May 2009 – visit to a travel agency

What are the skills required to work in a travel agency? - Secondary school qualification - Good computer programme know-how - Knowledge of English (both written and spoken) - Knowledge of tourist geography - Good expertise in booking procedures - Friendliness, politeness and willingness to refer to different people

Which are the main services offered? Whatever kind of booking (hotel, farm- holiday, residence, camping) concerning every kind of travel (by train/plane/coach/ship) or holiday to Italy, European countries or any other destination in the world.

Which are the most important connected tour operators? Club Med, Alpitour, Francorosso, I Viaggi del Ventaglio, Columbus, Tui, Veratour, Teorema

What about the type of customers? Every type of customer: families, young people, groups, single holidaymakers, businesspeople.

Which are the favourite Italian destinations? The art towns (Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, Verona, Mantova, Palermo, Neaples), the Adriatic Riviera, the Alps, the beaches of Calabria, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily.

What’s the peak season? From the beginning of July to the end of August; Christmas; Easter

Which are the most required European destinations? Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Costa Brava, the Canary and Balearic Islands, Andalusia), Greece (the islands, Athens), Turkey (Istambul, the turquoise coast, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya, Ephesus, Pamukkale), Portugal (Lisbon, Fatima, Algarve, Porto, Madeira), Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, the Alps, the Danube), UK (London, Scotland, Heart of England).

SEE YOU!!! Prof. Alberto Rappelli