TOUR OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Industry and its Impact on Tourism

This report delves into the intricacies of the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector. It analyzes the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the industry, examines the stages involved in creating holidays, and evaluates the suitability of different methods of contracting and distribution. The report also explores strategic and tactical decision-making for tour operators, using Thomas Cook as a case study. By examining the industry's dynamics, the report provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing tour operators in the modern tourism landscape.

TOUR OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector.........................3
P 1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators
industry........................................................................................................................................3
LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays....................................................................4
P 2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays....................................5
P 2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of
the holiday and different types of tour operator..........................................................................5
P 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information........................................5
LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays.....................6
P 3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure....................6
P 3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour
operator........................................................................................................................................7
P 3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for
different types of tour operator....................................................................................................7
LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators....................................8
P 4.1 evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator.........................8
P 4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different
situations......................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................11

Introduction
Managing the tour and travel is being considered as an imperative task of the tourism firm that
prepare the holiday packages for their travelers. These packages include the detail information
regarding the tour which should be chosen by the tourists. It snatches the attention of the visitors
throughout the world. Along with that this process works as the sales enhancer of the tour
operators. However, this project has also focused on the systems as well as functions of tour
operators. Even, three world’s attractions have been chosen here like Africa, Maldives and
London to conduct this assignment. The tour packages in this project have been based on these
three weddings as well. This project has focused on the current trends as well as development of
tourism sector. Apart from that, brochures have been created here to make the people more
interested and to give the detail to the visitors.
LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector
The overall assignment has been divided into four parts. The first part is all about to understand
the overall tourism industry. It has mainly focused on the recent trends as well as development of
tour operators.
P 1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour
operators industry
It is such an era when the entire travel industry is changing in a high speed. The main reason of
this change includes the changes in the needs as well as preferences of the visitors. These trends
are actually related to the trip planning as well as food facility too. Mahrous and Hassan (2017)
have declared that therefore, some of the hotels as well as other lodging facilities are trying to
change their menus and to include some homemade foods there. It is nothing but an attempt to
give a local flavor which would attract the tourists more. Other than that, another massive change
is there that due to the wearable technologies it has been noticed that the tourists nowadays book
the hotels earlier and make their accommodation ensured.
Tan et al. (2017) have opined that it obviously provides a good experience to the tourists and
save lots of times of them. Various tourists’ places are there in London that contains varieties of
physical significances as well as special cultures. Therefore, the tour operators in this place need
to be very careful as they have to handle loads of international as well as national tourists. It

seems that the requirements would be different for every tourist, but they have to handle it and
give the satisfaction to them. These sites include Royal Obervatory, Cutty Sark, and Tower of
London and so on. Not only are these few other sites also there those keep the proof of its history
and tradition.
On the other hand, if considering the Africa, then it should be mentioned that a wild life flavor
can be gained her. Calhoun (2017) has opined that it is well-known that this place includes
varieties of forests and other animals. They are obviously attractive to the tourists and it must be
agreed that people love to visit this place as they want to witness these animals, etc. Other than
that, Manu National Park as well as Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve are also being
counted as the most famous tourists’ destinations. It helps to establish the eco-tourism ones again
in this country. This framework of eco-tourism includes lagoons, forests and rivers. The tourists
in return would get huge time of spend their leisure with the nature and it is obviously that their
financial expenses would be valued.
Apart from the above mentioned two, another one destination is also there, namely Maldives. It
is an Island country which is situated on Indian Ocean. Nasr (2017) has opined that the tour
operators should always try to explore the scenic and natural beauty of a place. It would
ultimately attract the tourists more. As it has been mentioned earlier that Maldives is known as
Island country, therefore it has natural that it has a large amount of natural beauty and the tourists
are mostly attracted to it. This kind of place is more suitable for the couples as they would love
the romantic nature in these places. However, if focusing on the recent trends in these three
places, therefore, it must be mentioned that all these places have included various modern
amenities. Most of the accommodations there are trying to provide the advanced technologies
and services. Other than that, it is also noticeable that they are adopting the current activities as
well. Along with that, a local flavor is also being provided. That is why, the high class hotels are
always trying to provide some special attractions to the tourists. For example, may be the hotels
in Africa can include an event of local dance style in evening. It would ultimately increase the
chance of more tourists’ arrival.
LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays
This is the second part of the assignment where the author has focused on various stages those
are involved in the creation of holidays. While discussing this point, three major pats have been

