What does "consolidation" mean in the travel industry?

In the travel industry, "consolidation" refers to the process of combining different travel arrangements into a package. This practice is crucial for travel agents who aim to provide clients with comprehensive travel experiences that may include flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities all bundled together at a potentially reduced cost. By consolidating these various components, travel agents can streamline the booking process for customers, offer more value, and create customized travel options that meet specific needs and preferences. This not only enhances the convenience for travelers but can also lead to savings through packaged deals that are not available when booking items individually.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of consolidation. Separating travel bookings for different clients, selling only the cheapest options, or booking hotel accommodations separately, all diverge from the concept of combining different services into a cohesive package, which is at the heart of what consolidation represents in the travel industry.