S/T/38. Changing Times, Changing Operations? Discuss reasons why tour operators now face intense competition not just from other operators selling similar products, but from all suppliers and distributors along the holiday distribution chain and analyse the impact this has had on the traditional package process

The paper examines the reasons why holiday makers prefer to purchase flights separately, rather than to book their whole holiday with a single tour operator. The tour operations sector and the travel agency sector are discussed; details about the trends in worldwide tourism are reviewed; factors influencing the operations of tour companies are identified.