The travel industry is a vibrant and exciting one, but it's full of terms and acronyms that you might be unfamiliar with. That's why it's helpful to familiarize yourself with them before making any kind of industry investment. We've put together this useful glossary of common phrases and words you’ll likely come across as you research your travel industry franchise options. Take a look at them to find the definitions of any you’re not sure about, and reach out to us with any questions you have or suggest words or phrases not seen here. We believe the best Cruise Planners franchise candidates are the most informed ones, so we make sure to make transparency and education a priority.
A la Carte Bar - Also known as a “Cash Bar,” is a bar within one’s hotel room that comes pre-stocked with various snacks and beverages.
A la carte - refers to meals and indicates that each dish is individually priced; also, a selection of meals may be available, such as on a tour.
Abeam – A directional term used on ships and aircraft, denotes something situated to the vessel's side, such as the wings.
Accessible Tourism - travel that ensures high availability in destinations, accommodations, attractions, products, and services for all people.
Add-on – an additional option, typically at an extra cost, added to travel arrangements.
Adjoining rooms – Two hotel or accommodation rooms connected by an interior door, allowing guests to merge the two rooms into one larger space.
Adoption Rate – the percentage of tickets issued via an online booking system compared to the traditional booking channel of agent-assisted reservations.
Advance Purchase Fare – airfare requiring the traveler to purchase the ticket a minimum of days before departure.
Advance Purchase Requirement - The APR, or Advance Purchase Requirement, stipulates that a ticket must be purchased at least days before the flight departs.
Adventure tour – A tour crafted around an adventurous activity such as rafting, hiking, or mountain climbing.
Adventure travel – a genre of travel involving exploration or travel with perceived (and possibly actual) risk and potentially necessitating specialized skills and physical exertion.
Affinity Card – These are credit or debit cards issued by a banking institution in collaboration and co-branded with a specific frequent traveler program.
Affinity group – A group of people sharing a common hobby, interest, or activity, or united through regular participation in shared outings.
After-departure charge – Charges not included on the guest’s bill at checkout, such as telephone or dining charges.
AIO variables – Activities, interests, and opinions-utilized to measure and categorize customer lifestyles.
Air mile – a distance of approximately 6076 feet.
Air Travel Card – a credit card sponsored by the airlines solely for the purchase of air travel.
Airline Alliance – These are agreements of cooperation between groups of airlines. Alliances provide airlines with more flexibility and broader networks.
Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) – An organization that provides a method of approving authorized agency locations for the sale of transportation and cost-effective procedures for processing records and funds of such sales to carrier customers.
Airport access fee – a charge paid by the car rental companies to the airport authority, for the utilization of shuttle vehicles, etc. – typically transferred to the consumer.
Air-Sea – A cruise or travel package in which one or more transportation elements are provided by air and one or more by sea. The package is usually paired with local lodging.
All-inclusive package – A tour package in which most travel elements are acquired for a fixed price. Also referred to as an all-expense package.
Alternative Tourism – Travel that is not traditional in nature, though that is difficult to define. It can represent a niche form of tourism.
Alumni tour – A tour designed for clients who have previously traveled with a tour operator. Also known as a reunion tour.
Ambassador – The head of a state’s diplomatic mission in another state, typically with offices within the main embassy.
Amenities – desirable or useful features or facilities of a building or place
Amenity package – A combination of special features, such as complimentary shore excursions, bar or boutique credit, or wine at dinner offered to clients on a given tour or cruise, usually as an incentive or additional feature.
Amidships – towards the middle of a ship – typically the most stable part of the vessel.
Antebellum – describes a building and/or period of time preceding the Civil War, such as an antebellum mansion on a cotton plantation in the southern US.
Apron – The area surrounding the gate areas of a terminal, generally utilized for parking and maintenance of planes.
ARC – Airline Reporting Corporation- the agency that oversees ticket sales and reports to the airlines for travel agencies.
Archipelago – An archipelago is a cluster of islands, essentially. Indonesia and Japan are both archipelago nations.
ARTA – Association of Retail Travel Agents – professional trade group of travel agents exclusively.
ASC Fee – Administrative Service Charge. Usually it’s identical to the change fee, or the fee to exchange the ticket for future travel.
ASTA – American Society of Travel Agents – trade group comprising travel agencies, travel agents, and allied members (suppliers, etc.).
ATO – Airline Ticket Office – is becoming increasingly scarce these days as carriers continue to reduce customer service.
Attractions – Items or specific interests for travelers, such as natural wonders, manmade facilities and structures, entertainment, and activities.
Average room rate – The total guest room revenue for a given period divided by the number of rooms occupied for the same period.
B&B – A bed and breakfast home or guest house that a proprietor has converted into accommodation(s) for the public.
Babymoon – A soothing and romantic vacation or getaway taken by parents-to-be before their baby is born.
Back-to-back ticket(ing) – an against-the-rules practice whereby an air ticket is issued round-trip with only one portion to be utilized. Another is then issued roundtrip, again with only one portion to be utilized. In essence, this amounts to using one ticket for the outbound part of a trip, and the other for the return.
Baggage Allowance – The quantity of baggage a passenger may transport without incurring extra charges, determined by the carrier.
Baggage master – The individual who oversees baggage handling on a ship.
Balcony – occasionally referred to as a verandah—is an outdoor “porch” that is usually private and just outside your ship’s cabin.
Barge cruising – pleasure cruising along a canal system, such as in upstate New York or in Europe, in converted barges or new ships resembling them.
Base fare – the fundamental price of an airline ticket before ANY taxes, surcharges, airport fees, etc.
Beam – a ship’s width at its broadest point; determines whether or not a vessel can pass through the Panama Canal.
Bed and breakfast (B&B) – Overnight accommodations typically in a private home or boarding house, often with a full American-style or Continental breakfast included in one rate.
Bell captain – The individual in charge of luggage at a hotel.
Bellman – an individual who transports one’s luggage to a hotel room.
Benelux – term for the countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Berth – usually refers to the bed in a ship’s cabin; also the space at which a ship is docked.
Bespoke tour – a tour that is customized, personalized, and tailor-made for the traveler.
Blackout dates – Specific dates in which special fares or promotions do not apply. Typically, it exists around holidays or special events.
Block – A number of rooms, seats, or space reserved in advance, typically by wholesalers, tour operators, or receptive operators who intend to sell them as components of tour packages.
Blocked space – seats, rooms, and/or cabins held on airlines, in hotels, or aboard ships. Usually held speculatively and made available at reduced rates.
Boarding pass – a receipt with a seat number, now issued only at check-in at the airport. A ticket is not valid unless a boarding pass has been issued. A Boarding Pass is not a ticket, but allows you to board a plane or ship or other mode of transportation.
Boarding Pass – Bonded – protected or guaranteed by a bond, usually referring to the protection of passenger’s funds.
