Tourism and its Impacts

This assignment presents a comprehensive review of academic literature on tourism and its diverse impacts. The focus is on understanding the economic, environmental, and social consequences of tourism development. It delves into topics such as the economic benefits and costs of tourism, its influence on local communities and cultures, and the environmental challenges posed by increased tourist activity.

Tour Operations
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Effects of current and recent trends......................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Assessing the stages and time scales involved in developing holidays................................5
2.2 Suitability of various types of contracting for different components of holiday..................6
2.3 Calculating the selling price of tour operator agency...........................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Evaluating the planning decision taken for the design of the brochure................................8
3.2 Assessing the suitability of alternatives to the traditional brochure...................................10
3.3 Assessing the suitability of different types of distribution used to sell holiday package. . .11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Evaluating the strategic decisions made by Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings (C&K).......12
4.2 Comparing the tactical decisions taken by Thomas Cook and C&K in different situations
...................................................................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
Books and Journals...................................................................................................................14
Online........................................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Tour operation is the mode of transport, where tour operators arrange transport,
accommodation and other activities which make up the holiday packages. They provide all the
facility during travel like hotels, guide for that place where the customers plan to go. Tour
operations makes easy to travel and for holidays because it gives a proper way to the travel
industry. There are many type of tour operations like historical tour, cultural tour, sports and
many more (Abu and et.al., 2012). It is the revolutionary change to the travel industry in present,
in the context of Thomas cock it is an international travel company which gives tour operational
services in the tour operation industry and it is the world best company which provides transport,
accommodation and other extra services to the customers which make this company best because

this company provide extra service which would be needed, they understand what kind of route
and travel makes their customer adventurous and planned according them so that they get
positive feedback from the customers and this helps to understand customer needs and their level
of satisfaction. Now Thomas cook agreed to merge with My Travel company.
TASK 1
1.1 Effects of current and recent trends
Current and recent trends are those which change the older way of working of the
company because of changes in technology and changes in environment (Cultural Sites, 2016.).
There are some recent and current trends which affects the tour operational company are as
follows E- commerce :- this is the revolutionary change in the all business market where all
things are going to be online and it affect this company also because people choose
cheaper and low cost product and services through the internet and they book online
which make them easier and save their time so it affects this company so the company
have to upgrade their technology so that they fulfil their goals and also increase customer
satisfaction (Barrett, 2012). Expansion of airport :- Expansion of regional airport where the other airport provide
services at lowest price so that customers attract to them and affect the tour operation
industry by providing that services which is needed by the customers. Increase independency of travellers :- in the present there are all work become online so
people use them for save their time and get all information at one place , in the travelling
field people also use the online travelling company which provide better services at
lowest price so that the customer move to them and the company reduce number of their
customers and for that this company have to use internet for online booking so that they
will able to maintain their brand name and for this the company provides better quality
and services, retail stores, website and call centres as well third party travel agents so that
they will get the customer worldwide and also establish their name in other country as
well. Increase availability of choices :- Internet and call centres are the place where customer
get all things which they want so it will affect the tour operational industry as well travel

agency because people prefer the online choice so that they save their money to go for the
agents however, Thomas cook increase their services and products to maintain their
recognition like they can gives offers and schemes on the special occasion or festival so
the company might be able to attract the customers. Customer satisfaction :- it is the most important thing for every business that satisfy their
customers, and for this company it will satisfy them by providing them better services
and also get feedback from them so that they have to know about the customer
satisfaction level and the other thing which is they want to improve in the company (You,
2012).
 Natural disaster factors :- there are many natural disaster that can affect this industry so
for this the company to gave services according them so that customer would not lose
their money and time too (ALVA, 2015).
TASK 2
2.1 Assessing the stages and time scales involved in developing holidays
Thomas Cook is one of the leading tour operator agency in UK. It serves around 23
million customers across the globe. The company lays its significant concern over rendering its
customers exotic and fascinating services to gain their trust, commitment and loyalty towards its
brand. The said tour operator agency offers wide range of attractive packages which highly and
impressively satisfies the needs and requirements of its core tourists (Bajs, 2015). Such packages
are developed by effectively assessing various stages which broadly includes conducting
appropriate market research, scheduling & planning along with forecasting the situations in a
significant and systematic manner.
With regard to the present case scenario, a sight seeing tour is conducted for Chinese
students from London to Paris. The package is offered by Thomas Cook for 5 days starting from
the summer vacations in August 2018. The package is named as “ Incredible Paris”. Such an
attractive package will render the students with exotic sight seeing between London to Paris. It
will offer the students to experience the world's most amazing and astonishing places through a
guided and expert sightseeing. For this Thomas Cook assess and examines the different stages
along with the time-scales involved in developing holidays (Tricoire, Graf and Gutjahr, 2012). It
conducts the following activities in an appropriate and significant way-

