Comprehensive Global Travel Industry Glossary: Shortcuts of Travel Industry

The global travel industry is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of travel types, meal plans, and room categories to cater to the varying needs and preferences of travelers. Whether it's a solo adventure, a group excursion, or a combination of business and leisure, understanding the terminology used in the travel sector can enhance both the traveler’s experience and industry professionals' ability to provide tailored services. This comprehensive glossary will help you navigate the key terms and concepts in the world of travel, from traveler types to meal options and room categories, making your journey more informed and enjoyable.

Travel Industry & It's Shortcuts

Shortcuts of Travel Industry

• FIT (Free Independent Traveler/Tourism): Individual travelers who plan and book their own trips.

• GIT (Group Inclusive Tour): A pre-arranged tour package for a group of people traveling together.

• SIT (Special Interest Tour): Tours focused on particular themes or activities (e.g., wildlife, photography).

• EIT (Escorted Independent Tour): A tour that combines elements of independent travel with some guided services.

• VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives): A category of travelers visiting family or friends.

• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions): A type of tourism catering to large groups, usually for business purposes.

• Backpacker: Budget-conscious travelers often staying in hostels and using public transportation.

• Flashpacker: A backpacker who travels with more technology and a slightly higher budget.

• Bleisure: A combination of business and leisure travel.

• Digital Nomad: Individuals who use technology to work remotely while traveling.

Meal Types

• CP (Continental Plan): A meal plan that includes a light breakfast.

• AP (American Plan): A meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• MAP (Modified American Plan): A meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner.

• EP (European Plan): A meal plan with no meals included.

• BP (Bed and Breakfast): A meal plan that includes breakfast only.

• AI (All-Inclusive): A meal plan that includes all meals and drinks.

• HB (Half Board): A meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner.

• FB (Full Board): A meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• UAI (Ultra All-Inclusive): All-inclusive with premium amenities and services.

Room Types

• SGL (Single Room): A room for one person.

• DBL (Double Room): A room for two people.

• TWN (Twin Room): A room with two separate beds.

• TPL (Triple Room): A room for three people.

• QUAD (Quad Room): A room for four people.

• SUITE: A large room with a separate living area.

• JR SUITE (Junior Suite): A large room, smaller than a full suite.

• DLX (Deluxe Room): A high-quality room with extra amenities.

• STD (Standard Room): A basic room with standard amenities.

• ROH (Run of House): A room assigned by the hotel at check-in.

• CON (Connecting Room): Two rooms with a connecting door.

• ADJ (Adjacent Room): Rooms next to each other.

• PENT (Penthouse): A luxury apartment on the top floor.

• Boutique Hotel: A small, stylish hotel often found in a fashionable urban area.

• Chain Hotel: Part of a group of hotels operating under the same brand name and management.

• Hostel: An economical lodging option, often with shared rooms and communal facilities, aimed at budget-conscious travelers.

• Condo Hotel (Condotel): A building used both as a condominium and a hotel, offering hotel-like amenities and services.

• Guest House: A private home offering accommodations, often with fewer services than a hotel.

• Bed and Breakfast (B&B): A small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and breakfast, typically in a private home.

• Spa Hotel: A hotel offering luxury spa services and treatments.

• Casino Hotel: A hotel that features a casino as part of its amenities.

• Eco Lodge: A type of accommodation designed to have the least possible impact on the natural environment.

• Timeshare: A property with a divided form of ownership or use rights, where multiple parties hold rights to use the property, and each sharer is allotted a period of time (typically one week).

• Vacation Rental: A furnished property rented out on a temporary basis to travelers.

• Luxury Hotel: A hotel offering high-end accommodations, superior service, and a wide range of amenities.

IATA Codes

• Airport Codes (e.g., JFK, LHR, CDG): Three-letter codes for airport names.

• Airline Codes (e.g., AA, BA, AF): Two-letter codes for airline names.