Booking form – A document which purchasers of tours must complete to provide the operator full particulars about who is buying the tour. It states precisely what is being purchased (including options) and must be signed as acknowledgment that the liability clause has been read and understood.
Bow – Bow is a directional term. Front of a ship or the nose of an aircraft; specifically, the foremost point of the craft's hull.
Breakage – Expenses budgeted for a tour but not utilized, resulting in additional profit to the tour operator. Examples include meals budgeted but not consumed, currency fluctuations in favor of the tour operator, or the tour selling to larger numbers of passengers than expected.
Break-even point (BEP) – The point at which revenues and expenses are equal. For example, the BEP is the number of products (or seats, cabins, tickets, etc.) that must be sold for a company to break even. The BEP is calculated as fixed costs divided by the selling price less variable costs. See reasonable number.
Break-even pricing – Pricing a product based on a forecast of the break-even point and the cost of achieving the break-even point.
Bulk contract – An agreement whereby an airline sells large blocks of seats at a discount for resale by a third party.
Bulk fare – A reduced fare for the purchase of many tickets.
Bulkhead Seat – Seats located directly behind a bulkhead wall separator. These seats don’t have the benefit of a seatback in front of them.
Bulkhead – A partitioning wall, usually within the cabin of an aircraft or another mode of transportation.
Bumping – the airline practice of denying boarding to confirmed passengers who hold tickets on a specific flight due to an oversold condition. The carrier will ask for volunteers to take later flights and will normally provide some sort of compensation in the form of vouchers or tickets for future travel. Rules for when compensation must be provided are complicated; ask the ticket agent for a copy of that carrier’s rules, as each has its own set of guidelines.
Business class – While amenities vary based on the airline, business class generally falls between first class and coach.
Cabin Crew – The collective group of flight attendants and the purser as a whole. The cabin crew is primarily responsible for duties within the cabin.
Cabin steward – the person responsible for maintaining/cleaning the cabins aboard the ship.
Cabin – the passenger area on an aircraft; the stateroom aboard a cruise ship.
Cabin-(Aircraft) – The aircraft section in which passengers travel.
Cancellation penalty – the monetary penalty due when travel plans are canceled, usually after final payment.
Cape – A miniature version of a peninsula, typically long and narrow, extending far into a body of water.
Captain – (Aircraft-The captain is the pilot in command (PIC), the person in the cockpit sitting on the left with four stripes on their shoulder.
Carrier – generic term for any company that transports passengers and/or freight.
Cashless cruising – a term that applies to the system of onboard payment used for most all cruises; the final bill for any such purchases is presented against a credit card or cash deposit given upon check-in. The final statement itemizes the purchases of all passengers in a cabin, such as drinks, shore tours, etc.
Cay – A term for a small island, pronounced “key,” commonly used in regions such as the Caribbean, exemplified by destinations like Princess Cay.
Celebrity Travel - Celebrity and high-net-worth travel denote an ultra-luxurious category catering to the discerning needs of celebrities and individuals with significant wealth. This encompasses opulent travel modalities and exclusive destinations, strongly emphasizing privacy, security, and confidentiality.
Certified Tour Professional (CTP) - This prestigious designation is awarded to tour professionals upon completing a structured course of academic study, professional service, tour employment, and evaluation criteria. The CTP program is overseen by the National Tour Association (based in Lexington, KY) and is accessible to professionals across the tourism industry spectrum.
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) - This designation is earned by travel professionals through rigorous testing conducted by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents, affirming their professional competence and dedication to serving the traveling public.
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)—This esteemed designation acknowledges the expertise of travel agents with five or more years of industry experience. To attain this recognition, professionals must complete a comprehensive two-year graduate-level travel management program administered by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (headquartered in Wellesley, MA).
Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS)—This respected designation is granted to employees of American Bus Association member companies who successfully fulfill the requirements of five mandatory correspondence courses and two elective courses, culminating in a written evaluation of eight marketplace seminars.
Chain-ratio method – A strategic approach to forecasting market demand that involves multiplying a base market figure by a series of consumption constraints.
Chamber of Commerce – A Destination Management Organization (DMO) operating locally, comprising businesses not exclusively tied to the tourism industry.
Chancery – The physical edifice housing an embassy and its diplomatic delegation.
Charter service – The provision of transportation for performed groups organized by entities other than the carrier, offering exclusive vehicle use.
Charter – To use an aircraft, motorcoach, or other vehicle exclusively.
Chauffeur-driven tours – Luxurious tours chauffeured by a professional driver, typically involving passenger motor vehicles, especially upscale vehicles like large sedans or limousines.
Chunnel – Informal term referring to the tunnel underneath the English Channel, facilitating the passage of the Eurostar train between England and France.
Circle itinerary – A travel routing plan that involves overnight stays in different locations and culminates in a return to the point of departure without retracing the travel path.
Circle trip – Any journey involving multiple destinations that ultimately returns to the initial departure point.
City guide – A knowledgeable tour guide who showcases and comments on the highlights of a city, often conducted by a motor coach or van.
City Pair – The originating and destination points of an air or rail journey.
City tour – A guided sightseeing excursion through a city, typically half a day or a full day, during which the guide highlights the city’s key attractions.
Class of Service – The booking inventory corresponding to the fare purchased by a passenger. For instance, a full-fare coach class cabin is typically designated as a Y class of service.
CLIA – Abbreviation for Cruise Lines International Association, headquartered in New York City, NY.
Client list – A roster containing the names of all tour participants.
Client mix – Business objectives aimed at achieving specific proportions of customers from various market segments.
Closeout – The finalization of a tour, cruise, or similar group travel project, after which no further clients are accepted. During this phase, any unsold air or hotel space is released, and the final lists and payments are sent to all suppliers.
Coach – The "economy" section of an aircraft, typically offering numerous fare options for the same flight.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – Optional insurance offered by car rental companies that absolves the driver of responsibility in case of an accident. Many credit card companies provide coverage in this area for clients who use their card to pay for the rental. Clients should check with their credit card company to understand the extent of coverage.
Commission – Remuneration paid to a travel agency or ARC number by suppliers in exchange for generating bookings.
Commission Cap – The maximum limit imposed on commissions paid to travel agents for the sale of air tickets, regardless of their price. This cap is designed to enable airlines to increase their profits at the expense of their primary distribution system—the travel agents.
Commissionable Tour – A tour available through retail and wholesale travel agencies that entitles the retailer or wholesale seller to receive an agreed-upon sales commission.
Common Carrier – Any individual or organization providing transportation services for a fee.
Commuter – A term referring to small, regional airlines, sometimes colloquially known as puddle-jumpers.
Comp Policy – Arrangements providing complimentary tickets, rooms, meals, etc.
Complimentaries (Comps) – Items provided free of charge, such as rooms, meals, tickets, airfare, gifts, souvenirs, etc.
