This chapter will provide you with an understanding of distribution channels and their role in the international tourism industry. After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Distribution channels are involved in the process of making tourism and hospitality products available and accessible to consumers. We begin the chapter with a definition of the role of distribution channels in the tourism industry. We then outline the benefits of using marketing intermediaries (the middlemen who sell offerings within the tourism industry). We explain the concepts of commission and horizontal integration. The chapter then focuses on the activities of key marketing intermediaries such as the tour operator, the travel agent, and the online travel retailer. Next, we discuss various direct intermediaries such as the multi-media kiosks, video conferencing, virtual reality, and global distribution systems. This technology is changing the role of distribution channels in the industry. We conclude with a discussion of the factors that influence the selection of an appropriate distribution channel. The chapter’s case study applies the principles of distribution (or place) to Reality Tours and Travel: Slum Tours, Mumbai, India.