Tour Operators' Role in the Tourism Distribution System

Tour operators function as intermediaries in the tourism distribution system linking producers and consumers. Their expertise in packaging tourism products allows for more offerings to a wider range of tourists. This study examined the role tour operators fill in packaging travel to developing countries using Indonesia as a case study. Many developing country governments, including Indonesia, have assumed active roles in tourism development. The results of this study indicate that the active role should include a focus on tourism's distribution channels, especially tour operators, if some of the problems common to developing countries' tourism development efforts are to be overcome.