Definition
A tour sold to a group travelling together on the same dates and itinerary, with flights, hotels, meals and sightseeing bundled at group rates. Fixed-departure tours, wedding parties and company incentive trips are all GITs.
How group pricing works
Airlines and hotels offer group rates once numbers cross a threshold, usually 10 or more passengers on a flight and around 8–10 or more rooms at a hotel. In return, the terms are stricter:
- Deposits are paid at booking and are often non-refundable.
- Name lists are due by a deadline, commonly two to four weeks before departure. After that, name changes are limited or charged.
- Cancellations: losing a few people may be fine, but dropping below the group minimum can reprice everyone.
Groups often get one free place for every 15–20 paying travellers, which usually covers the tour leader.
An example
A Surat textile traders' association takes 32 members to Vietnam for six nights in March. A group air fare keeps everyone on the same flights. Each member applies for their own Vietnam e-visa, but the agent tracks all 32 together. One coach, a Hindi-speaking guide and vegetarian meals are arranged for the whole group.
When a GIT doesn't work
- Mixed groups where half want shopping and half want museums.
- Older members who can't keep up with a coach timetable.
- Travellers likely to drop out late, since group fares penalise changes.
Tips for organisers
- Collect passport copies, PAN details and dietary needs early. PAN is needed for TCS on overseas packages, which is 2% from 1 April 2026.
- Fix the rooming list (twin, triple or single) well before the name deadline.
- Agree one point of contact on each side.
For company groups, see MICE and our corporate travel desk.