Computerized Reservation System (CRS) – An automated system utilized by travel agents containing pricing, availability, and product descriptions for hotels, car rentals, cruises, and air transportation.
Concierge – A hotel employee offering additional advice, recommendations, and services to guests, including assistance with restaurant reservations. Concierges serve as the liaison between the hotel and non-hotel attractions, facilities, services, and guests.
Concierge Level – An exclusive service level typically offered at higher-grade hotels, providing guests with additional amenities and information at a premium rate.
Conditions – The section or clause of a transportation or tour contract specifying what is not offered and outlining circumstances under which the contract may be invalidated (in whole or in part).
Configuration – The internal arrangement of a vehicle, particularly an airplane, accommodating various seating capacities and classes.
Confirmed Reservation – An oral or written confirmation from a supplier indicating receipt and honoring of a reservation. Oral confirmations hold little legal weight, while written or faxed confirmations may have specified or implied limitations.
Confluence – The meeting point of two flowing bodies of water, such as streams or rivers, where they merge.
Connecting Flight – A flight requiring travelers to change planes at an intermediate point to reach their final destination.
Connecting Room – Two adjacent rooms connected by a door.
Consolidation – The cancellation of one or more flights associated with a specific charter departure, with passengers transferred to another flight or flights departing on or near the same day. Additionally, selling the same tour through multiple wholesalers, cooperatives, or outlets to boost sales and minimize tour cancellations.
Consolidator – A wholesaler purchasing airline tickets in bulk and reselling them at discounted rates to individuals and travel agencies. These fares often have complex restrictions but can be cheaper than buying direct from airlines.
Consortium – A collective of independently owned and managed agencies collaborating to enhance their purchasing power.
Consulate – An office serving as an extension of an embassy, with limited roles and responsibilities.
Consul – The chief diplomat of a consulate.
Consumer Protection Plan – A plan offered by a company or association safeguarding customer deposits and payments in the event of company bankruptcy.
Continental Breakfast – A morning meal comprising beverages (coffee, tea, or milk) and pastries, sometimes including fruit juice.
Control Tower – The facility overseeing aircraft movements at an airport, including ground traffic.
Convenience Sample – A group of research subjects selected for ease of access.
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) – A nonprofit organization operating at the county or city level, promoting meetings, conventions, and trade shows in its area.
Co-op Tour – A tour sold through multiple wholesalers, cooperatives, or outlets to boost sales and minimize tour cancellations.
Cooperative (Co-op) Advertising – An agreement between parties to share the cost of placing an advertisement.
Corporate Rate – A hotel rate tailored to business travelers' needs, often guaranteeing the best available room at a fixed cost for a specific period.
Costing – The process of detailing and calculating all costs incurred by the tour operator on a given tour.
Cost-Plus Pricing – Pricing strategy where the selling price is determined by adding a markup percentage to the product's cost.
Couchette – Sleeping compartment on a train accommodating multiple berths.
Cruise Tour – A combination of a cruise and a multi-night land tour to inland destinations inaccessible by ship.
Cruise – A voyage on a ship or boat undertaken for pleasure or vacation, typically with stops at various port destinations.
CST – Central Standard Time.
CTA – Certified Travel Associate.
CTC – Certified Travel Counselor.
Culinary Tourism – The pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences while traveling, offering a taste of a region's culture through its cuisine.
Cultural Travel – Travel revolving around a region's culture and history.
Culture – Shared traits or characteristics unique to an ethnic group, region, or nation.
Custom Tour – A travel package tailored specifically for a preformed group or niche market.
Database – A structured collection of individual customer data stored electronically.
Day Rate – Also known as a day room rate, it's a discounted rate for using a guest room during daytime hours, not for overnight occupancy. Often offered on tours with late-night departure schedules.
Deadhead – Traveling a segment of a trip without passengers, such as transporting an empty motor coach.
Debark – To disembark or exit from an airplane or passenger ship.
Deck – The level or floor area of a ship, with some cruise liners boasting numerous decks, ranging from 11 to 14 or more.
Deck Plan – A schematic representation illustrating the layout of decks, public areas, cabins, etc., on a cruise ship.
Demand Generators – Initiatives and programs developed by DMOs and suppliers to stimulate destination demand. Examples include festivals, events, cultural tours, and consumer promotions.
Denied-Boarding Compensation – Compensation or vouchers provided to passengers bumped from a flight. Negotiability may vary; passengers are advised to inquire. See "bumping."
Department of State – The U.S. government agency issuing cautions and travel warnings for various global destinations. Refer to the Department of State for the latest updates on areas of interest.
Departure Tax – A fee levied by the host country on travelers upon departure.
Deplane – To disembark or exit an aircraft.
Deposit Policy – The specified amount or percentage of the total bill due on a predetermined date before arrival.
Descriptive Research – Market research providing detailed insights into customer markets.
Destination Alliance – A for-profit association that selects suppliers forming a paid-membership network to promote their services to travelers.
Destination Management Company (DMC) - A for-profit firm similar to a CVB that provides planning and execution services for the convention and meeting market.
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) - An organization that promotes a location (city, region, state, province, country) as a travel destination.
Destination Weddings – A category of travel involving couples celebrating their marriage at a chosen destination away from home.
Dine-Around Plan – A prepaid meal plan allowing diners to eat at various restaurants in an area.
Direct Access – Refers to a travel agent's ability to access an airline's database directly for accurate last-seat availability and pricing, distinct from internet fare quotes.
Direct Flight – A flight from origin to destination with one or more intermediate stops, without changing aircraft. (E.g., San Francisco to New York with a stop in Chicago)
Disaster Tourism – Travel to areas affected or previously affected by natural disasters, civil strife, or warfare.
DMC – Destination Management Company.
Docent – A volunteer tour guide at a museum.
Domestic Fare – Fare charged for travel within a country.
Double Booking – Reservation of the same destination, times, and carriers through different travel agencies, where only one reservation will be used.
Double Occupancy – Most cruise fares and tour packages are quoted based on two people traveling together, sharing accommodations.
Double-Occupancy Rate – The per-person rate for sharing a room with another person, frequently quoted in tour brochures.
Double Room Rate – The full rate for a room accommodating two people.
Downgrade – Moving to a lesser accommodation level or a lower service class.
Driver-Guided Tours – Tours led by an individual who drives the vehicle while providing commentary and guidance.
Drop-Off Charge – Fee added to a car rental when returning the vehicle to a different city. Some states waive this fee, such as in Florida.
Duty-Free Imports – Specific item quantities and categories exempt from taxes or duties when brought into a country.
Eco/Sustainable Tourism – Eco or Sustainable Tourism is tourism directed toward unique, often imperiled, natural environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
Eco-Conscious Travel – Though often interchangeable, being "eco-aware" simply means being conscious of one's environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Travel – Though often interchangeable, being "eco-aware" simply means being conscious of one's environmental impact.
