The ultimate travel and tourism glossary

Harness the latest ‘Language of Travel’ for all modern tour and activity operators

Familiarize yourself with the most commonly used terms and become an expert so you can navigate the complex world of travel. The travel industry is full of jargon and acronyms that we will decipher here for you.


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Take a look inside

The ultimate travel tourism glossary that takes you through A-Z of the most commonly used terms in tourism and hospitality.

What you will get:

✔ The complete travel glossary from A-Z

✔ A breakdown of acronyms, abbreviations and jargon

✔ Understand and speak the travel language

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Or use our online glossary below (listed in alphabetical order)
TermDefinition
A
ACCOMMODATIONRefers to a hotel, Airbnb, Hostel or any other places that provide rooms for rent.
ACTIVITY PROVIDERA person located in a tourist destination who provides a unique, local activity for a visitor to do while on vacation.Examples of such activities include kayaking, bike riding or arts and crafts, among others.
ADD-ONAn extra, optional service that travelers can purchase during the bookings process.
ADVENTURE INDUSTRYAdventure industry refers to tour operators specialized in outdoor activities like trekking, white water rafting,mountain biking and more. A major trade organization for this industry is the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
AGENTA business that is mainly focused on reselling tours and activities in exchange for commission fees.
AGENT DESKDigital interface with Rezdy Channel Manager - a 'concierge' tool for smaller inbound and in-destination agents to help them find and save preferred suppliers to build their own end customer offer, make bookings, automate transactions/payments and enable tracking/reporting. This is also used by Rezdy suppliers who sell products from other Rezdy suppliers.
AGENT TOOL SOLUTIONRezdy's Suite of Agent Tools incl Agent Desk, Booking Widget, Affiliate Link & Reseller API.
AFFILIATEA business partner within a tourist destination. For instance, a hotel might have an affiliate restaurant. The restaurant is owned and operated by the same company but is managed by different people.
ALIPAYAliPay is the leading payment gateway around the world,specifically in China. Tour and activity operators should consider the size of their current company and expected growth before deciding to use this payment gateway for booking amongst Chinese travelers.
ANDROIDAn android is a type of opensource operating system used for smartphones and table computers. For example, the Rezdy Android app gives you access to the information you need to run your tours and activities smoother.
APPAn app is a small software program that can be downloaded to a smart phone or tablet. It allows users to interact with businesses, play games and perform tasks on their mobile device. Apps are typically available either for free or for purchase on the Apple App store or the Android App Market.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEArtificial intelligence is defined as technology that can complete thought processes for itself, without human interaction, manipulation or control. Artificial Intelligence technology can perform a variety of tasks, ranging from communicating with a device user, translating a language or making a decision.
APPLE PAYApple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service by Apple Inc. that allows users to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web using Safari. It is supported on the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. It is not available on any client device that is not made and sold by Apple.
AUGMENTED REALITYAugmented reality is a typeof virtual reality that allowsusers to not only experiencethe virtual world but also make decisions that alter that experience. In augmented reality experience, the user can make a decision and then experience a version of that world that results from their choice.
AUTOMATED EMAILSE-mails that are generated automatically particularly in instances to confirm bookings, reminders, follow ups, and payments to keep your customers engaged. With Rezdy, you can automatically generate these emails to give your customers peace of mind or alternatively, you can trigger emails that you have set up in third party services like MailChimp.
AUTOMATED PAYMENTSInvoicing payments can be automated by Rezdy’s marketplace. Automated payment is a service where commission fee payments between tour operators and agents are automatically managed.
AUTOMATIONThe creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. For example with Rezdy, tour and activity operators can automate processes such as emails and payments which can save time and a surprising amount of money.
B
BABY BOOMERSBaby Boomers are defined as active older adults born in the post-war years between 1946 and 1964. They are a significant group to appeal to worldwide, as they comprise about 25% of the world’s population and, being predominantly retired after long careers, they have plenty of disposable money.
BARGAIN SITEThis is a website where you can get discounts on travel events, such as tickets for shows and tour opportunities.
