ITFT-Itinerary Plannig & its Factors
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An itinerary outlines a travel plan including destinations, transportation, accommodations, and activities. It is essential for travel agents to help clients select appropriate tours and itineraries to gain their trust. There are different types of itineraries including tourist, tour manager, and tour escort itineraries which vary in level of detail. Effective itinerary planning considers factors like travel purpose and length, transportation options, including optional activities, avoiding backtracking, accommodating check-in/out times, and communicating trip requirements.
ITFT-Itinerary Plannig & its Factors
- 2. • An itinerary is a written plan describing the plan of the trip day wise or on an hourly basis. It is designed to identify the origin, destination and all the en-route stopping points along with the transportation, accommodation and other services on the trip.
- 3. Helping a client select a tour with an appropriate itinerary is an essential function for a professional travel-agent & is an effective way to gain client trust. .
- 5. 1. Tourist Itinerary A tourist’s itinerary is a basic outline of the trip that a tourist is planning. It is the starting point of the itinerary designing process.
- 6. • This is the most important type of Itinerary because this acquaints the customer, the traveling passenger as to what all will be his schedule as long as he is on the tour.
- 7. 2.Tour Manager’s Itinerary The tour manager is responsible for the designing of the itinerary and in some cases even conducting it.
- 8. He has a comprehensive itinerary having the minutest details relating to the tour like the tour arrangements, tour formalities and contact persons at the destinations and attractions.
- 9. 3. Tour Escort’s Itinerary A tour escort has a detailed itinerary showing the step-by-step progress of the tour, which includes time, location, accommodation, sightseeing at the destination.
- 10. • Other than these itineraries, a copy of the itinerary may be given to specific service providers e.g. the coach providing transport, hotels organizing sightseeing, etc.
- 11. Factors to be kept in mind while Planning an Itinerary •
- 12. An itinerary has to be designed based on the kind of trip one undertakes. Itinerary planning is a creative exercise and is tailored entirely to meet the needs of groups of individuals. Each set of travelers have their own specific requirements.
- 13. Adequate time should be allowed for sightseeing / excursions at each attraction and destination. Always ensure that the time taken while traveling does not exceed the time spent at a destination.
- 14. ₪Reducing the number of destinations to be visited if the time available is less or an optional mode of transport can be chosen which saves upon time.
- 15. Other than the time allocated to the attractions at a destination, some time should also be given to the client for his own recreation like shopping and exploration unless the services of the guide are requested at all times.
- 16. The choice of hotels, meal plan and transport would depend on the paying capacity, interests and the number of clients in the group.
- 17. Back tracking should be avoided. Therefore, the routings should be given a special consideration while planning an itinerary. The itinerary program should also not be over structured.
- 18. ᾳ Optional excursions should be offered during the period of the tour programme as well as pre and post tour to increase the earnings and enhance the value of the tour for the group members.
- 19. ‡ Since check-in and check-out timings in all hotels in India is generally 12:00 noon, hotel accommodation should be booked keeping in mind the arrival and departure timings of the clients especially in those cases where the timing of the transport means is fixed and cannot be altered.
- 20. While planning a tour programme, include any festivals or cultural events taking place during this period. These attractions would add to the attraction of the tour package.
- 21. Meal plan may or may not be included in the room tariff. This would depend on the schedule of the client.
- 22. In case of a group traveling together i.e GIT, obtain a complete list of group members and the preference for room allocation e.g. single, twin sharing or double room accommodation
- 23. Specify clearly the services included in the final cost of the tour and those which are not included.
- 24. In case of requirement of foreign language speaking local guides, advance notice should be taken to ensure their services on time.
- 25. Along with the itinerary, communication on the climate, rate of exchange of currency, suitable clothing, cultural and ritual expectations of the destination, necessities and required items to carry, health and environmental warnings should be given to the tourists specifically in case of foreign tourists.
- 26. Factors to be Considered while Planning an Itinerary:
- 27. Where to go-Destination/Cities to be Included in the Itinerary When to go-Period of travel, total tour duration, Minimum Time for visiting each City.
- 28. • Why to go-Purpose of Travel-leisure, business, relaxation or VFR(visiting friends and relatives). • How to go-Mode of main/inter-City Travel • With whom to go -No. of paxs- FIT/GIT