Economic Impact Study – Research into the financial contributions made by an industry and how these contributions affect the economy through direct spending, job creation, income generation, and tax revenue.
Ecotour – A tour crafted to emphasize environmental preservation or to visit environmentally sensitive areas.
Ecotourism – Tourism directed at exotic and/or endangered destinations while promoting environmental understanding and conservation efforts.
Elder Hostel – Hostel catering to seniors – see "hostel."
Electronic Ticket – A "paperless" airline ticket allowing check-in and travel with proper photo ID. E-tickets cannot be lost or used by anyone else, enhancing safety but presenting challenges for carriers during flight disruptions.
Embark – To board a plane or cruise ship.
End Suite – In the hotel industry, indicates that specific features are either directly in the room or adjacent to it.
English Breakfast – A basic meal consisting of cereal, juice, eggs, meats, and other beverages, commonly served in most hotels in the UK/Great Britain.
Errors and Omissions Insurance – Coverage similar to malpractice insurance, protecting against negligence, errors, or omissions causing clients hardship or expense.
Escort – See tour director.
Escorted Group Tour – A group tour with a tour director accompanying the group throughout the trip, providing commentary and coordinating activities.
Escrow Accounts – Funds held by licensed financial institutions for safekeeping, often required in travel contracts to protect customer deposits.
Estuary – A body of water connecting a river and a larger body, such as a sea or ocean, serving as a transition point.
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival.
ETD – Estimated Time of Departure.
Ethno-Tourism – Exploration of indigenous populations, their cultures, and traditions.
E-Ticket – An electronic ticket, typically for airlines, issued digitally instead of on paper.
Eurailpass – A ticket allowing unlimited or limited train travel in many European countries, excluding Britain.
European Plan – Hotel rate without meals included.
Exclusive Fare – Discounted airfares offered by travel consolidators.
Excursion – A side trip from a main destination, usually optional and at an additional cost.
Excursion Fare – Special airline fares with restrictions like minimum and maximum stays.
Experiential Travel – Immersion in a destination's history, people, and culture.
FAM (familiarization) tour – A complimentary or discounted trip offered to travel professionals to introduce them to a destination, attraction, or supplier.
Familiarity Tour – A tour designed to acquaint travel advisors with a destination, accommodation, activity, or mode of travel to enhance their knowledge and customer service.
Family Plan – Offered by most hotels, allowing children to stay in the same room as parents at no extra cost, with age requirements varying between hotels.
Familymoon – A honeymoon taken by a newlywed couple along with their children from previous relationships.
Fare Aggregator – Platforms that direct users to airline, cruise, hotel, or car rental sites for ticket purchases. Aggregators generate revenue through advertising and referral fees.
Fare Basis – The alphanumeric code assigned to a specific fare for identification.
Fare Basis (Code) – The code determining the price of an airline ticket.
First Class – The premium service class offering enhanced seating, meal selection, and drink options.
First Officer – Second in command pilot, typically sitting on the right side of the cockpit with three stripes.
Fishing Trips and Tours – Guided tours and lodging for groups of fishermen aimed at catching fish.
FIT – Foreign Independent Tour or Flexible Independent Travel – Customized travel packages arranged by travel agents, often including various components like car rental, hotel, and airfare.
Fjord – A narrow inlet from the ocean, usually with cliffs, offering spectacular scenery, commonly found in Alaska, Norway, and New Zealand.
Flight Crew – Collective term for all airline staff on a flight, including pilots, pursers, and flight attendants.
Folio – Detailed record of a guest's charges and credits maintained until departure, also known as a guest bill or statement.
Fore – Directional term indicating forward movement on a craft, opposite of aft.
Frequent Flier Program – Loyalty program rewarding travelers with benefits such as free flights for patronizing a particular airline.
Frequent Flier – A traveler who flies frequently.
Frequent Independent Travel (F.I.T.) – Custom-designed prepaid travel package offering flexibility and convenience.
Full House – A hotel with all guest rooms occupied.
Full-Service Hotel – A hotel offering restaurant facilities and various amenities.
Function Room – A dedicated space primarily used for private events, banquets, and meetings, also known as banquet rooms.
Funnel Flight – A flight feeding into larger planes for onward travel, or the use of a single flight number for an itinerary involving a connection with separate flight numbers.
Fuselage – The main body section of an aircraft containing the cabin, crew, and cargo.
Galley – The kitchen area of a plane, train, or ship. On planes, the galley may vary in size and complexity.
Gate – The designated area in an airport where passengers board their flights. Gates are typically located within concourses.
Gateway – A city, airport, or region from which a flight or tour begins.
GDS – Global Distribution Systems – A system that stores information about availability, prices, and services offered by airlines, car rental companies, hotels, and other travel-related entities. GDS allows for reservations and ticket issuance and is used by travel agents, booking engines, and airlines. Leading GDS providers include Amadeus, Apollo/Galileo/Worldspan, and Sabre.
Geotourism – Tourism that preserves or enhances the unique geographical character of a place.
Global Distribution System (GDS) – An international computer reservation system that provides access to databases of various travel suppliers across different countries.
Graduation Travel – Travel marking a graduation milestone, often from high school or college.
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – Solar-based time standard in Greenwich, England, from which time zones worldwide are calculated.
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) – A measurement of a ship's enclosed space. Cruise ships in the 70,000-ton range are often referred to as "superliners."
Ground Operator – Also known as a receptive operator, responsible for coordinating ground services for tour groups.
Group Leader – A person responsible for organizing tour arrangements for a group, serving as a liaison with tour operators, or developing an independent tour itinerary.
Group Rate – A negotiated rate offered to a large group booking together, incentivizing group travel. Group Tour – A prearranged, prepaid travel package with a common itinerary, transportation, lodging, meals, and attractions for a group of travelers.
Group Travel – Travel organized by an external company or organization for a group or by individuals arranging travel with friends and family.
GST – Goods and Services Tax, levied in Canadian provinces.
Guaranteed Share – A cruise term ensuring that a companion will be found for a single passenger at a special rate, even if the cruise line is unable to find a cabin mate.
Guaranteed Tour – A tour assured to operate unless canceled before a specified cutoff date.
Guest Account – Also known as a folio, it is an itemized record of a guest's charges and credits maintained until departure.
Guest Ranch – A ranch oriented towards tourism, offering accommodations and activities for visitors, also known as a dude ranch.
Guide or Guide Service – Individuals or companies qualified to lead tours of specific locations or attractions.
Half Board – a hotel rate that typically includes breakfast and one additional meal, often dinner. Also known as Modified American Plan (MAP) or demi-pension.
Hard Copy – a printed version of a document, such as an airline ticket or hotel voucher.
Head Tax – Fee levied on arriving and departing passengers in certain foreign countries.