noticed that the assessment of the stages as well as timescales those are involved for the
development of holidays. Other than that, the suitability of different techniques which are
important to contract various holiday components. Finally, this part of the project has focused on
the calculation of some factors.
P 2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays
The travel itinerary is created with the advice of several tour operators and various tourist
destinations. It is proving to be effective in increasing the turnover of tour operators and
attracting visitors to the same place. In this regard, tour operators in London, South America and
India will work with integrity. The integration of all these tour operators has the main reason to
offer its visitors a convenience zone (Jacob, 2017). At this point, visitors come to London, where
the journey begins. It helps to meet the requirements of visitors and increase their satisfaction. In
addition, travel agencies are being targeted at hotels with quality products and services at the
same time. Consequently, services are provided to customers based on their level of expectation.
Here is the plan made with the special offer of Valentine's Day. On special occasions, prices are
kept low to attract visitors' attention to the attractive location. This plan is basically designed for
all types of visitors, but especially for adults or couples.
P 2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components
of the holiday and different types of tour operator
In addition, under holiday package, it makes it easier to effectively meet the requirements of the
number of tourists, as it consists of discount offer. Even the hotels included in the package will
also contain a small tip with visitors. It can be said that the plan is made taking into account the
preferences of the customers. For example, while traveling from London, the schedule can be
adjusted according to the needs of tourists.
P 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information
Costs are the most important aspect when the price of the tour package or destination is
determined. The term cost is the basic value of the service. A certain profit margin is added to
the cost to determine the correct price. However, the price of the services is determined taking
into account the special offer. Include shipping costs, hotel costs, meals and accommodation. All
these services are based on a total cost of £ 3000, in which the profit margin is added. However,
the cost of different goals also has different taxes that visitors have to pay (Choi et al. 2017). For

this reason, it is very important for travel operators to evaluate the costs associated with the
package and thus retain some of the benefits. This allows tour operators to increase sales and
profitability.
In addition, there are different types of prices that are calculated for products and services. These
pricing strategies can be one of the competitive, special offers, seasonal and foam pricing. Tour
operators, however, generally use special offers and seasonal prices. The reason for choosing
such a price is to create a psychological impact on visitors. This allows companies to increase the
customer base and create competitive advantages from tour operators in the market. South
America offers a low price in winter due to the low season (Sigala, 2017). This is because South
America is a bit cold during the winter season. On the other hand, London and other areas offer
special services or services at very low prices. This allows visitors to make a quick purchase
decision. Therefore, the cost component is the main priority in the price of the service and other
factors are taken into account accordingly.
LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays
Now this is the part where a brochure is needed to be made. This part is also being divided into
three parts. The first part needs a brochure as it has been mentioned earlier. Other than that, this
part has made a segregation between traditional brochure and contemporary brochure. Besides
that, it has further focused on several ways by which the tour operators can reach to their target
tourists.
P 3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure
The brochure refers to an effective tool for promoting travel services. It is compatible with the
management of Thomas Cook to present its services to a large number of visitors. In addition,
this tool helps attract the attention of potential customers. The brochure refers to an effective tool
for promoting travel services. It is compatible with the management of Thomas Cook to present
its services to a large number of visitors. In addition, this tool helps attract the attention of
potential customers. This pamphlet describes that Thomas Cook has proposed a trip for
Valentine's Day. This trip is especially suitable for couples. It consists of a 15-day trip, including
three destinations, London, South America and Maldives. In addition, this package includes all
the amenities and types of holiday trips. Cultural, recreational and animal excursions are
included (Mandal et al. 2017).

P 3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of
tour operator
In addition, this package includes three meals, accommodation in a luxury hotel, air transport,
transportation, etc. This package is designed to provide a stress-free trip for the couple. It is
known that the brochure is an effective way to inform the visitor about the travel and packages.
However, this means of communication has become traditional and there is an evolution of more
effective methods that can help companies attract potential or existing customers. Alternative
media are social networking sites because such sites are used regularly (Moutinho and Vargas-
Sanchez, 2018). Therefore, Thomas Cook can create his page on Facebook and Twitter and offer
such travel along with the proofs and the amount of the transfer. This will attract the client more
effectively. In addition, Thomas Cook's mobile application can also be created and implemented
on Android or iOS phones. Therefore, this application can help with website and social media
brochures advertising to help you stay informed of future travel packages, personal travel and
more. These non-traditional marketing methods can improve the advertising of the packages
proposed for the couple. In addition, these design brochures can be advertised on the Thomas
Cook website, on another tourism website, on the social networking website, etc.
The traditional method of communication can be promoted in a non-traditional way, so that
efficiency can be increased and customers get more attracted. This means that these designed
brochures can be promoted on social networking sites and websites, and that a printed edition
must also be distributed to a Thomas Cook branch in different countries.
P 3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for
different types of tour operator
There are several non-traditional sales methods that allow you to sell holiday packages in the
market.
These methods are explained as follows:
Direct Mail: This is another method of distribution, so the company sends the mail directly to the
list of visitors. This makes it easier for end users of the services to have direct information so that
they can make a purchase decision effectively. In addition, direct mail is also an effective way of
informing visitors about special offers, discounts and other important information about specific

