Explain why the distribution mixes in the hospitality and travel industry are different from those in other industries. List the major travel trade intermediaries. Explain the roles played by each of the major travel trade intermediaries. List the steps involved in marketing to the travel trade. As you already know, except for home delivery of certain foods, there is no physical distribution system in this industry.
Services are intangible.
They cannot be shipped from point A to point B. Companies and other organizations either provide their services directly to customers or indirectly through one or more travel trade imtermediaries. The industry's distribution system is both complex and unique. It is unique because of the influence that travel intermediaries have on customers' choices. It is complex because of the diversity of organizations involved and their relationships with each other. This chapter takes an in-depth look at the industry's distribution channels and the roles played by the key organizaions involved.