The value of tourism to the UK is huge and is estimated to be worth £257 billion by 2027. It contributes over 7% of the UK’s GDP, with 80% of international visitors to the UK currently using tour operators to book to come here. The travel trade and inbound tourism has a positive impact on regional economies, being able to sustain and bring skilled jobs to the region. Data suggests that international tourism spend in the UK is due to grow 20% by 2027, in comparison with a UK average of 5% for the wider economy. Every customer through a tour operator is adding around 80% more revenue to a supplier’s sales figures.

International visitors are incredibly valuable to the North East, spending £400 million in the region in 2019. Working with the travel trade, will further aid the growth of this sector, supporting jobs and businesses across the region.

• Group Travel Organisers (GTOs) – often their clients are retired and run social groups for their members.
• Coach operators – selling coach tours to the domestic market either directly to consumers or via Group Travel Organisations.

• Tour operators sell through an international network of travel agents or smaller operators using their services, which can also be Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), run large scale online platforms, e.g. Get Your Guide, Trip Advisor or Viator and those who sell product directly to consumers.
• Sightseeing companies sell to the public via hotel concierge and online travel agencies. They work in the same way as a tour operator and only operate online.
• Wholesalers  develop and supply their own inclusive tour packages and accommodation, which are sold through retail travel agents to clients with other package elements.
• Ground Handlers organise all arrangements for international travellers from when they arrive in the UK, until they leave.
• Travel Agents organise travel and accommodation for visitors and sell services on behalf of suppliers, for example airlines, accommodation providers, transport, and packages.

FIT can mean either Fully Independent Tour or Flexible Independent Traveller, which includes any type of travellers for example couples, individuals, families. These types of consumers within the travel trade will have booked through a tour operator, but will not be travelling on their visit as part of a group. The consumer’s visit, e.g. travel, accommodation, activities, attractions, guides, will have been arranged through a tour operator, giving these consumers the opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of the operator that they select.

The term groups means, when the consumer travels they will be travelling as part of a group. This group may be strangers, be part of a social group, an extended family, a couple or individuals. The groups will book onto a pre-arranged tour on sale by a tour operator. The group will arrive together, stay in the same accommodation and normally visit the same attractions and have the same experiences, whilst visiting a region. Group rates would need to be available.