Travel Agency: Overview and History

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to travel agencies from the notes.

Travel Agency

A legally appointed agent representing a principal in a geographic area, selling travel products/services (airlines, cruises, hotels, car rentals, rail, package tours).

Travel Agent

A person who represents a travel agency; acts as the primary contact, adviser, and intermediary for travelers and may operate online or from a fixed location.

IATA

International Air Transport Association; international body that accredits and regulates airline and travel-agent activities.

IATA Travel Agent

An agent accredited by IATA, authorized to issue, rebook, reissue, or revalidate tickets and endorse to other airlines; example Golden Sky Travel.

Non-IATA Travel Agent

An agent not accredited by IATA; cannot issue tickets and buys tickets from IATA agents or directly from airlines; example Gulf Air Travel Agents.

Independent Travel Agency

An agency that offers a limited, specialized range of services with a reputation for personal service; often family-owned or privately owned.

Miniple

A regionally located travel agency with a head office and some branches; fewer services than larger agencies; example Althams Travel.

Multiple Travel Agency

Located in many areas; wide range of products and services across shops or branches; examples Thomas Cook and Flight Centre.

E-Agent (Online Travel Agent)

An online travel agent that sells all travel products online and can be a major tour operator; examples Expedia and Lastminute.

Holiday Hypermarket

A huge retail travel agency often in large shopping centers with specialized staff for different types of holidays; example First Choice.

Homeworker

Home-based travel agents operating from home, part-time or full-time; example Travel Counsellors.

Specialist Travel Agency

Agency specializing in particular holiday types (e.g., certain seasons); can be independent or miniple; example STA Travel.

Cox & Kings

Founded in 1758; considered the oldest travel agency; started in England; founded by Richard Cox.

Thomas Cook

Founded in 1841; known as the 'father of travel agency'; pioneered packaged tours; HQ established in Berkeley Street, London (1926).

Aviation Development (1920s)

Expansion of commercial aviation that boosted travel agencies; brands like Qantas, Delta, American Airlines, and Pan Am were formed.

Post World War II Travel Agencies (1947–1953)

Rise of middle-class travelers; holidays became popular; package holidays offered convenience.

Airline Reservation System (1960s)

Flight booking systems expanded; agencies became important sales channels; airlines built systems like DATAS.

DATAS

Delta Automated Travel Account System; Delta's airline reservation system.

Present Times

Today’s travel agencies face diverse trends; more options, customization, and evolving booking/reservation processes.

Bricks-and-Mortar

Traditional physical travel agency location as opposed to online operations.

Packages

Travel packages that combine elements like flights, hotels, and tours into a single purchase.