Travel and Tourism Organizations Key Terms

Explore the language of the travel and tourism industry

By Cathy Salustri

If your business books travel for its employees, it may do so through a travel agency or it may book directly with the airlines and hotels. No matter which route your company chooses to go, knowing some industry-specific terms makes it easier for you to know what you're getting from the travel agency, airline, or hotel.

Some terms, like rack rate, may sound confusing. However, if you spend some time learning travel-related terminology, you'll be able to make better choices when booking business travel.

Trip cancellation insurance, travel insurance, tour protection

The insurance industry offers a bevy of policies to insure against baggage loss and a host of other contingencies. Trip cancellation insurance and travel insurance offer some form of financial protection, if a traveler has to cancel a trip. Typically, the traveler purchases trip cancellation insurance, although travel insurance, sold by both private companies and some tour operators, may include some form of trip cancellation insurance. Tour protection plans protect travelers, if the tour operator goes out of business.
Try: The Insurance Information Institute explains how some popular types of travel insurance work.

Tour operator

A tour operator combines several facets of travel to build tours. These facets often include air transport, lodging, attractions, and ground transportation.
Try: The United States Tour Operators Association explains what a tour operator does and what to expect from a tour operator.

Rack rate

Rack rates are a hotel's published rates. The rack rate is the highest rate for a room that a hotel will charge. Hotels rarely charge the rack rate.
Try: VideoJug defines rack rate and also has a videotaped segment with a travel industry professional explaining how rack rates work.

Certified travel counselor (CTC)

A certified travel counselor has met certain experience requirements set by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. A certified travel counselor will also have completed certain study and course requirements.
Try: The Travel Institute explains what requirements a certified travel counselor must meet to receive that designation.

Corporate agency

If an agency calls itself a corporate agency, it's letting its clients know that it caters to businesses.
Try: Corporate Travel Service explains what it does for its clients. In doing so, it explains what a corporate agency should do for its business clients.

MICE

MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, which four types of business travel. MICE tours and destinations cater to the corporate traveling group.
Try: To learn more about MICE programs, check out Best Incentive Tours.com.