How to Become a Travel Distributor

To become a travel distributor, you need a good understanding of the travel industry.

Travel distribution involves distribution of travel inventories from hotels, tour firms, car rental firms, airlines or cruise operators to travel agencies and their clients. To become a distributor, one needs a polished knowledge of the travel and hospitality industry, its clientele and their travel preferences. A distributor is required to establish strong working relations with hospitality industry players who are his primary source of business and travel agencies as his key clients. Distributors are expected to utilize a computer reservation system to ensure clients within a large region can access the services of travel agencies of their choice. Together with these agencies, they form a global distribution system.

Instructions

1. Conduct market research. Find out unexploited areas within the hospitality and travel industry. Survey the missing link between different clients in various locations and tour destinations. Consult tour companies on challenges they face in satisfying client needs. Talk to local and foreign tourists to find out the difficulties they encounter during travel and on holiday. Seek out any information voids especially in remote destinations and emerging tourist attractions.

2. Register the firm. Apply to the office of Secretary of State in the state you intend to base your business and obtain the relevant license or permit. In addition, obtain a federal Employers Identification Number from the same office if you plan to hire support staff.

3. Set up an office. Establish a new premise or rent an office in a strategic and visible location from where your firm operations will be run. Equip the office with computers, faxes, printers, phones, printers and office furniture. Establish a steady Internet connection to the computers as most of the reservations and correspondence are done online.

4. Hire staff. Get competent public relations professionals and clerical resource persons. These should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a good command of two or more international languages. They should be good listeners as they will be taking notes of client requests and preferences most of the time.

5. Register with the International Association of Travel Agents Network. You will then obtain accreditation. This association will ensure visibility and credibility among tourism and travel industry firms and affiliate travel agencies. This expands your client base and is a vital introduction for new distributors.

6. Market your firm. Carry out aggressive marketing with airline companies, travel firms, tourist resorts, hotels, and cruise ship companies among other players in the hospitality industry. Advertise further in newspapers, yellow pages, on the Internet and in travel magazines. Respond to correspondence and begin serving client agencies.

References

• Virtualvue : Rich Media and The Future of Travel Distribution
• Electronic Markets: The Four Global Distribution Systems In The Travel And Tourism Industry
• International Association of Travel Agents Network