• City Codes (e.g., NYC, LON, PAR): Three-letter codes for city names.

Travel Industry Systems and Companies

• GDS (Global Distribution System): A network for booking flights, hotels, and cars.

• CRS (Computer Reservation System): A system for managing hotel bookings.

• PMS (Property Management System): A system for managing hotel operations.

• OTA (Online Travel Agency): A website for booking travel online.

• TMC (Travel Management Company): A company that manages business travel.

• DMC (Destination Management Company): A local company specializing in services for incoming tourism.

• TO (Tour Operator): A company that combines tour and travel components to create holiday packages.

• TA (Travel Agency): A business that provides travel and tourism-related services to the public.

• FTO (Foreign Tour Operator): A company that creates and sells holiday packages abroad.

• RTG (Registered Tourist Guide): A licensed professional who guides visitors in a specific area or attraction.

• OTM (Outbound Tour Manager): A professional who manages tours outside their home country.

• TMS (Travel Management System): Software for managing travel arrangements and expenses.

Payment and Rate Codes

• NET (Net Rate): A fixed rate with no commission.

• GROSS (Gross Rate): A rate that includes commission.

• RACK (Rack Rate): The highest rate for a room.

• CORP (Corporate Rate): A discounted rate for companies.

• GOVT (Government Rate): A special rate for government employees.

• BAR (Best Available Rate): The best non-restricted rate for a given date.

• LOS (Length of Stay): The number of nights a guest stays.

• ADR (Average Daily Rate): The average rate paid for rooms sold.

• RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room): A performance metric used in the hotel industry.

• TAC (Travel Agent Commission): The payment made to travel agents for bookings.

• ARR (Average Room Rate): Similar to ADR, the average price of rooms sold.

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): A tax on goods and services in some countries.

• VAT (Value Added Tax): A consumption tax in many countries.

• TCS (Tax Collected at Source): A tax collected by sellers on behalf of the government in some countries.

• CPOR (Cost Per Occupied Room): The total cost of running a hotel divided by the number of rooms occupied.

• GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room): A measure of a hotel's financial performance that takes into account the hotel's operating profit.

• Dynamic Pricing: Adjusting prices in real-time based on supply and demand.

Travel Documents

• VISA: Permission to enter a country.

• PASS (Passport): A document for international travel.

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Permission to enter the US.

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Permission to enter Canada.

• CARICOM VISA: A common visa for several Caribbean countries.

• Schengen Visa: A visa that allows entry to multiple European countries.

• APEC Business Travel Card: Facilitates business travel within the Asia-Pacific region.

• IDP (International Driving Permit): A document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries.

Booking and Service Information

• PNR (Passenger Name Record): A unique booking reference.

• ITIN (Itinerary): A travel plan or route.

• OSI (Other Service Information): Additional information about a booking.

• SSR (Special Service Request): A special request for a booking.

• GTD (Guaranteed): A booking that is confirmed and guaranteed.

• NONREF (Non-Refundable): A booking that cannot be refunded if canceled.

• OCC (Occupancy): The number of people staying in a room.

• TTF (Tourism Ticket Fee): A fee charged to tourists in some destinations.

• PAX: Passengers.

• TT (Tourist Tax): A tax imposed on tourists by some destinations.

Transportation Terms

• RTW (Round the World): A ticket that allows travel around the world.

• OW (One Way): A ticket for travel in one direction only.

• RT (Round Trip): A ticket for travel to a destination and back.

• OPEN JAW: A flight itinerary where the return is from a different city.

• STOPOVER: A break in a journey of more than 24 hours.

• LAYOVER: A short stop between flights, typically less than 24 hours.

• CODESHARE: An agreement where multiple airlines share the same flight.

• LCC (Low-Cost Carrier): An airline that offers low fares but fewer services.

• HSR (High-Speed Rail): Train services operating significantly faster than traditional rail traffic.

• TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains in France.