 Market Research- The concerned tour agency lays its attention on preparing the holiday
packages in structured and systematic manner. With a view to provide the students with a
lucrative and profitable package, Thomas Cook undertakes an intensive research based on
the overall market segment (Hall and Saarinen, 2010). Such research broadly focuses in
acquiring a general overview of all the situations and conditions dominating the existing
market. It reflects the overall perceptions of the customers based on their needs and
requirements. Planning and scheduling- Thomas Cook also emphasises on planning and scheduling
the holidays in an appropriate and systematic manner. To do this, the company conducts a
structured set of activities. It starts with identifying its suitable target market which
includes Chinese students to provide them with a fascinating sight seeing between
London to Paris. Thereafter, the stated tour operator agency includes other types of
essential services such as booking of tickets, transportation, accommodation,
entertainment, food services, astonishing visits and insurances. Furthermore, Thomas
Cook also lays its considerable concern over contacting various suppliers which offers
the company a wide range of impressive services (Edgell, 2009).
 Forecasting- The above discussed analysis of different components and factors renders
Thomas Cook to forecasts various forces on the grounds of the present trends and market
fluctuations. Forecasting involves estimating the overall cost borne by the tour agency on
rendering such exotic holiday packages. Apart from this, Thomas Cook also lays its
concern over projecting and predicting the sales and revenue generation through such
packages. In order to forecast various components stated above, the company needs a
time scale of approximately 45 days.
2.2 Suitability of various types of contracting for different components of holiday
Thomas Cook offers wide range of premium services in its packages which generally
includes accommodation, entertainment, food services, financial services like insurances along
with impressive transportation facilities (Bernick, and Boo, 2013). To attain such services, the
cited tour operator agency is highly required to merge and consolidate considerable number of
large suppliers in a significant way. To do this, Thomas Cook practises broad range of
contracting for different purposes which are explained as follows-

 Allocation- This is a type of contract between the intermediaries and the operational
managers of the tour agency. According to the terms and conditions of this contract, the
intermediaries and the suppliers are highly required to closely accomplish the deadlines
within the predetermined time frame (Jun-yi, 2010). Under such contract, there exist low
strictness and the suppliers may abide such process in the flexible manner. Sale only charter- Such contracts are signed between various corporate entities. Such
corporate firms include the tour operator managers, suppliers, intermediaries and
customers. As per this contract, the overall level of occupancy is fulfilled around the year
in an effective and significant way. Commitment- Commitment is characterised to have different and unique features as
against sale only chart and allocation. Such kind of contracting, requires the
intermediaries to render the level of occupancy such as accommodation, food services,
entertainment etc. in the very effective way. The extent of rigidity under such kind of
contracting is high and the suppliers are supposed to get in total compliance with the
contractual terms and conditions in a significant and systematic way.
 Fixed only contract- These contracts are designed to develop a high occupancy level at
the festive and seasonal times. Such contract involves the complete procedure of adhering
to all the essential clauses in order to optimally utilizes the offerings by the company and
effectively sell it to its target customers.
2.3 Calculating the selling price of tour operator agency
Thomas Cook has rendered an exotic offer of holiday trip to Chinese students from UK to
France. In order to make their journey a lavish and memorable one, the company provides its
customers with premium and standard services which impressively satisfies their core needs and
requirements in a very effective manner (Petia and Peter, 2014). To attain the highest level of
customer satisfaction and gain a strong sense of trust, loyalty, confidence and commitment from
them, the concerned group of business entity lays its proper concern over effectively calculating
its overall cost along with the cost incurred in booking tickets, hotels, transportation facilities and
providing its customers with healthy and hygienic food services. Doing this will allow Thomas
Cook to manage its funds thereby offering effective and impressive services to its target market
(Ferreira Custódio, 2014).