BED & BREAKFASTBed & Breakfast accommodations are small, typically local establishments.They are often run by an innkeeper and offer a home-away-from home feel for visitors. Expect cozy accommodations and homecooked meals.
BITCOINA cyber-currency thatoperates on a peer-to-peer basis and does not require a central bank to be involved in the transaction.
BLACKOUT DATESA day that you are not operating your tours. Modern booking software should allow you to quickly and visually update your calendar if necessary, so your visitors cannot book online for the day.
BLEISURE TRAVELERA bleisure traveler are defined as those who book a trip for work purposes but stay a few extra days in the destination in order to explore on their own.
BLOGGERA blogger is person who writes a blog. A blog is a website where people regularly publish information, either personal or professional.
BULK FAREA reduced fare usually for professional tour operators or travel agents for purchases of a large number of tickets.
BUSINESS DIRECTORYThis is a directory that lists comprising the different businesses that are available in a particular area. Most directories includereferences to all different types of businesses, from tourism-related businesses to service providers such as laundromats, mechanics and restaurants.
BOOKINGA booking refers to asuccessful sale in the tourism industry. The accompanying payment can either be fully, partly or completed atfulfilment of the booking.
BOOKING FEEA booking fee is a separate, additional fee that is incurred on top of an online purchase. Generally, this fee exists to covers card processing fees, admin fees, customer services fees and more. At Rezdy, we only charge a flat monthly fee, no hidden fees for your customers.
BORDER RESTRICITIONSIn light of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the globe closed their international and domestic borders in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
BUBBLE TRAVELA bubble travel is an exclusive agreement between neighbouring countries that allows for travel across each other's borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
C
CANCELLATION POLICYSetting terms and conditions that can encourage your customers to make a commitment when they book tours or activities. For example, you may want to allow customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and offer them a partial refund if they cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled tour. You may want to take a stricter approach and refuse to refund your customers who cancel within 24 hours, or who do not give notice and do not show up.
CATEGORY(synonymous to INDUSTRY) Refer to the industry or type of activity a tour operator does, for example scuba diving, hot air balloon or city tours.
CHANNEL MANAGERSoftware that enables tour operators to manage their product across all agent/reseller distribution channels centrally through a single platform. Also known as Marketplace
CHARTERChartering a tour, a bus, a boat or other means that an individual or group will make one booking for exclusive use of that vehicle, vessel or service. Many tour operators offer daily tours that can be chartered for a fixed price and include a maximum of persons.
CHATBOTA chatbot is a computer program that can be synced with your website to provide your site visitors with real-time information in a way that mimics a human conversation. The program launches acustomer service chat box when a visitor arrives on your site, providing them with an opportunity to ask questions or offer feedback.
CLOUD COMPUTINGCloud computing is a way of managing a computer’s data. Previously most data were stored on a local server, but using cloud computing all different types of data can be managed on a remote server that can be accessed by a desktop, laptop or mobile device.
COMMISSIONA commission is a percentage of your incomes that an agent will charge tour operators to send customers. A common practice in the tour andactivity industry is to pay from 10% and up to 30% commission to resellers. You should not pay commission tosoftware providers (booking system) as it will reduce your profitability and limit your growth. Paying commission to agents is a highly effective way to reach customers that you would not be able to reach with limited marketing resources.
CONCIERGE (HOTEL)A hotel employee whose job is to assist guests by booking tours, making theatre and restaurant reservations, etc.
CONTACT FREERefers to services that require little to no human interaction in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus.
CONVENIENCE FEEA charge levied for the privilege of paying for a product or service using an alternative payment, or a payment method that is not standard for the merchant.
CONVERSION RATEA conversion rate is the number of site visitors who arrive at your site and book one of your tour products.
COUNCILA governing body within a community. Most places that are popular travel destinations have councils to help manage the tourism industry in that area.
COVID-19Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The outbreak of COVID-19 is what caused the pandemic in 2020.
COVID-SAFEThe term used to ensure all safety precautions for COVID-19 has been met. This includes sanitisation and cleaning, safety regulations, following government regulations, and more.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (CRM)Customer relationship management is an approach to manage a company’s interaction with current and potential customers.
