critical tasks, each and every one of which must be performed with due diligence. Administration activities prior to the tour departure involve handling of tour enquiries, tour booking, handling payments, booking of supplier services, arranging documents for travel, dispatching tour documents to the tourists, interacting with the tourists for getting ready for travel and arranging the pre-tour meeting. Instead of formal visas, some countries issue other types of entry permits or travel documents that allow the citizens of specified countries, on the basis of mutual bilateral relationships and agreements, to enter their territory. A simple document with important information regarding the tour also has to be provided to the tourist. Though tour operators engage their own professionals as tour managers, at times they may have to engage tour escorts from outside their organization, for example, freelancers or travel agency staff.
