Tourism is made of economic and non-economic, countable and uncountable, tangible and intangible,and which is managed by different organizations at different levels with different objectives. The term 'selling' need to be understood specially for the purpose of tourism. It is due to three basic nature of tourism. Due to 'service nature' it is intangible, where ownership does not changed, immovable and service is provided in duration. Due to 'here and there' nature of tourism,its point of sale and point of service delivery are located in different places. Its 'time gap and space gap' has created a gap between selling and service delivery. Due to ' joint effort' nature of tourism one agency sales service of other agencies. For example, a travel agency sales hotel rooms,air tickets, and trekking, similarly an airlines sales hotel rooms.
Following points indicate the nature of selling in tourism
1. The definition of selling
It is different from the company to company, from agency to agency and organization. It differs as per objectives. It needs to be defined as per the product and service it offers. For example, tourism teacher delivers lecture, tourism company sales tours. A travel agency sells country and trekking company sells mountains.
2. Service nature
Selling in tourism does not mean change of ownership. It is not 'one time one action'. As service nature of tourism, sales is extended during the consumption also.Due to intangible nature, sales need proof and proof to utilize the service. Due to service nature, pre consumption and post consumption is not possible.
3. Here and there nature
Here and there nature of tourism creates time gap and space gap. 'Pay here get there' need to be solved by reservation system and by service voucher. Points of sale and service delivery centers are located at different locations so tourists need to be transferred to the point of service delivery.
4. Everyone sells
In tourism, selling activity is done by every one, every time, every day. A destination sells its authenticity, local people are selling their hospitality. An airport staff is providing services at airport but selling the country image at the same time.Everyone should support tourism sales. Business efficiency is to create money out of it.
5. Tourism selling is professional occupation
To sell tourism needs formal education and training. It needs qualification, accepted code of ethics and some certification from government recognized institutions. At the same time it needs education so that one can sell travel experience with knowledge.
