Finance and Funding in Travel and Tourism: Akaglo Tour Company

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of finance and funding within the travel and tourism industry, using Akaglo Tour Company as a case study. It delves into the importance of cost and volume in financial management, examining various pricing methods like price skimming, psychological pricing, and seasonal pricing. The report further explores the different types of management accounting information used, including investment appraisal, and interprets travel and tourism financial accounts. Additionally, it analyzes factors influencing profitability, such as political environments, events, seasons, and currency rates, along with sources and distribution of funding for capital projects. The report highlights the significance of cost management, pricing strategies, and the impact of external factors on the financial success of travel and tourism businesses.

Finance and Funding in
Travel and Tourism

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Importance of cost and volume in financial management of travel and tourism..................1
1.2 Analyse pricing methods used in the travel and tourism sector............................................3
1.3 Analyse factors influencing profit for travel and tourism businesses...................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Different types of management accounting information used in travel and tourism
businesses....................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Use of investment appraisal management accounting information as a decision-making
tool...............................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Interpret travel and tourism financial accounts.....................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Sources and distribution of funding for the development of capital projects associated with
tourism.........................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Finance and funding is very important in order to run their business operations in an
effective manner. This help them in attaining sustainability, according to the current market
scenario, travel and tourism is a growing sector. Most of the companies are now establishing
themselves so as to earn maximum benefits. Company that is taken in this assignment is Akaglo
Tour Company that is a travel agency that provides holiday trips to its clients. Report will throw
light on the importance of costs and volumes in financial management of travel and tourism
business (Evans, Stonehouse and Campbell, 2012). Analysation of pricing methods used in travel
and tourism sector is included in this. Different types of management accounting information
that is used in business in travel and tourism. Interpretation of financial account is being done in
this report and lastly, sources and distribution of funding for development of capital projects that
are related to tourism is mentioned in this assignment.
TASK 1
1.1 Importance of cost and volume in financial management of travel and tourism
Akaglo Tour Company is one of the leading companies in United Kingdom that provides
travel facilities to customers who visit to their country. Operation and management department
of any business tries to cut off the prices so that company can get maximum benefits and profits.
Further in order to do so organisation uses various kinds of tools and techniques so as to control
the cost this will enable them in increasing their profits and market shares as well. Therefore,
cost management is very essential for a company. There are different kinds of costs exist are
available in the market area and some of them are stated below:
Variable cost: This is consider as the price that production department estimate while
manufacturing a product or a commodity. It can vary from department to department and
fluctuates as per the requirements of production unit according to the substance required. This
includes some of the elements like labour cost, direct expenses and the price that is needed for
producing a good (Gibson, Kaplanidou and Kang, 2012).
Fixed cost: Under this, cost remains the same at every level, any kind of changes and
modification in the process doesn't affect the fixed cost price. If the company faces any loses
than also they have to bear the damage and their process of manufacturing and giving services
goes on. Some of the example related to fixed cost are interests, loan, debentures, rent etc.,
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Cost Volume Profit (C-V-P) concept: This concept helps the company in evaluating the
selling price, cost, cost of the product, desired sales in a speculated time frame. The entire
analysis of cost is based on nature and structure of the business operations.
this is the concept is used to evaluate the selling price, cost, desired sales units and price
of products and services. Evaluation of cost remain based upon structure and nature of business.
Contribution is considered base of this concept. The concept is linked with defining the
relationship among the contributions which are implemented through fixes cost. There is always
a strong point analysed which is profitable for firms and they will produce maximum level of
outputs from their business activities (Henderson, 2010). The effectiveness of Customer Volume
Point is attained with the help of positive outcomes so that higher returns and profits can be
gained by firms. The concept is having some assumptions such as the total fixed cost of returns,
Variable per cost, sale price each unit, overall cost of products sold and the total volume of the
commodities sold.
Break even analysis is a technique that is used by the department of production
management and accountants in order to evaluate the estimated the amount of sales company
does in a specific time period this will provide them with the adequate results regarding their
profit growth. This can be calculated through following ways that are stated below:
Break even point in (£): In order to evaluate the break even point in sales value then
contribution of margin plays a crucial role. As it helps the company in evaluating right figure of
sales with the help of fixed cost. The formula is stated below:
Break even point in
Break even point in (£) = (Contribution / Profit volume ratio or contribution
margin)*100
Break even sales in units: This assist the organisation in making out how much units are
necessary for producing or generating income and revenues. It can be evaluated using the
formula that is stated below:
BEP (units) = Fixed cost / contribution per unit
Therefore, managers of ATC are are using cost volume and profit concept for examine
the price of packages, product and volume of the time that will be taken for the entire process.
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1.2 Analyse pricing methods used in the travel and tourism sector
Fixing price for a trip is not the only task, evaluating its cost regarding the products and
services is also important. Henceforth, company is using various techniques for evaluating the
cost of commodity in different forms that are found in the industry of travel and tourism. This
includes certain elements like accommodation, transportation, tour operators, travel agents, tour
packages and many more. Henceforth, pricing method is assisting them in analysing the cost that
will be required for operations and its management along with its price control.