In context with the present case scenario, Thomas Cook has developed a
strong network of partners in France and a special rate has been proposed by one of
its partner named St. Michelle euros Hotel. The hotel provides 60 euros for a twin
room on room only basis, that is, the room can be allocated to two adults. Also, the
supplement for BB is 10 euros per person per night basis. Thomas Cook is also
provided the right to negotiate a special rate of discount with one of its
transportation company. The transportation company in France offers the cited
tour agency a 20 seater luxury coach worth £1000. Such a luxury coach includes two
drivers, ferry taxes and fuel. However, Thomas Cook is still looking for a reasonable
tour guide in Paris as the budget for the said tour operator agency is £200. With
regard to this content, the selling price of the tour is represented in the following
tabular manner. The concerned company tends to keep 10% as its profit margin.
Services Selling price for 15 students
(£)
Reservation in St Michelle 47.67x8= 381.36
Food and Beverage 7.95x15= 119.25
Surface transportation 1000
Local Guide 200
TOTAL 1700.61
Margin of 10 percent 170.61
From the above pricing structure, it can be said that Thomas Cook has very effectively
managed the funds in order to provide its customers with impressive and premium services. By
undertaking such price mechanism the company is able to gain the highest level of customers
enjoyment and satisfaction. The cited tour operator agency has charged largely for the booking
the tickets well in advanced in order to offer a lavish and comfortable journey to its core tourists.
Furthermore, by negotiating the transportation charges with one of its partners named St.
Michelle euros Hotel, Thomas Cook has effectively managed to reduce the transportation
charges to £50, which has enabled it to gain a considerable margin of profit. Apart from this,

various other services such as hotel and accommodation charges, BB supplement etc. are
provided by the company at very reasonable and affordable rates. This benefits Thomas Cook to
gain its brand recognition thereby satisfying the customers in an impressive and effective way.
TASK 3
3.1 Evaluating the planning decision taken for the design of the brochure
Brochure can be described as a document containing specific details regarding the
information and knowledge of an event in a particular institute. In case of selecting an attractive
and astonishing holiday package, such brochures are taken into priority which includes a clear
and broad range of information in a very significant and structured way. Considering this fact,
the concerned tour operator, Thomas Cook provides its customers with all the essential
information and knowledge which closely satisfies the needs and demands of its clients in an
impressive manner (Lo and et.al., 2011). The cited tour agency lays its concern over including
the significant details regarding the working activities of the company along with the assurance
and insurance offered to its target customers in its brochures. Doing this enables Thomas Cook to
gain the customers trust, loyalty and satisfaction in a significant manner. In order to attract huge
crowd of customers , the said entity creates its brochure in a manner which broadly includes the
significant details regarding the packages it offers to its customers such as sight seeing tour,
educational or cultural tour etc. This would help the customers to gain clear understanding about
the packages which Thomas Cook tends to offer, which in turn will benefit the concerned entity
to attract its customers in a significant and appropriate way.
There are various components that are associated in creating brochure. With a view to
design an attractive and impressive brochure, Thomas Cook lays its concern over taking
appropriate decisions which are explained as follows- Format/Structure of Brochure- Thomas Cook designs its brochures on the ground of
different types of packages it offers to its customers. Also, the company includes all the
relevant and essential details regarding the working activities of the company in a very
effective and systematic way. The name of the organisation that is Thomas Cook remains
as usual but the other elements such as structure, content, size and quality of paper
significantly differs on the basis of the products and services it offers (George and
Mawby, 2015). In context with the current scenario, the brochure for sight seeing tour is