CUSTOMER SUPPORTA network that allows acustomer to get the help they need, when they need it and in the medium that they require. Most popular customer support options include phone and online support.
CUSTOM TOURA personalized tour or travel experience that is tailored to specific needs.
CRYPTO-CURRENCYA crypto-currency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets.
CURRENCYThe form of money thata person uses in order to pay. People from different countries typically have different currencies.
D
DAILY DEALSA new way of doing business which promotes one particular sale or deal on a given day. This deal is often distributed via e-mail or text messaging, and usually made available for 12-24 hours.
DATABASEA database is a collection of organized data. These can include a collection of tables, queries, reports, views and other elements.
DEFERRED PAYMENT PROCESSINGIf you do not want to use a merchant account, you can use a deferred payment processing system in conjunction with your Point-of-Sales (POS) system. In this case, the customer inputs data which you will receive manually. Their data does not pass through a gateway, so you can inspect all orders and connect them. This method of credit card processing works best for weather dependent businesses where they are more prevalent to cancellations due to unpredictable weather.
DESTINATIONThe place to which someone is going. An area, region or a place visited by tourists. Destinations are usually organized with professional private and government organizations like Visitors InformationCentre, Destination Management Organization (public) or Destination Management Company(private) whose goal is to promote the destination
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY (DMC)Business that specialized in promoting and very often reselling tours and accommodations related to the specific area where they operate from. They offer an advanced knowledge of a destination.
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (DMO)Non-for-profit association or governmental organization designed to promote a destination.
E
ECO TOURA tour designed to focus on preserving or raising awareness of the environment.
E-MAILA way to communicate over the web with clients and customers. An abbreviated term for electronic-mail.
ENCRYPTED PAYMENTSThe payment ecosystem is a prime target for cyber criminals. Encrypted payments are a form of payment security solution to help protect online transaction processing. With Rezdy, all transactions are secured by encryption. SSL technology encodes information as it is being sent over by the Internet, helping to ensure that the information transmitted remains confidential.
EVENT ORGANIZERA person who is trained and qualified to organize a particular event for a community, company or hotel property. For instance, an even organizer may create a luau for a Hawaiian hotel.
EXPERIENCE ECONOMYAn emerging trend inwhich today travelers are preferring to connect with particular destinations by immersing themselves in the cultures, traditions and history of local people.
EXPERIENCE MARKETINGA type of promotional campaign that requires you to appeal to the traveler’s sense and showcase what they will experience when they visit your destination.
F
FACEBOOKThe most popular social networking sites that allows users to create a profile, post status updates, photos and videos and connect with their friends and businesses.
FAMILShort for ‘familiarization tour’, a famil is a planned visit offering invited members of the media and trade industries an opportunity to experience the tourism products, attractions, and experiences a destination markets. The success of this relies on support from the State’s tourism operators.
FARE AGGREGATORThis is a tool that allowsa person to see what the different prices are for one particular service from many different companies at the same time. The most popular fare aggregators highlight flight, hotel and car prices.
F.O.M.OFear Of Missing Out.
FREE INDEPENDENT TRAVELER (FIT)A person or a couple that is not traveling with a group.
FULFILMENTThe customer has completed the activity or participated in the tour, the service has been provided.
G
GENERATION XGeneration X, or GenX, is the demographic cohort following the baby boomers and preceding the Millennials. Demographers and researchers typically use birth years ranging from the early-to-mid 1960s to the early 1980s.
GENERATION Y(synonymous to MILLENNIALS) Generation Y, also known as Millennials, are the generational demographic cohort following Generation X. Demographers and researchers typically usebirth years ranging from the early 1980s to late 1990s as ending birth years.
GENERATION ZGeneration Z (also known as Gen Z, iGeneration, Post-Millennials, or Homeland Generation) is the demographic cohort after Millennials. Demographers and researchers typically use the mid-1990s to mid-2000s as starting birth years.
