Book excerpt: This book provides knowledge of, and insights into, the nature and characteristics of the global tour operations business. It highlights the role played by tour operators in developing tourism in both developed and developing countries, and offers critical analysis of how the growth of information communication technologies has influenced the adoption of new business models by tour operators. The text also provides useful case studies drawn from Europe, Africa and the United States of America, which will assist the reader to understand how the industry has evolved. It further highlights the challenges being faced by tour operators in developing countries, and offers a business model that will assist them in retaining future business sustainability.