designed by Thomas Cook in green, red and yellow coloured paper by following a
suitable and appropriate structure. However, the company tends to keep the size of its
paper portable in order to provide the customers with maximum comfort in assessing the
brochure at any time and anywhere. Details of services and products- This part of the brochure includes the relevant and
essential details regarding the products and services which Thomas Cook offers to its
clients. IN the present case, the stated tour agency is providing its Chinese students with a
sight seeing tour from London, UK to Paris, France. Therefore, the company is highly
required to include all such details in a significant and clear way along with the cost per
student and the number of days the tour is held. It should also include the details
regarding the time in which the tour will take place and the number of candidates that can
join the tour (Baum, 2012).
 Implications of legal and regulatory framework- This is one of the most important
consideration which Thomas Cook is required to take into account before designing its
brochure. The company is supposed to strongly adhere to the legal framework of the
country in which it wishes to conduct its tour operators in order to create authenticity and
vulnerability in its tour operations management.
3.2 Assessing the suitability of alternatives to the traditional brochure
Traditional brochure can be described as the structure which in used by the tour operator
entities in the form of pamphlets and leaflets in order to advertise their services and products in
an effective and impressive way. There exist wide range of traditional brochures which
companies use to enhance its performance and utility in Bifolds and trifolds manner. This
benefits the organisation to present the sufficient and relevant content to its target consumers in
an effective and clear manner. In the present era of modernisation and globalisation, there are
tremendous alternatives available in contrast with the use of traditional brochure. One of such
alternative is E-brochure (Haddad and Teixeira, 2015). This kind of brochure is designed by
using advanced techniques and technologies and the details of the products are included in the
portable paper format similar to that of traditional brochure. Using E-brochure renders the
company with various kinds of benefits, some of which includes cost effective product and
innovative and differentiated products. This allows the company to retain its existing clients
thereby attracting the eyes of new and potential customers in a very effective and impressive

manner. It is therefore, recommended for Thomas Cook to design its brochure on digital platform
in order to gain the above benefits.
E-brochures is one of the most modern and exotic way usually undertaken by various tour
operator agencies to promote their products and services to its target market. As it is designed by
using advanced technologies and is created on a digital platform, it provides Thomas Cook to
effectively and impressively reach to its target market across different parts of the globe. Being
designed in soft copy, these brochures contain flexibility which provides comfort and ease to the
customers in assessing the information as provided by the company.
With respect to the present case situation, Thomas Cook is organising a sight seeing tour
from UK to France. Therefore, the company makes its E-brochure attractive and impressive with
delighted colours which seeks to catch the eyes of customers and insist them to join the tour and
enjoy at their highest level (Jayawardena and et.al., 2013). By designing such a fascinating E-
brochure, the cited tour operator agency tends to gain quick and impressive response from its
customers which helps it to acquire strong brand recognition in the vast and hyper competitive
international market.
Thus, Thomas Cook is recommended to use both traditional and E-brochures to promote
and market its products and services across the globe in a very effective manner.
3.3 Assessing the suitability of different types of distribution used to sell holiday package
With a view to make the availability of products to its core customers in an impressive
and effective way, companies lay their concern over using various distribution channels. This
helps the corporate entities to gain the highest level of customer satisfaction thereby beating its
core line of competitors in a significant way. Considering this fact, Thomas Cook makes use of
various kinds of distribution channels to execute the purpose of the company systematically.
Some of such distribution channels which Thomas Cook adopts includes intensive distribution,
exclusive distribution and selective distribution. As per the intensive distribution channel
undertaken by the said tour operator agency, the company lays its significant concern over
providing the services and products to large number of customers across different corners of the
country by making the product available to them through various sources. Selective distribution
on the other hand focuses on providing the products and services to its selected range of target
consumers (Gray, Matear and Matheson, 2016). By using this form of distribution channel,
Thomas Cook provides its lavish services to its selected consumers. In the present case scenario,