Industry Organizations

• **IATA## Comprehensive Global Travel Industry Glossary

Types of Travel and Travelers

• FIT (Free Independent Traveler/Tourism): Individual travelers who plan and book their own trips.

• GIT (Group Inclusive Tour): A pre-arranged tour package for a group of people traveling together.

• SIT (Special Interest Tour): Tours focused on particular themes or activities (e.g., wildlife, photography).

• EIT (Escorted Independent Tour): A tour that combines elements of independent travel with some guided services.

• VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives): A category of travelers visiting family or friends.

• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions): A type of tourism catering to large groups, usually for business purposes.

• Backpacker: Budget-conscious travelers often staying in hostels and using public transportation.

• Flashpacker: A backpacker who travels with more technology and a slightly higher budget.

• Bleisure: A combination of business and leisure travel.

• Digital Nomad: Individuals who use technology to work remotely while traveling.

Meal Types

• CP (Continental Plan): A meal plan that includes a light breakfast.

• AP (American Plan): A meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• MAP (Modified American Plan): A meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner.

• EP (European Plan): A meal plan with no meals included.

• BP (Bed and Breakfast): A meal plan that includes breakfast only.

• AI (All-Inclusive): A meal plan that includes all meals and drinks.

• HB (Half Board): A meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner.

• FB (Full Board): A meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• UAI (Ultra All-Inclusive): All-inclusive with premium amenities and services.

Room Types

• SGL (Single Room): A room for one person.

• DBL (Double Room): A room for two people.

• TWN (Twin Room): A room with two separate beds.

• TPL (Triple Room): A room for three people.

• QUAD (Quad Room): A room for four people.

• SUITE: A large room with a separate living area.

• JR SUITE (Junior Suite): A large room, smaller than a full suite.

• DLX (Deluxe Room): A high-quality room with extra amenities.

• STD (Standard Room): A basic room with standard amenities.

• ROH (Run of House): A room assigned by the hotel at check-in.

• CON (Connecting Room): Two rooms with a connecting door.

• ADJ (Adjacent Room): Rooms next to each other.

• PENT (Penthouse): A luxury apartment on the top floor.

• Boutique Hotel: A small, stylish hotel often found in a fashionable urban area.

• Chain Hotel: Part of a group of hotels operating under the same brand name and management.

• Hostel: An economical lodging option, often with shared rooms and communal facilities, aimed at budget-conscious travelers.

• Condo Hotel (Condotel): A building used both as a condominium and a hotel, offering hotel-like amenities and services.

• Guest House: A private home offering accommodations, often with fewer services than a hotel.

• Bed and Breakfast (B&B): A small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and breakfast, typically in a private home.

• Spa Hotel: A hotel offering luxury spa services and treatments.

• Casino Hotel: A hotel that features a casino as part of its amenities.

• Eco Lodge: A type of accommodation designed to have the least possible impact on the natural environment.

• Timeshare: A property with a divided form of ownership or use rights, where multiple parties hold rights to use the property, and each sharer is allotted a period of time (typically one week).

• Vacation Rental: A furnished property rented out on a temporary basis to travelers.

• Luxury Hotel: A hotel offering high-end accommodations, superior service, and a wide range of amenities.

• Motel: A roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, usually with easy access to parking.

• Resort: A full-service lodging facility that provides a variety of recreational activities and entertainment.

• Villas: A luxurious country house or estate, often available for vacation rentals.

• Cafe: A small restaurant serving coffee and light meals.

• Restaurant: A place where meals are prepared and served to customers.

IATA Codes

• Airport Codes (e.g., JFK, LHR, CDG): Three-letter codes for airport names.

• Airline Codes (e.g., AA, BA, AF): Two-letter codes for airline names.

• City Codes (e.g., NYC, LON, PAR): Three-letter codes for city names.

Travel Industry Systems and Companies

• GDS (Global Distribution System): A network for booking flights, hotels, and cars.

