Unit 4. Tour operator.

1. Read and translate the text.

Tour operators can be considered the wholesalers of the industry. Their product, which is a service, is the package tour.

Packaged tours offer transportation, hotel accommodations and transfer to and from the airports. The tourist pays a lower price for this package than if he were trying to make all the arrangements on his own.

In addition to the basic features, the tour package may also offer meals, entertainment, sightseeing, a rental car and many other extras.

The first tour in the modern sense was put together by Thomas Cook in 1841. Cook was soon offering tours all over the world, and the idea gained acceptance very quickly not only in England but also in other European countries and in the United States.

It is possible to distinguish between two general types of tours. One is the holiday package that has a resort hotel as its destination. While local sightseeing or entertainment may be included in the package, the tours are generally of the “no frills” variety – in other worlds, without expensive extras. The major attractions usually include sun, sea and activities such as golf or tennis that are offered by the resort itself. Local colour is not important – many holiday-makers are hardly aware of what country their hotel is in.

The second is the guided tour that features sightseeing or some other special attraction. These tours are accompanied by a guide who is in charge of travel arrangement and activities. The activity offered by the tour is its principal attraction. The tour may combine travel with education.

The person who leads such tours is the tour guide. He is multilingual, he relates well to other people, and he deals with the variety of problems that arise not only in making travel arrangements, but also in carrying them out.

There are many advantages in the packaged tours, the most obvious being the price. When airplane tickets and hotel rooms are reserved in blocks by the tour operators, considerable savings are passed on to the customers. Many people would never travel at all without the price inducements offered by packaged tours.

A second advantage is the opportunity for tourist to make all his travel arrangements in one place at one time.

A third advantage can be summed up in the term accessibility. Tours make it possible for people to visit many remote areas that would otherwise be too difficult for them to try to see on their own. Tour operators have made countless places throughout the world accessible to the general public.

2. Look through the text and find English equivalents for:

Оптовый поставщик, комплексный тур, заниматься организацией тура, транспортные услуги, размещение в отеле, трансфер, развлечение, осмотр достопримечательностей, комплектовать тур, каникулярный тур, без дополнительных льгот, экскурсионный тур, говорящий на нескольких иностранных языках, разрешать проблемы, значительная экономия средств, ценовые льготы, доступность, труднодоступные места.

3. Give the definitions for the following:

1. wholesaler

2. to package a tour

3. transfer

4. to put together

5. holiday package

6. guided tour

7. multilingual

8. price inducement

9. to make arrangements

10. accessibility  

4. Answer the questions to the text.

1. Why are tour operators considered wholesalers of the tourist industry?

2. What do packaged tours offer?

3. When was the first packaged tour put together?

4. What types of tours does the text mention?

5. What is the difference between a holiday package and guided tour?

6. What qualities does a tour guide need? Why?

7. What are the advantages of a packaged tour?

5. Sum up what you’ve learned from the text about:

· the services offered by package tours;

· the history of development of this kind of tourism;

· different types of packaged tours;

· the job of a tour guide;

· the advantages of packaged tours.

6. Think and answer:

1. What do you think are the disadvantages of packaged tours?

2. Why are tours less expensive than individual/independent travelling?

3. How are packaged tours developing in Russia?

4. What do you know about the services offered by packaged tours in Russia?

5. Are customers satisfied with the quality of tourist service? Why (not)?

6. Is there a tough competition among tour operators in Russia?

7. If so, what is the result of such competition?

8. What is the best known tour operator in Russia?

7. Say it in English:

Туроператоры – это фирмы, которые занимаются организацией туров, включая транспорт, проживание, программы развлечений и отдыха туристов.

Они являются «оптовыми» продавцами туристического бизнеса, в то время как агенты продают создаваемые ими услуги.

Развитие туристического бизнеса привело к тому, что фирмы-операторы вынуждены были совершенствовать методы управления и ведения дел.

Им приходится иметь дело с огромным диапазоном потребностей туристов и оказывать широкий спектр услуг.

Преимущества «пакетных» туров стали очевидны с момента их возникновения. Туризм стал массовым именно потому, что подобные туры позволяли туристам экономить, и тем самым сделали отдых доступным широким слоям населения.

8. Read and translate the text.

Travel Thru Thailand Co., Ltd. is a family-run inbound tour operator, based in Bangkok. The company was founded in 1980 to cater to individuals and group travel arrangements in Thailand and the neighbouring countries.

Although small in comparison with other mass market inbound tour operators, we use modern technology, combined with a few well-proven systems to run a medium size business.

We understand the importance of providing tours companies with a quick response to their requests for booking and inquiries. Our reservation and account systems are computerized and we have two fax machines, e-mail and eight telephone lines for communication.

Travel Thru Thailand has its own mini-buses, equipped with individual air-conditioning controls, plus music and video systems.

We can arrange accommodation throughout Thailand and Indochina, from economy class to luxury class hotels. Also, tours of Thailand and holiday arrangements in Hong Kong and Singapore may be made through us.

Whether your client’s ideal holiday is:

· relaxing on a tropical beach, sipping a cool cocktail

· trying their hand at sports and watersports

· experiencing a fascinating far eastern culture by visiting colourful markets and serene temples.

· an adventure in comfort, visiting scenic areas of beauty, and ruins of ancient civilisations

· choosing a wider holiday experience by including Hong Kong and Singapore in they itinerary.

9. True or false?

1. Travel Thru Thailand Co., Ltd. is one of the largest mass market inbound tour operators in Thailand.

2. The headquarters of Travel Thru Thailand are in Singapore.

3. The company can arrange accommodation throughout Thailand and neighbouring countries.

4. The company’s reservation and account systems are computerized.

5. Travel Thru Thailand hire mini-buses with air-conditioning controls.

10. Answer the questions.

1. When was Travel Thru Thailand established?

2. What equipment is used by the company for communication?

3. What kinds of accommodation does the company arrange?

4. What kinds of holiday can the clients look for?

11. Can you put in the right prepositions?

1. We understand the importance _____ providing tour companies _____ a quick response _____ their requests _____ booking and inquiries.

2. The company was founded to cater _____ individuals and group arrangements.

3. Also, tours _____ Thailand and holiday arrangements _____ Hong Kong and Singapore may be made _____ us.

4. Although small _____ comparison _____ other mass market inbound tour operators, we use modern technology, combined _____ a few well-proven systems to run a medium size company.

5. The company has its own mini-buses equipped _____ individual air-conditioning controls.

12. You’re in charge of Public Relations at Travel Thru Thailand Co., Ltd. Prepare a three-minute TV presentation of your company.

13. Can you complete the following Press Release with the words from the box?

Дата добавления: 2015-08-13