Hidden-City Ticketing – Purchasing a ticket from A to C with a stop in B, where the passenger disembarks at B. This practice is discouraged by airlines as it circumvents fare rules.
High Season – Peak period when a destination experiences the highest influx of visitors, often resulting in increased rates for accommodations and services.
Hiking Excursions – Trips or tours centered around hiking as the primary mode of exploration and transportation.
Hosted Group Excursion – A group tour featuring a representative (the host) of the tour operator, destination, or other provider, who interacts with the group for a portion of the tour.
Hostel – Budget accommodation, often offering dormitory-style rooms, popular among students and youth travelers.
Hotelier – A provider of accommodations, meals, and services for travelers and tourists.
Hub – An airport or city serving as a major connection point for airline flights to various destinations.
Hub-and-Spoke Itinerary – A travel routing design where a central location serves as the departure and return point for day trips to nearby destinations.
IATA – International Air Transport Association, an industry trade group facilitating cooperation among airlines.
IATAN – International Airlines Travel Agent Network, which administers the IATAN card, a recognized form of travel agent identification.
In Season – Referring to availability during specific times of the year.
In Transit – En route; during the process of traveling from one place to another.
Inbound Operator – A receptive operator catering to groups arriving from another country.
Inbound Tour – A tour designed for groups whose trip originates in another location, often another country.
Incentive Travel – Travel offered as a reward for exceptional employee performance.
Incidental Charge – Additional charges billed to a room after use, such as movies or phone calls.
Inclusive Tour – A package tour bundling transportation, accommodations, activities, and possibly meals.
Independent Tour – A travel package where a tour operator is involved only in planning and marketing, not during the tour itself.
In-flight Services – Amenities provided during a flight, including entertainment, meals, and beverages.
Inside Cabin – A cabin on a ship without a window, sometimes smaller in size compared to outside cabins.
Intercontinental – Relating to travel between two continents.
Interline Connection – A flight itinerary involving multiple carriers.
Intermodal Tour – A tour utilizing various forms of transportation, such as planes, trains, and cruise ships.
International Air Transport Association – A trade group representing the global airline industry.
International Date Line – The imaginary line marking the change of one calendar day to the next, situated roughly along the 180-degree longitude line in the Pacific Ocean.
International Rate Desk – A service ensuring the lowest fare for a selected itinerary, often utilizing different pricing strategies.
Involvement Device – A component of direct mail intended to engage the recipient in the response process.
Itinerary – A detailed plan of a trip's schedule and key travel components.
Jetway – An enclosed connector between an airport terminal gate and an aircraft.
Jet Lag – The disruption of one's circadian rhythm due to crossing multiple time zones.
Jones Act – A US maritime law regulating maritime commerce between US ports.
Jump Seat – An auxiliary seat on an aircraft typically reserved for non-operating personnel, such as cabin crew or trainees.
Kilometer – a unit of distance commonly used in most other countries, approximately equal to 5/8 of a mile.
King Suite – a hotel accommodation featuring a king-sized bed.
Knot – a unit of speed used in nautical navigation, equaling approximately 1.5 mph. A ship traveling at 15 knots moves at about 22 mph.
Kph – kilometers per hour – a unit of land speed measurement used in most other countries. 60 kph is roughly equivalent to 36 miles per hour.
Land Arrangements – all the components of a trip's land portion, including hotels, car rentals, tours, and sightseeing.
Landmarks – Destinations or places to which travelers journey, often valued for their natural beauty, historical significance, or cultural importance.
Land Operator – Also known as a receptive operator, a company that provides services to travelers in a specific destination.
Land Transfers – Transportation by various means, such as train, bus, limousine, or taxi, between accommodations, airports, or cruise terminals.
Land-Only – a package rate that excludes airfare, typically covering accommodations, transfers, taxes, and optional extras like theme park tickets or car rentals.
Late Booking Fee – a fee charged for arranging travel at the last minute, covering expedited services like express document delivery.
Latitude – Imaginary lines of angular distance measured north or south of the equator.
Layover – A period spent during a journey, often between connecting flights, sometimes involving an overnight stay.
LDW – Loss Damage Waiver – supplemental insurance for rental cars, covering theft, vandalism, and accident damage.
Lead-in Rate – The lowest available price for a travel product, often referring to the most basic accommodations or cabins.
Leeward – The side of a ship or island sheltered from the prevailing wind.
Leg – A segment of a journey between two scheduled stops.
Leisure Travel – Travel primarily for relaxation, recreation, or visiting friends and family, as opposed to business purposes.
Lido Deck – The deck on a cruise ship surrounding the pool area.
Limited-Service Hotel – A hotel lacking full restaurant services.
List Broker – A provider of mailing lists for direct marketing purposes.
Load Factor – The ratio of passengers to available seats or cabins on a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
Locator Map – A map displaying the locations of attractions and accommodations in a specific area.
Lodgings – Accommodations providing shelter and overnight stays for travelers.
Logistics – The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation.
Low Season – The period of reduced travel demand characterized by lower prices and fewer visitors.
Low Season – A period of reduced travel demand, often coinciding with lower prices and decreased tourist activity.
Lower Bunk – The bed situated at floor level in a cruise stateroom.
Lowest Available Fare – The current minimum airfare offered for purchase.
Lowest Fare – The lowest published airfare between two points, though availability may be limited.
Luxury Class – The most premium accommodations or fare category.
Luxury Cruise – A high-end cruise offering exceptional comfort, service, and amenities.
Luxury Ocean Cruise – A luxurious voyage on an ocean liner renowned for its superior service and amenities.
Luxury River Cruise – A deluxe journey on a river cruise ship known for its opulent accommodations and top-notch service.
Luxury Travel – Travel characterized by exceptional comfort, service, and amenities, often tailored to an affluent clientele.
Management Group – A company that oversees multiple lodging properties.
Manifest – An official list of all passengers and/or cargo on a transportation vehicle or vessel.
Markup Pricing – Setting a product's price by adding a standard markup to its cost.
Markup – A percentage added to a product's cost to determine its selling price.
Master Bill – The overall account for a particular group or event, paid by the organizing entity.
Maximum Stay – The longest duration a traveler can remain at a destination and still qualify for promotional rates or fares.
Meet-and-Greet Service – A prearranged service for meeting clients upon their arrival in a city and assisting them with entry formalities and transportation.
Meeting/Conference Tour – A tour organized around a specific meeting or conference.
Midship – The central portion of a vessel or aircraft.
Minimum Connection Time – The shortest duration required between connecting flights to ensure a successful transfer.
Mission Statement – A concise summary of an organization's purpose and goals.
Modified Meal Plan (MMP) – A meal package typically includes breakfast and one other meal, such as dinner.
Motorcoach Tour – A tour in which transportation between destinations is provided by motorcoach.
Motorcoach – A large bus designed for transporting passengers over long distances.