the selected target market for the company is the Chinese students. Finally, exclusive distribution
refers to providing the products and services to limited range of audience. This distribution
channel is used by Thomas Cook to maintain its strong goodwill and status in the vital
international economy. It also enables the company to attain the classy and premium brand
image of its particular product and service. With this perspective, the products rendered using
exclusive distribution channels are delivered in luxury places and at high cost which satisfies the
needs and requirements of its premium customers in very effective manner.
Apart from this, there exist other ways of distribution channels adopted by Thomas Cook
which includes direct selling through face to face interaction with the customers or by making
appropriate calls to its target clients. Also, the company focuses on integrating its activities with
famous distribution agencies which provides the products and services to its prospective
customers in an appropriate and impressive way (Mehmetoglu and Normann, 2013).
Furthermore, Thomas Cook also makes use of internet services as one of its important
distribution source. By using such network, the company renders the services to large number of
its customers across the globe.
TASK 4
4.1 Evaluating the strategic decisions made by Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings (C&K)
In the present era of hyper competition and globalisation, it has become a growing
phenomenon to maintain the overall activities of the company in order to create a winning and
competitive edge in the vital international economy. Failure of this would result the company to
shut down its business activities in the short run. Therefore, in order to survive long in the tough
trading business environment, it becomes mandatory for the companies to make strategic and
effective decisions with a view to beat its line of core competitors and gain monopolistic market
share in a very effective manner (Hall and Saarinen, 2010).
Therefore, in context with the current situation, Thomas Cook and its competitor C&K
lays their major concern over making strategic decisions in order to attain higher economies of
scale and gain strong and positive brand recognition across the globe.
The strategic decisions made by Thomas Cook to gain immense market share with
relative market growth are discussed as follows-

 Segmentation, targeting and positioning- Also known as STP strategy, which focuses on
segmenting the entire market on geographical, behavioural and demographic conditions.
Thereafter, comes targeting the appropriate market segment as per the products and
services rendered by the company. Finally, the company is required to position its target
consumers by adopting effective sales promotional techniques. Thomas Cook segments
the market on the basis of interest of people in visiting the tourists' destination. It then
targets them by providing the customers with detailed understanding of their products and
services through E brochures (Fyall and Garrod, 2005). Finally, the said tour operator
agency position its target consumers by using impressive marketing techniques such as
online services, direct selling etc.
 Discounting strategy- In order to gain the highest level of customer satisfaction and
attract huge crowd of audience, Thomas Cook provides effective and attractive discounts
on its packages. For instance, in the sight seeing tour, the company renders the students
with wide range of discounts in accommodation, food services and transportation charges
to gain the enjoyment and satisfaction level of its customers.
4.2 Comparing the tactical decisions taken by Thomas Cook and C&K in different situations
In order to sustain long in the vital and hyper competitive environment, it becomes
mandatory for every business entity to take tactical and strategic decisions. Doing this helps the
companies to gain a strong position in the vital corporate world and attain higher economies of
scale (Ingram and Grieve, 2013). The tactical decisions taken by the companies helps them to
gain immense market share thereby generating high revenue and earning maximum profits in a
significant way. With this context, Thomas Cook and C&K lays their concern over taking
effective tactical decisions. The comparison of tactical decisions taken by these two tour operator
agencies are explained as follows- Pricing structure- This is one of the most important and crucial decision taken by the
companies in order to earn high profit and high revenue generation. Therefore, in this
respect, Thomas Cook adopts the use of pricing strategy in an appropriate and effective
way. Using this strategy allows the company to maintain its prices affordable for its
target customers. This benefits the entity to attract huge mass of customers thereby
gaining high market share in the hyper competitive international market. Apart from this,
Thomas Cook believes in keeping competitive price for its audience which gives the