• CRS (Computer Reservation System): A system for managing hotel bookings.

• PMS (Property Management System): A system for managing hotel operations.

• OTA (Online Travel Agency): A website for booking travel online.

• TMC (Travel Management Company): A company that manages business travel.

• DMC (Destination Management Company): A local company specializing in services for incoming tourism.

• TO (Tour Operator): A company that combines tour and travel components to create holiday packages.

• TA (Travel Agency): A business that provides travel and tourism-related services to the public.

• FTO (Foreign Tour Operator): A company that creates and sells holiday packages abroad.

• RTG (Registered Tourist Guide): A licensed professional who guides visitors in a specific area or attraction.

• OTM (Outbound Tour Manager): A professional who manages tours outside their home country.

• TMS (Travel Management System): Software for managing travel arrangements and expenses.

Payment and Rate Codes

• NET (Net Rate): A fixed rate with no commission.

• GROSS (Gross Rate): A rate that includes commission.

• RACK (Rack Rate): The highest rate for a room.

• CORP (Corporate Rate): A discounted rate for companies.

• GOVT (Government Rate): A special rate for government employees.

• BAR (Best Available Rate): The best non-restricted rate for a given date.

• LOS (Length of Stay): The number of nights a guest stays.

• ADR (Average Daily Rate): The average rate paid for rooms sold.

• RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room): A performance metric used in the hotel industry.

• TAC (Travel Agent Commission): The payment made to travel agents for bookings.

• ARR (Average Room Rate): Similar to ADR, the average price of rooms sold.

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): A tax on goods and services in some countries.

• VAT (Value Added Tax): A consumption tax in many countries.

• TCS (Tax Collected at Source): A tax collected by sellers on behalf of the government in some countries.

• CPOR (Cost Per Occupied Room): The total cost of running a hotel divided by the number of rooms occupied.

• GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room): A measure of a hotel's financial performance that takes into account the hotel's operating profit.

• Dynamic Pricing: Adjusting prices in real-time based on supply and demand.

Travel Documents

• VISA: Permission to enter a country.

• PASS (Passport): A document for international travel.

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Permission to enter the US.

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Permission to enter Canada.

• CARICOM VISA: A common visa for several Caribbean countries.

• Schengen Visa: A visa that allows entry to multiple European countries.

• APEC Business Travel Card: Facilitates business travel within the Asia-Pacific region.

• IDP (International Driving Permit): A document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries.

Booking and Service Information

• PNR (Passenger Name Record): A unique booking reference.

• ITIN (Itinerary): A travel plan or route.

• OSI (Other Service Information): Additional information about a booking.

• SSR (Special Service Request): A special request for a booking.

• GTD (Guaranteed): A booking that is confirmed and guaranteed.

• NONREF (Non-Refundable): A booking that cannot be refunded if canceled.

• OCC (Occupancy): The number of people staying in a room.

• TTF (Tourism Ticket Fee): A fee charged to tourists in some destinations.

• PAX: Passengers.

• TT (Tourist Tax): A tax imposed on tourists by some destinations.

Transportation Terms

• RTW (Round the World): A ticket that allows travel around the world.

• OW (One Way): A ticket for travel in one direction only.

• RT (Round Trip): A ticket for travel to a destination and back.

• OPEN JAW: A flight itinerary where the return is from a different city.

• STOPOVER: A break in a journey of more than 24 hours.

• LAYOVER: A short stop between flights, typically

In conclusion, understanding the terminology of the travel industry is crucial for travel agents looking to offer customized and seamless experiences for their clients. By becoming familiar with various travel types, meal plans, and room categories, agents can better advise travelers on suitable options, enhance their booking process, and provide a higher level of personalized service. This glossary serves as an essential resource, enabling travel agents to confidently navigate the diverse needs of their clients, ensuring both satisfaction and efficiency in every booking. Sharing this knowledge can help agents stay ahead of industry trends and foster stronger client relationships.