tour operator

Meaning

A tour operator is a business or person that plans, packages, and sells travel tours. They typically organize accommodation, transport, activities, and guides into a single package for travelers. This is a neutral, professional term used extensively in the tourism industry.

Examples

• We booked our safari through a local tour operator with excellent reviews.

  We booked our safari through a local tour operator with excellent reviews.

• The tour operator handles all the logistics, including hotel transfers and museum tickets.

  The tour operator handles all the logistics, including hotel transfers and museum tickets.

• It is important to choose a licensed tour operator when planning an adventure trip.

  It is important to choose a licensed tour operator when planning an adventure trip.

• Our tour operator provided us with a detailed itinerary before we left the country.

  Our tour operator provided us with a detailed itinerary before we left the country.

• Many independent tour operators struggled during the travel restrictions.

  Many independent tour operators struggled during the travel restrictions.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to contact my tour operation to change my flight.

  ✓ I need to contact my tour operator to change my flight.

  'Operation' is the activity or the business entity as a whole, whereas 'operator' refers to the person or company performing the service.

• ✗ The tour maker organized a wonderful trip for us.

  ✓ The tour operator organized a wonderful trip for us.

  'Tour maker' is not a standard English term. Use 'tour operator' or 'travel agency'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before booking, check if the ___ includes travel insurance in the package price.

  💡 The company that organizes the package tour.

  Show answer

  tour operator

• The local ___ arranged a private bus for our school group.

  💡 A professional travel planner (singular).

  Show answer

  tour operator