organisation a considerable margin of profit. Besides keeping competitive price, the
company also maintains cost plus pricing method for its premium and standard class of
target market (Jackson, 2008). Using such pricing techniques, Thomas Cook is able to
maintain its strong brand recognition and goodwill in the tough trading business
environment. By providing the competitive price to large number of customers, the said
entity makes a prominent position in the global business world.
 Management- This constitutes other essential element in making tactical decisions.
Thomas Cook very effectively manages its internal and external control system in order
to attain a winning edge in the high competitive market which results increasing the staff
turnover in a significant way (Barker, 2014).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that Thomas Cook very impressively manages
its tour operations. The said tour operator agency has effectively provided the Chinese students
with an astonishing and memorable tour from UK to France. The report helped to gain deep
understanding about the various stages involved in planning holidays along with the appropriate
and suitable methods of distribution channels adopted by the concerned company to gain high
market share.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Abu, R. and et.al., 2012. Hospitality and Tourism. CRC Press.
Bajs, I. P. 2015. Tourist Perceived Value, Relationship to Satisfaction, and Behavioral Intentions
The Example of the Croatian Tourist Destination Dubrovnik. Journal of Travel Research.
54(1). pp.122-134.
Barker, A. D., 2014. Identity and Intercultural Exchange in Travel and Tourism (Vol. 42).
Channel View Publications.
Barrett, 2012. An opportunity or liability? London 2012 and security. Safer Communities. 10.
pp.41 – 48.
Baum, T., 2012. Human resource management in tourism: a small island perspective. 6( 2).
PP..124 – 132.
Bernick, N. L. and Boo, S., 2013. Festival tourism and the entertainment age: interdisciplinary
thought on an international travel phenomenon. International Journal of Culture, Tourism
and Hospitality Research. 7(2). pp.169-174.
Edgell, D., 2009. Tourism Policy and Planning: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Routledge.
Ferreira Custódio, M. J., 2014. Tourism Destination Image and its Implications for Destination
Branding and Competitiveness. The case of the UK Market in the Algarve.
Fyall, A. and Garrod, B., 2005. Tourism Marketing: A Collaborative Approach. Channel View
Publications.
George, R. and Mawby, R. I., 2015. Security at the 2012 London Olympics: Spectators’
perceptions of London as a safe city. Security Journal. 28(1). pp. 93-104.
Gray, J. B., Matear, M. S. and Matheson, K. P., 2016. Improving the performance of hospitality
firms. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 12 (3). pp.149 –
155.
Haddad, E. A. and Teixeira, E., 2015. Economic impacts of natural disasters in megacities: the
case of floods in São Paulo, Brazil. Habitat International. 45. pp. 106-113.
Hall, M.C. and Saarinen, J., 2010. Tourism and change in polar regions: Climate, environments
and experiences. Routledge.
Hall, M.C. and Saarinen, J., 2010. Tourism and change in polar regions: Climate, environments
and experiences. Routledge.

Ingram, H. and Grieve, D., 2013. Exploring the nature and effects of perception and image in
hospitality and tourism. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes. 5(1). pp.7 – 13.
Jackson, L., 2008. Residents' perceptions of the impacts of special event tourism. Journal of
Place Management and Development. 1 (3). pp.240 – 255.
Jayawardena, C. and et.al., 2013. Trends in the international hotel industry. Worldwide
Hospitality and Tourism Themes. 5(2). pp.151–163.
Jun-yi, L.I., 2010. An Evaluation of Web-based Marketing System in Tourism Destinations
Based on Visitors' Demand [J]. Tourism Tribune. 8. p.017.
Lo, M.C., and et.al., 2011. RURAL DESTINATIONS AND TOURISTS'SATISFACTION.
Journal of Services Research. 11(2). p.58.
Mehmetoglu, M. and Normann, O., 2013. The link between travel motives and activities in
nature-based tourism. Tourism Review. 68(2). pp.3 – 13.
Petia, P and Peter, P., 2014. The value of tourism degrees: a Luton-based case study. Education +
Training. 46(3). pp.153 – 161.
Tricoire, F., Graf, A. and Gutjahr, W. J., 2012. The bi-objective stochastic covering tour problem.
Computers & operations research. 39(7). pp.1582-1592.
You, S. I., 2012. Methodology for tour-based truck demand modeling. University of California,
Irvine.
Online
ALVA, 2015. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=604>.
[Accessed on 18th May 2016].
Cultural Sites. 2016. [Online]. Available through:<(https://www.visitbritain.org/visitor-economy-
facts) >. [Accessed on 18th May 2016].