Multigenerational Travel – Travel involving multiple generations of family members, offering shared experiences and opportunities for bonding.
Murder-Mystery Tour – A themed tour featuring a staged murder mystery for participants to solve.
Mystery Tour – A journey to undisclosed destinations, with travelers only learning the itinerary en route or upon arrival.
NACTA – The National Association of Career Travel Agents, now part of ASTA, represents independent and home-based agents.
National Tourism Organization (NTO) – A government-level agency promoting a country as a travel destination.
Nautical Mile – A unit of length based on latitude, approximately 1.15 statute miles or 1.85 kilometers.
Negotiated Rate – A discounted rate offered to a company based on the volume of business it commits to the vendor.
Net Fare – The price of a ticket or service after commission has been deducted.
Net Wholesale Rate – A discounted rate available to tour operators, usually marked up for retail sale.
Niche Market – A specialized segment of the travel market catering to specific interests or demographics.
No-Show – A traveler who fails to appear for a booked flight, hotel, or rental car reservation.
Nonstop Flight – A flight that travels directly from departure to arrival without intermediate stops.
Nonchangeable Ticket – A ticket that cannot be exchanged for a different route or flight after purchase.
Nonrefundable Ticket – A ticket that cannot be returned for cash or credit once purchased.
Nonstop – A flight that travels directly to its destination without layovers or connections.
Nontransferable – A ticket usable only by the person originally booked to travel.
NTSB – National Transportation Safety Board; investigates accidents and other incidents related to public transportation.
Occupancy rate – the percentage of hotel rooms expected to be occupied during a specific time period.
Occupancy – The percentage of available rooms occupied for a given period. It is computed by dividing the number of rooms occupied for a period by the number of rooms available for the same period.
Ocean view cabin – a cabin aboard a cruise ship with a window, such as a porthole or picture-window, and perhaps a balcony/verandah.
OCV – ocean view, usually in reference to a hotel room.
Offline connection – a change of aircraft also involving a change of carriers.
Off-peak – A less expensive time to travel due to lower consumer volume during these periods.
On-site guide – A tour guide who conducts tours of one or several hours’ duration at a specific building, attraction, or site.
Onsite – An on-site is an expert travel provider that lives in the country they serve and has firsthand knowledge and long-standing relationships with all aspects of travel in their country.
Open jaw – a trip in which there is no air travel between two cities, such as a flight to Washington DC, then travel by rental car to Charlotte, NC, then a return by air from Charlotte back to the original departure city.
Open return – an air ticket with no return date specified. Rarely done these days, usually quite expensive and not allowed on most discounted fares.
Open-end question – A question that allows the respondent to provide a free-response answer.
Open-jaw itinerary – A travel routing design that departs from one location and returns to another. For example, travelers may fly into one city and depart from another one. Or a traveler may purchase round-trip transportation from the point of origin to one destination, at which another form of transportation is used to reach a second destination, where the traveler resumes the initial form of transportation to return to the point of origin.
Operations – Performing the practical work of operating a tour or travel program.
Operator – a company providing transportation or travel-related services (airline, cruise line, railway, hotel, car Rental Company, etc.).
Option date – drop-dead date on which a reservation must be deposited or cancellation will result.
Optionals – Optional tour features that are not included in the base tour price, such as sightseeing excursions or special activities.
OTA – Online travel agencies, examples include Priceline, Expedia, and Orbitz
Outbound – the departure leg of a journey.
Outbound operator – A company that takes groups from a given city or country to another city or country.
Outbound tour – A tour that takes travelers out of the area, usually from a domestic city to another country.
Outside cabin – see “ocean view” cabin.
Outside salesperson – job description of a travel agency employee who sells travel but is not based primarily in the agency location most of the time.
Overbook – Accepting reservations for more space than is available.
Overbooking – the practice of selling more airline seats than are available on a specific flight, to make up for no-shows. Usually backfires on the carrier and at times can create much consumer ill will. Requires passengers to be “bumped” – not always voluntarily. To some extent, happens in the hotel industry as well.
Overhead – Those fixed costs involved in regular operations, such as rent, insurance, management salaries, and utilities.
Override – A commission over and above the normal base commission percentage.
Packaged travel – A package in combination with two or more types of tour components into a product that is produced, assembled, promoted, and sold as a package by a tour operator for an all-inclusive price.
Passenger facility charge (PFC) – a fee for the use of many airports, added to the cost of an air ticket – another name for an additional tax on travelers.
Passenger name record (PNR) – The official name of one’s reservation in a computer reservation system (CRS).
Passenger vessel – Ships, yachts, ferries, boats, etc.
Passport/visa service – a service that will take your passport and hand-carry, if necessary, to the appropriate embassy to expedite a visa. Can be expensive if you have waited until the last minute to obtain a travel visa.
Patronage Program – A program that rewards the customer for loyalty and repeat purchase, such as frequent-flyer programs.
Peak season – A destination’s high season when demand is strong. Also called the high season.
Peninsula – A piece of land connected to a mainland or larger piece of land on only one side, while the other sides are surrounded by water.
Per Diem – “by the day;” in the cruise industry, the per-day cost of a cruise, per person.
Per-capita costs – Per-person costs.
Per-capita tour – See scheduled tour.
Perceived value – The ratio of perceived benefits to perceived price.
Personal effects coverage – Additional car rental insurance covering the loss of personal property from the rented vehicle.
Point-to-point – refers to the fares between two cities; the service between two cities without additional segments or any continuation.
Port – the place where a ship docks; a place visited by a cruise ship; the left side of a vessel.
Port charges/taxes – fees levied by local authorities upon the cruise lines for each passenger visiting a port of call, normally added to the total cruise fare.
Port of Debarkation – Port of Debarkation is the geographic point where personnel arrive on a cruise vessel
Port of Embarkation – Port of Embarkation is the geographic point where personnel depart on a cruise vessel
Port of entry – Destination providing customs and immigration services.
Port-Directional – When facing forward, the side of the ship or aircraft that is on the left.
Porter – A person who handles luggage at an airport, train station, etc.; also called a skycap or baggage handler.
Porthole – usually a round, sealed window in a shipboard stateroom.
Posada – a small country hotel (Spanish).
Positioning strategy – The development of a clear, unique, and attractive image for a company and/or product in the minds of target customers.
Positive space – space aboard a ship or aircraft that can be confirmed ahead of time.
Post-Cruise Vacation – a vacation or getaway prior to a cruise in the town or region of the port of debarkation of the cruise.
PPDO – per person, double occupancy. Most tours and cruises are quoted this way; the average cost to stay in a particular location per day.
Pre- and post-trip tour – An optional extension or side trip package before and/or after a meeting, gathering, or convention.
Pre-Cruise Vacation – a vacation or getaway prior to a cruise in the town or region of the port of embarkation of the cruise.