GOOGLE ADWORDSGoogle Adwords is a pay-per-click advertising platform. This is sometimes referred to as PPC campaigns where these online marketing campaigns are designed to drive visitors to your website through the use of targeted keywords.
GOOGLE ANALYTICSGoogle Analytics is a tool that is used to help understand the functionality of your website and to make improvements in the future. This tool is designed to track the visitors that youreceive, identify where those visitors came from and monitor what they are doing on your site.
GOOGLE PAYGoogle Pay is a digital wallet platform and online payment system developed by Google to power in-app, online, and in-person contactless purchases on mobile devices, enabling users to make payments with Android phones, tablets, or watches.
GOOGLE THINGS TO DOGoogle Things to do is an online service that allows certified partners to promote their tours, attractions, and activities and connect with interested consumers.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMA global distribution system is a computer reservation system that allows a travel company to manage its reservations while at the same time communicate with its customers. GDS are used by travel agent to access flight, accommodations, care rental, tours and activities.
GROUND OPERATORSee Inbound Tour Operator or Destination Management Company.
GROUP RATEA special discounted rate given to groups. It could be a negotiated rate for a hotel, convention, trade show, meeting or tour.
GROUP TOURAn organized tour that consists of an assembly of travelers with the same itinerary.
GUIDEA professional that is accompanying a tour.
H
HASHTAGSHashtags are topic headings you use online to index a post that you have made, generally on social media platforms. For example, #Rezdy or #ToursAndActivities. That way, when someone searches for a particular hashtag or a topic, all posts indexed with that topic will appear.
HIGH SEASONAlso known as peak season. A specific time of year when demand is strong to a specific destination. The higher demand often leads to higher prices charged.
HOTELA popular accommodationchoice made by travelers across the globe. Hotelstypically offer one-room accommodations but many also have upgrades to suites available. They are often larger places to stay that offer more amenities such as pools, gyms and restaurants.
HOSTELKnown as an inexpensive place to stay while traveling abroad, hostels are often geared toward the young crowd. Many people bunk with other people that they do not know in order to keep the costs down.
I
INBOUND TOUR OPERATOR (ITO)An inbound tour operator is specialized in providing tours to overseas travelers visiting a destination, sometimes by operating the tour themselves, or through established partnerships with local suppliers.
INCLUSIVE TOURA type of tour that includes a variety of features for a single rate eg airfare, accommodation, activities.
INDUSTRY EVENT ORGANISERThis is a professional or an organization in the tourism industry who is experienced in creating events for travel companies, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality companies.
INSTAGRAMA social networking site that allows users to post photographs and videos to explain where they are at, what they are eating and what they like at any given time.
INTEGRATIONThe process of bringing together different computing systems and software applications physically or functionally to act as a coordinated whole.
INVOICEAn invoice, bill or tab is a document issued by an agent to a tour operator, relating to a sale transaction and indicating the tours, quantities, and agreed prices for tours or activities the agent had provided the tour operator.
J
JET SKIAn activity that manywaterfront travel companies offer theirvisitors. People can ride on Jet Ski mobiles, allowing them to cruise quickly and efficiently across the water. People enjoy jet skiing on large lakes and oceans.
JOINT FAREThis is a fee that is charged to a traveler who will be taking a flight that utilizes more than one airline. For instance, if a traveler is taking a flight that has a connector, the second flight may be with a different airline. The joint fare is the cost for the entire flight.
K
KAYAKA popular travel activity that is offered at many destinations that are located near the water.Kayaking businesses can benefit from online booking systems so that future visitors can reserve their kayak excursions before they even arrive. Kayak is also an online travel agency specialised in airfares.
KEYCARDTypically travelers will have a keycard device in order to get into the room they are renting at a specific hotel or bed and breakfast. The keycard is often electronic, allowing them to swipe it like a credit card in order to gain access to the room. Travelers are advised to keep their keycards in a safe and secure location while they enjoy the local activities.
L
LANAIA lanai is a balcony, porch or patio in Hawaii and other tropical destinations. It is often described as a luxury amenity at the hotels and resorts that have them, as many people want a private lanai to enjoy the beautiful views.
