ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the channels of distribution in tourism, beginning by describing direct and indirect distribution based on an easy-to-understand model. It explains the differences among intermediation, disintermediation and reintermediation. The sharing economy is having a significant effect on tourism distribution, and particularly with accommodation and ride-sharing services. Tourism distribution to consumers is either direct or indirect. Most tourism companies have the ability to take bookings through their websites. Major hotel chains work hard to encourage direct bookings via company websites as opposed to selling their rooms through online travel agencies or traditional travel agencies. Tourism distribution is part of the tourism value or supply chain, although it does not reflect all of the chain. The traditional business model for travel agencies was to earn commissions on the sales of airline and rail tickets, hotel and cruise bookings, travel insurance, etc.