tour packages. In addition, a copy of the brochure will be sent to potential buyers to increase
sales and increase the customer base (Arshad et al. 2018).
Social websites: this is the most popular non-traditional way of communicating with a large
number of prospects. Here, social sites like Facebook or Twitter can be used to attract buyers.
When using one of the social pages, tour operators provide information about their holiday
packages. This allows them to access the services offered by companies. Not only this, but with
the help of social websites, companies receive companies from tourists and give them the right
access at the right time. The main benefit of this page is to inform the number of future visitors at
the same time. It also helps visitors to influence and plan the vacation package.
Travel agencies: This is the most effective way for travel operators to contact travel agencies by
telephone or the internet. This is because travel agencies can increase services and spread
brochures on airplanes when they travel. In addition, the travel agency operates on the basis of
the commission to receive mutual benefits.
LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators
This is the final part of this assignment which has been divided into two different parts. This part
is all about the strategic and the tactical decisions of the tour operators. It should be remembered
that both the strategic as well as tactual decisions are important to conduct an effective tourism
for the travelers. Some famous tour operators like Thomas Cook can be mentioned in this regard.
The tour operators should know to break the tradition and conventional processes in accordance
to the demands of their customers.
P 4.1 evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator
According to the first task, visitors found tourist attractions such as eco-tourism and nature
experiences. This allows them to increase the turnover of their tour operators to create
competitive advantages in the market. In addition, visitors focus on the location that helps them
to meet their needs in a cost-effective manner (Tung et al. 2018). As a result, tourists receive
special offers and discounts on the price of services. However, for tour operators it is very
important to evaluate visitor requests and preferences through appropriate research activities. In
this way, tour operators will know what needs to be changed in current products and services. On
the other hand, some uncontrollable issues, such as political and legal factors, reduce the

purchasing power of buyers. At this stage, a tour operator like Thomas Cook is faced with the
problem of increasing sales. On the other hand, the increase in competition and the changing
pass of technology are the main problems.
To solve the challenges and emerging trends above, Thomas Cook has delayed his goal to make
more effective vacation packages that focus on the younger population. Similarly, the families
were assisted by additional services. These aspects raise buyers' attention to the offer of holiday
packages by the company. In addition, the tour operator's decision was to promote services
through the use of modern technologies, such as the Internet and social networks. As a result,
brochures are planned and distributed in the target market to increase the number of visitors
around the world. In addition, improved technology enhances buyers' attention due to the search
for special offers and attractive services at affordable prices. Similarly, the qualification
technology allowed the company to receive comments from visitors. It helps the tour operator
respond appropriately to emerging changes and to create competitive advantages in the market.
P 4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in
different situations
Tactical and strategic decisions are important to determine the future growth of the company in
the market. Here, the tactical decision is taken to implement the strategy, while the strategic
decision is taken to give the company an upward trend. Similarly, Thomas Cook's management
makes tactical decisions by organizing the necessary resources to implement the plan and attract
a large number of buyers. In addition, strategies are being developed to expand the business, to
determine prices for products and services, and to choose alternative ways to increase the
customer base. For example, if the tour operator's basic purpose is to increase the visitor base,
the emphasis will be on launching effective marketing strategies (Mahrous and Hassan, 2017). In
this regard, the company will prepare traditional and non-traditional communication methods to
increase public awareness of the vacation package. Here, the attractiveness of buyers can be
increased by low prices or offering special offers or offers of amenities and additional packages.
The tactical decision for them is made by appointing the correct type of person to implement the
correct strategy and giving financial and non-financial resources to the strategy. In the above
plan, a tactical decision is made by drawing up a plan and specifying a specific offer in the
package. However, the goal of this strategy is to attract a large number of visitors. In addition,

Thomas Cook and other tour operators have set up social media marketing in the UK and other
related strategies to stay in touch with consumers. This step is effective as current services
change according to visitors comments. This shows that the abovementioned plan may have a
tactical decision-making strategy regarding the distribution or transport of the travel plan.
Similarly, the investigation may be conducted to determine the exact requirements of the buyers.
In addition, the plan could focus on specific segments such as couples, families and others.
Conclusion
The overall report has concluded the management system of tourism. It includes the activities of
hotels, tour packages, brochures and all. Other than that, it has further mentioned the current
changes in this sector as well.

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