Price skimming: This technique of proing is generally used by a company in order to
improve the sale graph of its fresh products and services. Price skimming is vet essential during
initial stages when the price of commodity is respectively high. This not only enables company
in reducing their prices but also attract more and more customers towards them so that they can
avail the services and products provided by organisation.
Psychology pricing: Entire process is done after evaluating and analysing the nature and
behaviour of the customers. This helps the company in setting and managing the price of the
products or services that are given by them (Heung, Kucukusta and Song, 2011). Other than this,
it is majorly depends upon the increasing demands and need of people towards travel and
tourism. Hence, it can be said that customer's choices and preference is given important under
this technique of pricing strategies.
Bundle pricing: This factor is also termed as limited or the boundary line pricing
strategy. The small and the medium size organizations are focusing on manufacturing products at
low prices in order to satisfy needs and wants of customers. There are different services involved
which are offered to clients according to their requirements. This is also known as Inseparable
prices according to their designed strategy. This is the complex situation in analysing the prices
of those products which are Immovable.
Mostly all the travel and tourism firms are preventing to adopt this business strategy
related to cost factor and for determining the final price of goods As the goods which are sole in
bulk amount develops an expensive image of the offered products and services.
Seasonal pricing: This kind of pricing technique is very beneficial and help the manger
of the company in setting price as per the weather and seasonal conditions. For example: during
summer time most of the traveller prefer to visit any cold places. Therefore, company fix the
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prices accordingly so that maximum number of customers can avail them in order to enjoy the
benefits.
Markup costing: In this price of the products and services are set which will be
applicable to customers. While determining the cost of the products this technique is used and for
this all the additional charges are taken into consideration like service charges, maintenance
charges and tax rates.
Pricing for market penetration: In order to determine the price and analysing the
position of the substitute products and services in the market this kind of pricing strategy is used.
It will aid them in having an idea about the strategies that other organisation has implemented in
their commodities (Morrison, 2013). This is one of the effective tool for sustaining a better
position at market area.
Affordable or social welfare pricing: This is considered as the technique in which, it
assist the company in setting the price of the commodities so that normal customers can also but
their products. Thus, it helps them in making the price of the goods affordable.
1.3 Analyse factors influencing profit for travel and tourism businesses
In the current market scenario, travel and tourism is a growing in a rapid speed. They
contribute some of its revenue in enhancing the economy of the nation which country further use
for developing infrastructure and new things. Most of the companies are preferring to establish
their business in this sector. There are various kinds of factors that are stated below that plays
some or the other role in providing benefits to the business of travel and tourism.
Political environment: Various countries have their own political system which may
vary from nation to nation. They regulate some rules and regulations which are in order to
improve and control the management of travel and tourism. Therefore, they formulate such rules
which provides maximum benefits thus, help the nation in increasing their revenues and
economy. Henceforth, it is necessary that a better communication is maintained with the
regulatory bodies.
Events: This is considered so as one of the important element so as to increase the graph
of sales in travel and tourism and products related to this sector. For this different campaigns are
organised by managers which helps them in promoting all the activities in context with travel.
Through this process, they tries to grab the attention of maximum number of people this will
increase the sales and enhancing their profitability. This assist most of the companies in
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attracting and more and more tourists and to make it possible big companies pays a huge amount
of money and it affects can be seen in the pricing the products and services.
Seasons: In the present scenario travellers are planning by considering the climatic
condition of a place. This is providing travel companies with opportunities of increasing their
sales and profitability. Summer and winter is the peak time when most of the traveller visit such
places as per their choices and preferences. Therefore for this, it is important that ATC makes
appropriate strategies which can enable them in attracting more and more customers.
Current Trend: Company is optimising all the resources like customer penetration,
market trends which is helping them in pulling attention of maximum number of people. Thus, it
is important that they work according to the choices and preferences of travellers. Along with
this, they must also go through the current trends that are present in the market area. customer
presentation, market trend, culture are the part of trends which attracts large number of visitors
and tourist (Murphy, 2013). This is one of the essential aspect in terms of evaluate the price and
making the strategies as per the market trends and culture.
Currency rates: This is considered as on of the important element that bothers every
individual. As it differs from country to country according to the economic condition of the
nation. People face problem regarding the currencies they are using along with this change in
tax also creates a problem for travellers so it is important that they analyse all the factors that are
necessary to be looked out for.
TASK 2
2.1 Different types of management accounting information used in travel and tourism businesses
An appropriate accounting information always provides a better information for making
capital projects and plans so that company can grow in an effective manner. Most of the
companies have internal management accounting system that is optimised for having a proper
management and control. Therefore, content that are achieved from this are known as accounting
information. Along with this the information that is gained from this helps the travel organisation
in making appropriate plans and strategies. Company is using decision making tool for designing
their entire trip in an effective tool and some of them are given below:
Trend line analysis: The information that is gathered form this assist the organisation in
having an overview about how much growth and development company has gained in a
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particular time frame. Henceforth, it is considered as one of the essential element for analysing
the trend line of a company.