Pre-deduct commission – When a distributor such as a travel agent takes up front the commission on a sale and sends the supplier the balance of the sales price.
Preferred Supplier – The selection of specific supplier(s) for priority promotion to customers and/or integration in travel packages in exchange for reduced rates and/or higher commission.
Preferred Vendor – The vendor(s) a company specifies as their first choice for travelers.
Preformed group – A pre-existing collection of travelers, such as affinity groups and travel clubs, whose members share a common interest or organizational affiliation.
Prepaid ticket advice – a form used when purchasing an air ticket to be picked up and used by someone else at another airport. E-tickets have reduced the need for this greatly.
Primary research – The collection of data specifically to solve the marketing problem at hand.
Prix fixe – meals offered at a fixed price, usually fairly low, consisting of several courses with no substitutions allowed. Common in Europe.
Profit margin – A dollar value that represents the markup of a product’s price over its costs.
Promotion mix – Promotion tools including advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, and public relations.
Promotional group tour – A travel package composed of tour elements that match the specific needs and wants of niche customers who aren’t part of an organized or preformed group.
Promotional partnership – The combination of two or more companies to offer special incentives to customers.
Prop – referring to propeller-driven aircraft.
Property – A general term that may be used by a place of accommodation that denotes the facility.
Protection overbooking – The practice of blocking space that will likely be in excess of what will actually be needed.
Pseudo-agent – someone claiming to be a travel agent who really isn’t. They often produce bogus ID cards and can disappear when problems arise!
Psychographics – Measures of a person’s lifestyle. See also AIO variables.
Public relations (PR) – A management function that determines the attitudes and opinions of an organization’s publics, identifies its policies with the interests of its publics, and formulates and executes a program of action to earn public understanding and goodwill.
Public tours – See scheduled tour.
Published fare – an airfare that is listed in the carrier’s tariff.
Pull strategy – A marketing approach that creates demand at the customer level by generating awareness, interest, and desire so customers pull a product through a distribution channel by demanding it.
Purser – aboard ship, the person responsible for providing a wide array of services such as information, making change, stamps, etc. Found at the purser’s desk.
Purser-(Airline) – On a flight, the purser is the head flight attendant, responsible for overseeing the attendants and making sure travelers’ needs are met.
Push strategy – A marketing approach that creates demand at the distributor level by providing resellers with an incentive to push (sell) a product to end consumers.
Quad – a room suitable for four people.
Quay – a pier – pronounced the same as “key”.
Query – The process of sorting and retrieving information from a database.
Quid – a monetary term for a British pound sterling.
Quota sample – A research sample that involves forming groups based on certain characteristics. A random sample can then be selected form the quota segments.
Rack rate – The published (brochure) rate for a travel component. The price of a hotel prior to discount.
Rate desk – the office of an air carrier that calculates fares for passengers and travel agents.
Reach – The measure of how many people in a market will be exposed to a certain advertisement via a specific medium.
Reasonable number – A forecast of the break-even point for a tour.
Rebate (ing) – the practice of returning part of an agency’s commission on a scale back to the client in the form of a rebate or “discount.” The trade-off is usually little or no personal/customer service. This is practiced often by “800 ” number travel sellers and others who deal in huge volume.
Receptive operator – A local tour company that specializes in services for incoming visitors, often for tour operator groups.
Reconfirm – to double-check a reservation.
Record locator – The number assigned to a reservation in the airlines number. This number is unique, as it will never be assigned again.
Record locator – the number assigned to one’s reservation in an airline’s computer system.
Red-eye flight – An overnight flight that leaves at night and arrives early the next morning.
Referral agent/agency – an ” agent ” that refers business to a travel agency in return for a commission or fee – often as part of a card mill operation
Registry – the formal registration of a ship’s ownership, and the country it is registered in (such as Panama, Liberia, Norway, etc.).
Reissue – the generation of a new ticket that is exchanged for another, due to a change of plans, dates, flights, etc. May involve additional fare, penalties, and fees.
Relationship marketing – The process of building and nurturing ongoing, solid relationship with customers.
Repositioning – the moving of a cruise ship to another home port for all of part of a season, such as the repositioning of ships to Alaska for the summer. Often these cruises are excellent bargains, but will involve one-way airfare home from the port of debarkation.
Res – short for “reservation”.
Research constraints – Those issues, such as cost and timing that will limit the scope of marketing research.
Reservation fee – A customer payment for a certain percentage of the travel package price that’s made immediately after booking.
Responsible Tourism – Travel that extends beyond being merely environmentally responsible, to being culturally-conscious and economically-aware, locally.
Retail price – The actual price a customer pays for a travel element or tour.
Retail tour – See scheduled tour.
Retailer – A middleman, such as a travel agent, who sells directly to the customer.
Retirement travel – retirement travel is a category of travel referring to when a traveler is has retired from a career and commences to travel. Travel done after retirement age.
Rollaway – a cot or other bedding that can be added to a hotel room to accommodate another guest. There is often an extra charge for this.
Romantic Destinations – romance destination and romance travel is a category of travel that involves travel involving a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love and often refers to travel associated with a wedding, honeymoon, wedding anniversary, babymoon, or another type of romantic getaway.
Room Night – In the hotel (hospitality) industry, a room night, room/night occupancy, is a measure of occupancy where a room is the unit of measure.
Room Occupancy – In the hotel (hospitality) industry, a room night, room/night occupancy, is a measure of occupancy where a room is the unit of measure.
Room rates – The various rates used by lodging properties to price rooms. These include- day rate (usually one half the regular rate for a room used by a guest during the day up to 5 p.m.-sometimes called a use rate), flat rate (a specific room rate for a group agreed upon
Rooming list – A document listing all tour participants with special lodging requests, leaving space for the hotel or cruise ship to assign room numbers.
Round trip – A flight to a destination and back.
Run-of-house (ROH) – Describes a hotel room assigned at the hotel's discretion before arrival, typically at lower rates.
Run-of-ship – Cabin assignment at the last moment, allowing the cruise line to adjust accommodations as needed.
Run-of-the-house rate – A flat rate where lodging management decides room assignments.
Sabre® – A computerized system for travel reservations.
Safaris – Evolving from hunting to responsible travel, safaris now focus on wildlife viewing and support conservation efforts.
Sales margin – Profit as a percentage of sales revenue for resellers.
Sample – Representative portion of a population chosen for research.
Saturday night stay – Requirement by airlines for the lowest fare, involving staying over a Saturday night.
Scandals tour – Light-hearted history tour showcasing scandalous locations.
Scheduled carrier – Airline offering regular flights between destinations.
Scheduled flights – Publicly scheduled air flights promoted by major airlines.
Scheduled tour – Tour operator's regular departure sold to the public.
Sea bands – Wristbands claimed to prevent seasickness through acupressure.