LANGUAGEThe different words and phrases that a person speaks depending on the part of the world that they are from. The best online reservation software offers different language options.
LEISURE TRAVELTravel that is done for pleasure rather than for business. Most people who are taking leisure travel tips will want to book several different tours and excursions during their trip in order to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavor of the area they are traveling to.
LIMOA large, typically expensive, car that people use to get to and from a particular destination. Many people rent limousines to take them to the airport or night clubs, and others rent limos to get to their excursions in a particular travel destination. It is an exciting and relaxing way to travel.
LOCATIONSDestinations that people choose for their vacations. Many people want waterfront locations, downtown locations and family-friendly locations for their travel experiences.
LOW SEASON(synonymous to OFF-PEAK) A less popular time to visit a particular destination, often in the bad-weather months. Rates are often cheaper during the low season.
LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCELuxury travel experiences comprise of exclusive and elite opportunities that go beyond the standard experience that is expected on a tour or activity. For example, a luxury city tour may take place in a private car or limousine with a personal guide and a bottle of champagne.
M
MANIFESTFor any tour operator,a manifest is one of themost important documents holding information about every person who has booked on a particular tour and provides insight into the popularity of the tour, the timing of the tour and overall schedule for the day. With Rezdy, the online booking system can help you manage your manifest and automate these tasks, hassle-free.
MARKETPLACEThe two-sided B2B platform through which suppliers and resellers can search, connect, negotiate and trade with one another. Also known as Rezdy Marketplace or Channel Manager.
MARKETPLACE RATESCommission a supplier has set up for resellers to sell their product. Can be a percentage of the tour price or a fixed rate. Can also be negotiated rates with some preferred resellers, a standard rate across or a mix of both.
MARKET SEGMENTA way to identify customers and divide them into groups with different needs.
MARKUPThe process by which a rack rate is increased in order to accommodate foran increased interest in an activity or accommodationduring a certain periodof time when demandis typically higher. Forinstance, many hotels and airlines increase their prices during peak travel times such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and more.
MERCHANT ACCOUNTTo accept online payment, you need to ask your bank for a merchant account.
METRICSA way of measuring a certain amount of activity on a specific online platform. For instance, a tour guide operator might be interested in how visitors they receive per month on their company website, or how many times per day people interact with them on Twitter.
N
NATURAL ATTRACTIONA tourist attraction in a particular area that is a natural phenomenon. Popular natural attractions include oceans, beaches, lakes, mountains, hiking trails and waterfalls. Many tour companies work to arrange specialized excursions to natural attractions in an area.
NATURE CRUISEA tourist activity that takes visitors by boat to view natural sights, such as waterfalls, lakes, sunsets, rivers and jungle areas.
NET RATEThe minimum amount that tour suppliers can sell a tourism product for and still make a profit.
NO SHOWA guest or customer with confirmed reservations who fails to arrive and does not cancel.
O
OCCUPANCYA measurement used to determine the percentage of availability for a given period.
ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEMA reservation software, like Rezdy, that allows clients to book online directly with your company.
ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY(OTA)An online travel agency can be utilized by a traveler in order to book everything they need for their trip in one place. This can include making hotel reservations, flight reservations and in-destination reservations like tours, attractions, activities.
ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEMA system, like Rezdy, that allows a customer to make a reservation online and receive an immediate confirmation.
OVERBOOKINGYour tours are overbooked when you have more participants that you can really accept. Over bookings have be used by airlines for decades as it is well known that a small percentage of travelers will miss their plane. In the tours and activities industry, over bookings generally mean a lot of work to cancel, reschedule and refund frustrated customers. A clear cancellation policy is preferable to overbookings.
P
PASSENGER MANIFESTA list of customers that are participating to your tour. Ideally printable and mobile friendly.
PASSENGER WEIGHTThis is a software that manages rental properties for a vacation company. For instance, a person who owns several beach houses available for rental can use this system to manage rooms availability.
PAYMENT GATEWAYA software used to charge customers credit card and safely send money directly to their bank account. RezdyPay is Rezdy's integrated payment gateway.
