A travel agency is a private retailer or public service that provides travel and tourism-related services to the general public on behalf of suppliers. Travel agencies provide outdoor recreation activities, airlines, car rentals, cruise lines, hotels, railways, travel insurance, package tours, insurance, guide books, public transport timetables, car rentals, and bureau de change services. Travel agencies can also serve as general sales agents for airlines that do not have offices in a specific region. A travel agency’s main function is to act as an agent, selling travel products and services on behalf of a supplier. They do not keep inventory in hand unless they have pre-booked hotel rooms or cabins on a cruise ship for a group travel event such as a wedding, honeymoon, or a group event and business package. Travel agents sometimes receive commission and other incentives from the service providers and as well charge their customers for service rendered.
Travel agencies (agents) are licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in some countries and Certified Travel Associate (CTA).
Travel agency/agents take care of passengers booking, hotel accommodation arrangement, transportation and hangout spot for leisure .
CATEGORIES OF TRAVEL AGENCIES
COMMERCIAL Travel Agencies:
These are agents that cater for business travelers, they specialize in tracking down deals for business travels to help companies manage travel cost.
ONLINE Travel Agencies
These are travel agencies that exist in cyberspace, they provide clients the convenience of online bookings and discount that are available to travel agencies
In some cases they offer both online bookings and walk-in services.
NICHE Travel Agencies
They provide clients with specialized knowledge of a region, which helps to enhance the experience within the time of travel.