Forecasting information: This enables company in analysing the sales and income
results so that they can forecast the information that are related to company's profitability. Along
with this, it helps the organisation in evaluating the nature and perception of change. For getting
an effective results most of the travel firms go through the information that are published this aid
them in evaluating the future trends that may arise in context with visitors and tourists.
Variance analysis: If a company wants to evaluate the actual and standard results than
variance analysis fits best for them (Nielsen and Spenceley, 2011). It provides them with an idea
about what will be the future cost projection as compared to the actual one.
Financial management information: This includes, cash flow, income statement and
financial process that will give an overview about the financial position of the respective
company.
2.2 Use of investment appraisal management accounting information as a decision-making tool
Investment appraisal are the different techniques and methods through which company
can create different techniques and procedures. Hence as a result they can easily maintain
unique positioning in the market as well in the firm. Through this they can evaluate the financial
capability of the firm and firm can easily survive in the market. Through this the organization
can easily maintain good image in market. Types of investment appraisal techniques used buy
their company are:
Net present value: It is the technique through which company determines the present
value of the investment. They evaluate cost of capital investment and thus they can easily
determine the techniques. Positive net present value is positive as it is effective and efficient
method. So hence firm utilize this method so that they can earn more revenues. It is calculated
through different mathematical formula and other accounting data (Papatheodorou, Rosselló,
and Xiao, 2011). There is a discounting factor through which present value of cash flows can be
easily calculated. It is the most effective and useful method of determining the present value of
cash flows.
Accounting rate of return: This method is used so that firm can easily determine the
credibility and financial capacity of the organization. In this projects which give high returns as
compared to the cost of investment are selected. Hence as a result they can easily be calculated.
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Pay back period: In this method company can easily determine the recovery period and
timer through investment can be received by the company. The period which has minimum
recovery period can be accepted by the organization. Thus this is also the effective and useful
method which is used by the organization.
Internal rate of return: It is the effective and efficient method used by the organization.
IN this costs of investment is evaluated and thus they can easily maintain unique positioning in
market. Discounted rate of return is used so that firm can determine the value which is calculated
as zero (Pike, 2012). Through this efficiency of project can be evaluated by the firm. Firm can
select hose projects whose value is higher than IRR value.
TASK 3
3.1 Interpret travel and tourism financial accounts
Income statement of TUI group for the year ended 30th September 2017
Revenue Amount (£)
Total Revenue 18535000
Total Operating Expenses -16535500
Selling General and Administrative 1999500
Operating Expenses
Gross Profit 1178900
Cost of Revenue 17807000
Operating Income or Loss 728000
Total Other Income/Expenses Net
Income from Continuing Operations 351700
Income Tax Expense 728000
Interest Expense -125200
Minority Interest 1079700
Income Before Tax 168800
Earnings Before Interest and Taxes 594000
Net Income From Continuing Ops 910900
Other Items -
Non-recurring Events 149500
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Extraordinary Items -
Effect Of Accounting Changes -
Discontinued Operations -
Net Income
Preferred Stock And Other Adjustments 644800
Net Income Applicable To Common Shares -
Net Income 644800
Financial position statement of TUI Company for the year ended 30th September 2017
Period Ending 30/09/17
Current Assets Amount (£)
Cash And Cash Equivalents 2516100
Inventory 110200
Net Receivables 848400
Other Current Assets 843200
Short Term Investments -
Total Current Assets 4317900
Accumulated Amortization 1375700
Deferred Long Term Asset
Charges 3828500
Goodwill 2889500
Intangible Assets 548100
Long Term Investments -
Other Assets 1225800
Property Plant and Equipment 323700
Total Assets 14185500
Current Liabilities
Short/Current Long Term Debt 2653300
Other Current Liabilities 1933100
Accounts Payable 3242000
Total Current Liabilities 6534700
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Deferred Long Term Liability
Charges 630900
Long Term Debt 2355900
Minority Interest -
Negative Goodwill 594000
Other Liabilities -
Total Liabilities 10651800
Capital Surplus
Common Stock -
Misc. Stocks Options Warrants -
Other Stockholder Equity -
Preferred Stock 1501600
Redeemable Preferred Stock -1562500
Retained Earnings 3000600
Stockholders' Equity -
Total Stockholder Equity 3000600
Treasury Stock 2939700
Net Tangible Assets -497900
Liquidity ratio
Ratio Formula Results
Quick ratio Liquid assets / current liabilities –
bank overdraft
2516100 / 6534700 = 0.39
Current ratio Current assets / Current liabilities 4317900 / 6534700 = 0.66
Profitability ratio
Ratio Formula Results
Gross profit ratio (Gross profit / cost of goods 1999500 / 1653500 = 12.09%
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