This chapter presents strategic concepts and tools that can be used to examine the operating environment within which tour operators work and to develop their management strategy. The chapter then examines the structure of the sector, in particular the integration of the chain of distribution, as...

This chapter provides an overview of how tour operators distribute their products to their target markets, and discusses the role of travel agents and the importance of the brochure to both the organizer and the retailer.

While many food security interventions focus on production-related constraints to food security, fewer focus on the integration of smallholder farmers in the supply chain. In the Agricultural Sustainable Community Investment Project (Agri-SCIP), operating on the south coast of the Kwa-Zulu Natal...

This chapter discusses how travellers connect with suppliers through various channels using a distribution systems perspective. It starts by examining the traditional structure of these distribution channels and tracks the increasingly complex development of electronic channels. There are many...

This chapter looks at horticultural development in India and the importance of horticulture for nutritional security and health. Challenges ahead for the horticultural sector are highlighted. The chapter also discusses technological advancements in (i) genetic improvement; (ii) efficient crop...

This chapter applies the concepts of transaction cost economics and social embeddedness to examine the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in distribution channels for agricultural produce in Mexico. Two producers were selected for case studies: a cluster of banana growers...

Several tourism distribution channels, particularly for airlines, are discussed: the consolidator; virtual travel agencies; airline websites; sales offices and airport counters; self-service kiosk; internet-accessible mobile phones, equipment and locations; and booths.

This book bridges the gap between innovative ICT potentials for cost-efficient processes in the European food chain and trust between companies in the food chain. Using case studies from European countries, chapters discuss trust-building methods for food networks in an e-business environment. Key...

This chapter investigates the perceptions of Czech students regarding the topic of disintermediation and considers the influence of user-generated content on hotel choice. The findings reveal that members of the Generation Y perceive both travel agencies and the Internet as playing a significant...

This chapter reviews food supply chain models within agricultural economics. Section 12.2 of the chapter gives an overview of reasons for modelling supply chains in agricultural economics, and presents examples of different types of models; it considers marketing margin models, farm to retail price ...