PAYMENT OPTIONSThe options that a business makes available to its customers in order for them to make a payment.
PAYPALPayPal offers an online merchant service, so you can accept credit and bank transfer payment online. Rezdy works with PayPal so that you can accept payments for your online bookings.
PAXTravel industry abbreviation for 'passengers.' Often used as a count of the number of individuals or persons.
PINTERESTA social networking system that allows a user to bookmark sites of interest on the web and showcase it to their friends with a visually-appealing image.
PLUG-INA plug-in is a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program When a program supports plug-ins, it enables customization. With Rezdy, you can integrate a bunch of plug-ins into your website to boost your online marketing efforts, for example, a ‘Book Now’ button.
POINT-OF-SALE (POS) SYSTEMThis is a system where a computer replaces a cash register. It records transactions, accepts credit and debit card data, tracks inventory and records employee hours.
PROMO CODESPromotional codes that a customer can input during the checkout process in order to receive a discount.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMThis is a software that manages rental properties for a vacation company. For instance, a person who owns several beach houses available for rental can use this system to manage rooms availability.
PRIVATE RATEAn exclusive rate available to all agents.
PREFERRED RATEAn exclusive rate available to agents, tour operators have a preferred relationship with.
Q
QR CODEQR code is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached.
QUARANTINEA period or place of isolation in which people that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed. This term became frequently used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVELQuarantine-free travel refers to the ability to travel interstate or internationally without needing to quarantine or isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QUOTEThe price approximation that a business might provide to a future traveler so they can budget for the services they want when they reach their destination. Many inbound tour companies will provide price quotes to large groups who might want to travel to their area.
R
REAL-TIME BOOKINGAn option for travelers to book their trips in real-time. It is particularly useful on the business end because it allowsa manager or operator to choose when and where they want to offer reservations.
REPEAT TRANSACTIONSA repeat payment allows you to process another transaction using the details of a customer that is already on your account. The repeat allows you to use the details that were captured for the original transaction and process them again for another amount, or transaction.
RESELLERSomeone who markets and resells tours and activities in exchange for commission fee, also known as an agent.
RESOURCEVehicles, Gear, materials, etc. tour operators use to provide tours and activities.
RESOURCE DEPENDENT CALENDARAn advanced feature of online bookings software specialized in tours and activities to help you manage your fleet of buses, boats, staff, or others. When used smartly, it’s a powerful way to increase revenues, reduce manual administration, and avoid overbookings.
RESPONSIVE WEBSITE DESIGNA responsive web design is an approach to web design that makes web pages render well on a variety of devices and windows or screens sizes, such as mobile devices.
RETAIL RATEThe amount the customer pays for a tourism product.
RETENTIONIn terms of customer retention, this notion refers to the ability of a company or product to retain its customers over some specified period.
REVIEW WEBSITEThis is a website on the Internet where customers can post reviews of their experiences at particular travel-related businesses, for example, TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can have a big impact on business growth.
REVENGE TRAVELPent-up demand to travel freely again, or as freely as can be under COVID restrictions.
REZDY CHANNEL MANAGERFunctionality within Rezdy where suppliers and resellers can search, connect, negotiate and trade with one another.
REZDYCONNECTRezdy's API other booking software systems (including custom systems) can build to in order to connect into and trade through Rezdy Channel Manager
REZDYPAYRezdyPay is a fully integrated payments solution, offering customers lower fees, better security, more support, and access to mobile wallets.
S
SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING (SEM)A marketing tactic which use paid services so that interested clients and customers can reach a business quicker and easier than ever before.
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO)Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, is a tactic which incorporates highly-targeted keywords into website content to make it more visible in search engine results.
SECURE SOCKETS LAYER (SSL)SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral.
SHARING ECONOMYAs a direct result of theadvent of social media, a new type of economy has been ushered in. Dubbed as the “Sharing Economy,” it has been made possible as a result of social sharing sites that encourage users to buy, sell, trade and offer insight into the goods and services that are available. For example, sharing sites like Uber and Airbnb.