Sea legs – Ability to maintain balance on a ship without seasickness.
Secondary information – Research data collected by others for different purposes.
Segment – Part of a journey, often a flight itinerary.
Self-drive – Rental car (British term).
Shells – Brochures with visuals but no text.
Shore excursion – Optional land tours at cruise ports.
Shoulder season – Period between peak and off-season with moderate demand.
Sightseeing companies – Organizations offering guided tours.
Sightseeing guide – Tour guide providing detailed city commentary.
Sightseeing tour – Short excursion focused on sightseeing.
Single Room – Room for one guest, also known as a "Standard Room."
Single Supplement – Additional charge for solo travelers.
Sleeper – Sleeping compartment on a train.
Soft adventure – Mild outdoor experiences like horseback rides.
Sommelier – Wine expert in upscale establishments.
Spa – Resort area with various relaxation services.
Special event tour – Travel package centered around major events.
Special fare – Deviation from normal pricing, often discounted.
Special interest tour – Tour catering to specific interests.
Split itinerary – Part of a group does one activity while another does another.
Split Ticket – Multiple tickets for a round-trip journey.
Sports Tourism – Travel involving observing or participating in sports.
Stabilizer – Device on ships to reduce motion.
Standby – Passenger without a confirmed seat.
Star Service – Critical guide for hotels and ships.
Starboard – Right side of a ship.
Stateroom – Private cabin on a ship or train.
Step-on guide – Tour guide boarding a motorcoach.
Stern – Rear of a ship.
Stopover – Planned stay in a city during travel.
Strategic plan – Company's mission, goals, and actions.
Student visa – Permission for students to enter a country.
Subcontractor – Local operator providing services for a wholesaler.
Suite – Hotel accommodation with more space and amenities.
Supplier – Company providing travel services.
Surface – Land travel without aircraft.
SWOT analysis – Summary of a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
T&E – Travel and Entertainment expenses.
Target market – Focus of a company's marketing efforts.
Tariff – Schedule of prices/fares.
Telemarketing – Direct marketing via phone.
Tender – Small boat ferrying passengers to shore from a cruise ship.
Terminal – Building for departure and arrival for trips.
TGV – French high-speed train system.
Theme cruise – Cruise focused on a specific interest.
Theme tour – Tour based on a specific concept.
Through passenger – Passenger not disembarking at a particular stop.
Ticket stock – Blank airline tickets.
Tickler system – Method for monitoring reservations and payments.
Tiered commission plan – Commissions increase proportionally with sales growth.
Tiered pricing – Suppliers offer different prices to receptive operators, tour operators, and group leaders.
Tour broker – Synonymous with tour operator.
Tour brochure – Publication listing tour offerings by wholesalers, distributed through retail agents.
Tour Company – Combines tour and travel components to create packaged vacations.
Tour conductor – Person in charge of a tour, often on motor coach tours.
Tour departure – Start date of a tour program or the operation of a single tour.
Tour director – Responsible for a group on tour and most aspects of tour execution.
Tour escort – Also known as tour director.
Tour guide – Certified individual conducting tours of specific locations or attractions.
See also step-on guide, city guide, on-site guide, and docent.
Tour manager – Synonymous with tour director.
Tour manual – Compilation of destination facts, tour procedures, and forms for tour directors.
Tour menu – Limited menu options for group clients.
Tour operator – Contracts with suppliers to create and market tours.
Tour voucher – Document proving prepaid tour package and used for expenses.
Tour planner – Researches destinations, negotiates contracts, and creates itineraries for travel packages.
Tour series – Multiple departures to the same destination throughout the year.
Tour – Prepaid journey to one or more destinations, often with leisure activities.
Tourism – Industry providing services for leisure travelers.
Tourist card – Card issued to visitors in lieu of a visa for short visits.
Tourist – Adult traveler not on vacation.
Tours – Journey for pleasure, often with an organized group.
Tracking study – Survey assessing changes in consumer behavior post-promotion.
Trans-canal – Passing through the Panama Canal.
Transcon – Relating to crossing a continent.
Transcontinental – Crossing a continent.
Transfer – Local transportation and porterage between terminals or hotels.
Transient Occupancy Tax – City or County tax added to room prices.
Transient – Short-term visitor, such as a tourist.
Transit visa – Permit for brief visits or travel connections.
Transportation – Moving travelers between points, like air, ship, rail, or motor coach travel.
Travel advisor – Simplifies travel planning and provides consultation services.
Travel advisory – Warning about travel risks from authorities.
Travel agency – ARC-appointed retailer in the travel industry.
Travel agent – Arranges travel elements for customers.
Travel component – Elements like transportation and lodging in travel packages.
Travel Destination – Place of journey.
Travel Experience – Immersive travel involving culture and history.
Travel Institute – Education and certification body in the travel industry.
Travel Insurance – Coverage for travel-related losses.
Travel Itinerary – Organized travel plan.
Travel Policy – Company guidelines for business travel.
Travel rewards – Loyalty programs offering travel benefits.
Travel specialist – Agent specializing in specific travel segments.
Travel Tours – Guided journeys to multiple destinations.
Traveler – Person who travels.
Travelogues – Online travel journals.
Trip director – Escort for incentive trips.
Trundle Bed – Bed stored beneath another bed.
Turn – Flight leaving and returning to base in a day.
Turnaway – Unfulfilled reservation due to full booking.
Twenty-four-hour time – Time format used in Europe and other countries.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Designated places recognized by UNESCO for their cultural or physical significance.
Unlimited mileage – Car rental with no mileage limitations.
Open fare – Airfare without specific travel requirements.
Upgrade – Enhance accommodation or service class.
USTOA – United States Tour Operators Association – A trade group ensuring financial stability.
Value added tax (VAT) – Tax on goods, refundable in some instances.
Off-peak season – Period of lower pricing.
Value – Relationship between benefits and costs.
Value-added tax (VAT) – Tax added to products or services.
Value-based pricing – Setting prices based on perceived value.
Variable costs – Expenses varying with sales or production.
Variance report – Summary of budget deviations.
Verandah – Roofed-porch, common on cruise ships.
VIA rail – Canadian railway system.
Villas – Luxurious vacation residences.
Exclusive experiences – High-end travel opportunities.
Visa – Entry permit stamped in a passport.
Visa service – Assistance with visa processing.
Volume incentive – Incentives for high sales volume.
Volume purchase – Buying large quantities.
Voucher – Document for goods or services.
Voyage – Extended journey, often by sea.
Waitlist – Queue for unavailable services.
Waiver – Acknowledgment of declined coverage.
Walk-up – Last-minute ticket purchase.
Wellness Travel – Travel promoting health.
Wet bar – Hotel room area with water for drinks.
Wholesale – Selling travel products through intermediaries.
Word-of-mouth promotion – Personal recommendation.
World Travel Guide – Annual publication with country details.
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