Travel Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of travel industry terms and DMC services
Agent / Travel Agent
A professional or company that sells travel products and services to clients, often partnering with a Destination Management Company (DMC) for ground handling.
B2B (Business-to-Business)
A business model where services are provided to other businesses (e.g., Royal Arabian providing services to travel agents and tour operators).
Customized Itinerary
A tailor-made travel plan designed based on client preferences, budget, and travel goals.
China DMC
A Destination Management Company specializing in travel services within China, offering local expertise, operations, and support.
Cancellation Policy
Terms that define penalties or refunds if a booking is canceled.
Contracted Rates
Special negotiated rates offered by hotels and suppliers to DMCs.
Destination Management Company (DMC)
A local expert that provides end-to-end travel services including accommodation, transportation, tours, and logistics within a specific destination.
Day Excursion
A short trip or activity completed within a single day.
Excursion
A planned trip or tour to a specific attraction or location.
FIT (Free Independent Traveler)
Individual travelers or small groups booking customized travel experiences rather than pre-set group tours.
Full Board (FB)
A meal plan including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Group Tours
Travel arrangements designed for larger groups, often including fixed itineraries, guided tours, and coordinated logistics.
Ground Handling
All on-location services including transfers, tours, and coordination.
Hotel Contracting
The process of negotiating rates and availability with hotels to offer competitive pricing to travel partners.
Half Board (HB)
A meal plan including breakfast and one additional meal (lunch or dinner).
Hotel Voucher
A document confirming hotel reservation details for the traveler.
Inbound Tourism
Travel activity involving international visitors entering a destination country (e.g., tourists visiting the UAE or China).
Itinerary
A detailed travel plan outlining destinations, activities, accommodations, and timelines.
Local Expertise
In-depth knowledge of a destination, including culture, logistics, and experiences, provided by on-ground teams.
Land Package
Travel services excluding flights, typically including hotels, transfers, and tours.
Local Guide
A licensed professional providing destination insights and guided tours.
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)
Corporate travel segment focused on business events, group travel, and large-scale corporate gatherings.
Multilingual Support
Service provided in multiple languages (e.g., Mandarin, English, Hindi), ensuring smooth communication for global clients.
Meet & Greet Service
Assistance provided at airports or hotels to welcome and guide travelers.
Outbound Operator
A travel company that sends travelers from their home country to international destinations.
Outbound Tourism
Travel from a traveler’s home country to international destinations.
On-Ground Support
Local assistance provided during a trip, including guides, transport coordination, and emergency handling.
Package Tour
A pre-arranged travel plan that includes accommodation, transport, and activities bundled together.
Peak Season
High-demand travel periods with increased prices and limited availability.
Pre/Post Tour Services
Additional services offered before or after the main itinerary.
Quotation
A detailed price proposal shared with agents for requested services.
Rack Rate
Standard published hotel rate before discounts or negotiations.
Sightseeing Tours
Guided visits to key attractions and landmarks within a destination.
Seat-in-Coach (SIC)
Shared transportation or tours with multiple travelers.
Special Interest Tours (SIT)
Customized tours focused on themes like culture, adventure, or luxury.
Tour Operator
A company that creates and sells travel packages, often working with DMCs for destination services.
Transfer Services
Transportation services between locations, such as airport transfers or hotel transfers.
Twin Sharing
Accommodation shared by two travelers in one room.
Upgrade (Room/Service Upgrade)
Enhancement of booked services, such as a better room category.
Visa Assistance
Support provided for visa application processes, documentation, and guidance.
Wholesale Travel
Selling travel services in bulk to agents at negotiated rates, allowing them to resell to end customers.