SIGHTSEEA place or monument that attract visitors and is generally a must-do in the area.
SMStherwise known as ‘Short Message Service’, it is a text messaging service component of most telephone, Internet and mobile device systems.
SNAPCHATThis is a messaging app of choice for the young generation of mobile users. The allure of this service is that users can send short, visual snaps that disappear within a matter of moments. Consider sending promos about your tours that appeal to the Millennial travelers or videos that showcase your experiences over the platform.
SOCIAL MEDIAThe term used to describe the vast amounts of social networking sites available today. Social media is one of the main ways that people communicate.
SOFTWARE AS A SERVICESometimes referred to as “on-demand software”, a SaaS is a software delivery model in which software andassociated data are centrally hosted on the cloud. SaaS is typically accessed by users using a thin client via a web browser.
SPECIALIZED FRANCHISEThese are franchises specifically related to the tourism industry, that offer services and goods to travelers abroad. specialized in one particular travel destination or type of activity. For instance, some travel agents specialize only on European travel or SCUBA diving.
STRICT VEGETARIANTours or Activities where consumption of meat is prohibited. Rezdy’s booking software allows you to add tour or activity specific information to your customer manifest.
STRIPEStripe is a software platform that is used to run an Internet business, particularly when dealing with online payments. Rezdy uses Stripe, as well as launched its own payment gateway, RezdyPay, to facilitate their automated payment solution for agents. When an agent books a tour or activity, they earn commission. Before Rezdy, they had to chase this payment themselves.
SUBSCRIPTION MODELA flat monthly fee charged by software companies to use their platform. You can also find hybrid models, like Rezdy offer, with a flat monthly fee & a low booking fee. This allows us to grow as you do & reinvest into our product development.
SUPPLIERBusiness supplying product for resale - could be individual supplier/operator or large enterprise business.
T
TARIFFRate quoted and published by a travel industry supplier
TARGET MARKETThe group of customers who will be the specific focus of a company’s marketing efforts.
THINGS TO DOEvents, activities, and services provided in a particular tourist destination.
TIKTOKTikTok is a video-focused social networking service. It hosts a variety of short-form user videos, from genres like pranks, stunts, tricks, jokes, dance, and entertainment with durations from 15 seconds to 3 minutes.
TOURISM ORGANIZATIONAn organization which helps travelers plan trips while at the same time promoting businesses in a particular area.
TOUR OPERATORA person or company who operates a tour for travelers who are visiting. The operator often points out local points of interest as well as answers questions to their customers. The term is broadly use in the industry and can include dive centers, surf schools, bike rental and all sort of activity providers.
TOUR PACKAGESA tour package in which most travel elements are purchased for set price. Also see 'inclusive tour'
TOUR WHOLESALERTour wholesalers never sell directly to consumers. Instead, they link individual tourism operators with retailers, supplying touring options that include travel, accommodation, and tours. They promote tour programs that they think will appeal to certain markets, targeting both consumers and retail travel agents in their advertising campaigns. Every wholesaler has a different price for tour operators to participate in their programs.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONAn association which helps supports businesses within a particular trade. For example, a tourism trade associationis designed to help all businesses in the tourism industry to improve, work together and make change for the better.
TRADE SHOWA place where professionals from an industry meet to establish partnerships. Trade shows are slowly being replaced by more efficient and less expensive online specialized market place.
TRADITIONAL TRAVEL AGENTA travel agent who works out of a brick-and-mortar location, available in-person to assist people who want to plan a vacation.
TRAVEL BUBBLEA travel bubble is an exclusive agreement between neighbouring countries that allows for travel across each other's borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRAVEL GUIDEA guide that offers insight to the various things to do in a particular location. They often highlight tours, hotels, restaurants, activities and other local areas that should be visited.
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHSHigh resolution images of a particular area that can be displayed on a person’s website to showcase their business.
TRAVEL PRODUCTTravel items available for sale to consumers for example including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, activities and packages.
TRIP ADVISOROne of the most popular review sites on the web. It allows users to review their experiences on vacation with specific tourism-related businesses.
