Glossary of tourism R-S

receptive operator:  also known as an inbound that performs local services, specialist

risk monies:  funds that an agency would not recoup should a tour not take place, such as nonrefundable deposits, promotional expenses, and printing costs

rooming list:  the list of names or passengers on a tour or other group travel program, submitted to a hotel/motel.  The names are not alphabetized as on a flight manifest, but rather room by room indicating who is rooming with whom and the type of room desired.  Twin-bedded rooms, singles and triples are usually listed in separate categories.

room service:  food or beverages served in a guest’s room

run-of-the-house rate:  flat rate for which a hotel or motel agrees to offer any of its available rooms to a group.  Final assignment of the rooms is the discretion of the hotel.

series operator:  a travel agent, wholesaler, tour operator, or broker who blocks space in advance for a series of movements over a given period of time, not necessarily on a back-to-back basis

soft adventure:  excursions prepared for passengers according to level of proficiency such as a float river trip or light hike

speed dating:  a system designed to bring together operators and suppliers (in the travel business) on a fast basis, allowing each a short amount of selling time and seeing if they are compatible for their markets

subcontractor:  a local operator who provides services for a wholesaler

surety bond:  insurance to guarantee that the insured will carry out the specific work he or she was hired to do such as in a travel agency