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Unlock This CourseOnce a tourist arrives at their destination, they still need to get around. That's where car hire comes in. Car hire (also called car rental) is when a traveller pays to use a vehicle for a set period of time from a few hours to several weeks. It gives tourists the freedom to explore at their own pace, especially in places where public transport is limited.
Key Definitions:
Customers book a car online or at a desk at the airport. They choose a car category (small, medium, large, SUV), pick up the keys and return the car at the end of the rental period. They must have a valid driving licence and usually a credit card for the deposit.
Car hire companies charge a daily or weekly rate. They also earn extra revenue from add-ons like GPS navigation, child seats, additional driver fees, fuel packages and insurance upgrades. These extras can sometimes cost more than the base rental!
Not all car hire is the same. There are several different types depending on what the traveller needs:
The most common type. Companies like Hertz and Avis have desks right inside the airport terminal. Very convenient for tourists who land and want to drive straight away.
Pick-up points located in town or city centres. Useful for business travellers or tourists already at their destination who need a car for a day trip.
Modern services like Zipcar or Enterprise CarShare let users book and unlock cars using a smartphone app. Popular in cities where you only need a car occasionally.
Enterprise is one of the world's largest car hire companies, with over 10,000 locations in more than 90 countries. Founded in the USA in 1957, it now operates brands including Alamo and National. Enterprise is well known for its "We'll pick you up" service they actually come and collect the customer, making it even more convenient. In the UK, Enterprise has hundreds of branches including locations at major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. They offer everything from small economy cars to vans and luxury vehicles.
Bicycle hire is one of the fastest-growing ancillary services in tourism. As more tourists look for sustainable and active ways to explore, cycling has become a brilliant option especially in flat cities, coastal resorts and national parks. Bike hire schemes can be run by local businesses, city councils, or large companies.
Key Definitions:
Santander Cycles (nicknamed "Boris Bikes") launched in London in 2010. The scheme has over 800 docking stations and 12,000 bikes across central London. Tourists and locals can hire a bike for as little as £1.65 for a single ride. The scheme is operated by Transport for London (TfL) and sponsored by Santander bank. It has been hugely successful with over 10 million journeys made per year. Similar schemes exist in Paris (Vélib'), Amsterdam and New York (Citi Bike).
Several trends are driving the growth of bicycle hire around the world:
Tourists are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint. Cycling produces zero emissions and is seen as a responsible way to explore a destination.
Many tourists now want active holidays. Cycling tours through vineyards, national parks, or city streets combine sightseeing with exercise.
Apps make it easy to find, unlock and pay for bikes. GPS tracking means bikes can be left anywhere (dockless schemes) and found via a map on your phone.
Beyond car and bicycle hire, there are several other ancillary services that make a tourist's trip smoother and more enjoyable. These are often booked alongside flights and hotels as part of a package, or purchased separately.
Travel insurance is one of the most important ancillary services. It protects tourists financially if something goes wrong like a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or a medical emergency abroad. Without it, a hospital bill in the USA, for example, could cost tens of thousands of pounds.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that UK travellers make over 500,000 travel insurance claims every year. The most common claims are for medical treatment, cancellations and lost or stolen belongings. Always read the small print some policies don't cover pre-existing medical conditions!
An airport transfer is a pre-booked transport service that takes a tourist from the airport to their hotel (or vice versa). This is a very popular ancillary service because it removes the stress of figuring out transport in an unfamiliar place.
A dedicated car or minibus just for your group. More expensive but very convenient the driver meets you at arrivals with a sign.
A minibus shared with other tourists going to nearby hotels. Cheaper than private, but can take longer as it drops off multiple passengers.
A large coach used for resort transfers, often included in package holidays. Common in destinations like Majorca, Tenerife and Turkey.
For tourists who drive to the airport, car parking is a key ancillary service. Options include:
Major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick earn significant revenue from car parking it is one of their biggest income streams outside of landing fees.
Hotels and resorts often offer ancillary services of their own, including:
Booking.com is one of the world's largest travel platforms and a great example of how ancillary services are bundled together. When you book a hotel on Booking.com, you are immediately offered car hire, taxi transfers, travel insurance and attraction tickets. This is called cross-selling offering related products to increase revenue. In 2023, Booking Holdings (the parent company) reported revenues of over $21 billion, with a significant portion coming from ancillary service commissions. This shows just how valuable these extras are to the travel industry.
In the real world, ancillary services don't exist in isolation they work together to create a seamless travel experience. Think about a family holiday to Spain:
Every single one of those steps involves an ancillary service provider. That's why this sector is so important to the travel and tourism industry!
In the iGCSE exam, you may be asked to evaluate or compare ancillary services. Always think about: cost, convenience, sustainability, accessibility, and suitability for different types of tourist. For example, bicycle hire is great for a young solo traveller in Amsterdam, but not ideal for a family with young children in a hilly city. Tailor your answer to the specific scenario given!
Renting a vehicle for freedom and flexibility. Major providers include Enterprise, Hertz and Avis. Costs can mount up with extras. Essential in rural destinations.
Eco-friendly, cheap and fun. City schemes like Santander Cycles are hugely popular. Best for flat urban areas. Growing due to sustainable tourism trends.
Travel insurance, airport transfers, car parking and hotel extras all play a vital role. Cross-selling platforms like Booking.com bundle these together for convenience.