TWITTERA social media site that allows users to send instant updates that are 140 characters long.
U
UNIONPAYUnionPay is a payment gateway of choice for Chinese travelers. TheRezdy payment portal is one of the merchants that accepts UnionPay cards. For an affordable way to attract Chinese tourists, you can begin utilizing the Rezdy online booking solution.
UNRESTRICTED FAREA fee that an airline willcharge for a flight without any discounts associated with it. This is considered the base price of the flight and is used for comparison when discounts are applied to the final cost.
UNRESTRICTED RATEThis is the term that businesses in the tourism industry use to describe their base price. Essentially, the unrestricted rate is the fee for a service without any discounts associated with it. This is sometimes also referred to as the rack rate.
V
VIDEOA way to provideinformation to a customer via video technology. Videos can be embedded into a post or website to truly give an idea of what goes on at a particular event or location.
VIRTUAL REALITYVirtual Reality, or VR, isa computer-generatedscenario that simulates a realistic experience. This immersive environment can be similar to the real world in order to create a life-like experience grounded inreality or sci-fi.
VISITORS INFORMATION CENTREA spot in most tourist destinations that provides information to visitors and answers their questions. You can typically find brochures as well as other service information here.
VOUCHERA voucher is a bond of the redeemable transaction type which is of equivalent value of the advertised tour price.
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WAITING LISTA waiting list is an online or offline record that allows you to have a backup plan for your tours in the event of last minute cancellations. This will allow you to use your available resources more efficiently.
WAIVERA document used as risk management technique where the responsibility for the risk is transferred to the participant through a signed contract and voluntary acceptance of the perceived risk.
WALKING TOURA specialized tour where a person walks along a street or path with a tour guide in order to get a feel for the area. The patron will not ride a bus or boat in order to enjoy their tour.
WEB AGENCYA business specialized in designing and developing website.
WEB DEVELOPERA person who creates software and website content for businesses.
WEB MASTERA person whose profession is to design and develop websites.
WEBSITEA location on the web where a business hosts its information. A website will display services provided, contact information and background information about the company as well as photos, videos and other multimedia elements.
WEI CHATWeChat — or Wei Xin as it is called in Chinese — is an app designed for both text and voice mobile messaging. Chinese users particularly enjoyed thefact that there was always a new feature available through WeChat, including QR codes and e-wallet capabilities.
WEIBOWeibo, or formerly known as Sina Weibo, is a Chinese microblogging website. It is one of the most popular social media sites in China, in use by well over 30% of Internet users, with a market penetration similar to Twitter.
WEPAYWePay is a payment option that can be a valuable option for small business owners who are targeting Chinese travelers.
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XEROXero is a cloud-based business accounting software that is becoming increasingly popular for small businesses. Rezdy has been integrated with Xero.
X-RAYX-Ray technology is often used for security purposes when people travel abroad. Typically, travelers have to walk through some type of X-Ray machine, and all baggage is scanned by X-Rays to ensure all travelers will safe, sound and comfortable while they are on the go.
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YOUTUBEYouTube is the worldwide largest video portal on the Internet. Many TV sets with networking capabilities offer direct access toYouTube.
YIELD MANAGEMENTYield management is a complex science used by accommodation and airlines for decades. In short, it is increasing or decreasing the price based on demand. For example traveling end of December is more expensive. Tour operators can use different price for high or low season, or a higher price for Saturday and Sundays compared to less busy week days. Yield management is integrated in modern online reservation software and help increase revenues easily.
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ZAPIERZapier is an online software that connects your apps and automate workflows. Rezdy has been integrated with Zapier.
ZIPLINEA popular travel activity that many tour activity operators offer in their particular destinations. The zip line typically goes over a natural area, such as a jungle, allowing people to experience the sight in a totally different way. Many people prefer to book their zip lineexcursions prior to arriving at their destination, so online booking software is helpful for businesses who offer this activity.
ZORBINGZorbing is the recreation or sport of rolling downhill inside an orb, generally made of transparent plastic. Zorbing is generally performed on a gentle slope, but can also be done on a level surface, permitting more rider control.
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