GIT (Group Inclusive Tour)
GIT (Group Inclusive Tour) refers to pre-packaged travel arrangements sold to a group of travelers — typically 10 or more — under a single negotiated rate that bundles accommodation, transport, and often meals or activities. The group travels together on a fixed itinerary coordinated by a tour operator or wholesaler.
Hotels contract GIT business by providing room blocks at deeply discounted net rates in exchange for guaranteed volume. A rooming list — detailing guest names, room types, and special requests — is typically submitted by the operator several weeks before arrival.
GIT vs. FIT
| GIT | FIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel style | Group, fixed itinerary | Individual, flexible |
| Primary booking channel | Tour operator / wholesaler | OTA, direct, travel agent |
| Rate basis | Negotiated net block rate | Published or negotiated rate |
| Lead time | Months in advance | Days to weeks |
| Rooming list | Submitted in advance | Not applicable |
Why it matters
GIT business can be a valuable tool for filling inventory during shoulder and off-peak periods when transient demand is soft. However, it carries significant trade-offs:
- Rate compression: GIT net rates are typically 30–50% below BAR, which pulls down ADR and can trigger negative comp-set comparisons.
- Displacement risk: Large group blocks can crowd out higher-rated transient business that arrives later in the booking window. Hotels use group displacement analysis to model this risk before accepting a contract.
- Operational load: Groups require coordinated check-in, meal service, luggage handling, and dedicated staff time.
- Cancellation exposure: A single GIT cancellation can erase dozens of room nights with limited recourse if the contract terms are not carefully structured.
Related
See also: FIT (Free Independent Traveler), Allotment, Wholesale / Net Rate, Group Displacement, ADR (Average Daily Rate), Stop Sell