HND in Hospitality: Tour Operations Management Assignment Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of tour operations management, focusing on the activities of LCB Tours, a British tourism company. It begins with an introduction to tour operation management's importance in the tourism industry, covering the creation of tour packages, and the generation of income. The report then delves into the evaluation of planning decisions for brochure design, assessing alternatives to traditional brochures, and evaluating different distribution methods. Strategic and tactical decisions made by tour operators are also examined, including pricing strategies, surcharge policies, and branding. The report considers the effects of current and future trends on the tour operator industry, providing insights into the time scale, stages, and selling prices involved in the development of tour industry. The analysis covers various aspects of tour operations, from brochure design and distribution to strategic and tactical decision-making, offering a detailed overview of the industry.

Tour Operations
Management

Table of Contents
IINTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................2
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
Covered in Leaflet..................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
Covered in PPT.......................................................................................................................3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................3
AC 3.1 Evaluation of the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure....3
AC 3.2 Assessing the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of
tour operator...........................................................................................................................6
AC 3.3 Evaluation of the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday
for different types of tour operator.........................................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
AC 4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator ...............8
AC4.2 Comparison of the tactical decisions (two examples) that could be taken by a selected
tour operator in different situations........................................................................................9
CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................................10
........................................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
IINTRODUCTION
Tour operation management is termed to be important element in tourism industry. Tour
operator perform various activities through distribution channel like render catering services to
inbound, outbound and domestic tourist. In addition to this it also helps in generating ample
income sources for host country by rendering wide range of services and other ancillary services.
This assignment takes into consideration Lcb tour company which is one of the British tourism

company with its headquarter in London. It provide top quality services by rendering tour
packages for more than 50 destination to the tourist. In addition to this they provide more choices
and flexibility tailored to the client's requirements. This report explains about the effects of
currents and future trends on tour operator industry. Moreover, it also give brief about the time
scale, stages and selling price involved in the development of tour industry. Lastly the strategic
decision made by tour operators are also mentioned in this report.
TASK 1
Covered in Leaflet
TASK 2
Covered in PPT
TASK 3
AC 3.1 Evaluation of the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure.
Brochure is an informative document paper which is specifically use for advertising and
it can be folded into pamphlet, leaflet and as a template. So in order to design selected brochure
Lcb tour operators does following evaluation which are mentioned below(Matilainen and
Lähdesmäki 2014):

Baroucher I specifies tens to be attractive ans cost effective. Cost incurred in brochure 1 is too
little enough. In addition to this its quality its also better and attractive as well as while deciding
the format of this brochure time required was also too less. Moreover this brochure helps in
determining the destination the tour operator is rendering to the tourist. So the Lcb tour operator
used this brochure in order to attract large number of tourist to visit and to get the service from
them.
Illustration 1: Broucher 1

Whereas Brochure 2 is used by Premier Tour operator as this broacher paper quality is good and
attractive. More over it cost was Up to the budget enough. In addition to this it is helpful for
premier tour operator to attract more tourist from all round the world as they render tor all over
the world. This barouche r helps in identifying that this tour operator render services of tour all
around the world. Thus, it is beneficial for premier tour operator so they uses this brochure to
attract more number of tourist.
Illustration 2: Brochure 2

 Cost: It is a monetary evaluation which is paid or given so as to get something. In order
to design a selected brochure lcb tour operator must decide the cost which will be
required.(Witt, 2013) In addition to this while designing the cost of selected brochure
following needs to be taken into consideration like design of brochure, distribution
channel to be used in order to create awareness, quality of prints, number of brochure
copies need to be done and wastage of print brochure must be avoided in order to reduce
wastage of money.
 Deciding the format: The next stage is to decide the format of selected brochure and
while deciding the format following aspects Lcb tour operator consider like whether to
print two-fold brochure, three-fold brochure or more like a booklet.
 Target market and budget: At this stage Lcb tour operator ascertain about the target
market which determines about the design and quality of brochure.(Tejada and Moreno
2013) In addition this they also ascertain the target budget which helps in determining
about the quality, design and the volume required.
 Determining print specifications: Specific target market, sites and destination are
highlighted at this stage. In addition to this bugets, style of font and sze of brochure are
also specified in this stage of planning decision regarding selected brochure.
In addition to this if LCB tour operator doe make proper planning regarding the cost that need to
be incurred to design the selected brochure then it may result to shortcomings for the company in
the form of wastage of resources and monetary fund in order to print number of selected
brochure. So proper planning must be done like number of brochure to be required, target
market, target budget and many more aspect need to be considered by LCB tour operator.
AC 3.2 Assessing the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of
tour operator.
Traditional brochure are use to market and to advertise a company which helps in
establishing the identity of business. Basically it has many disadvantage which the Lcb tour
operators and premier tour operator must overcomes so as to render precise information to the
customers. Various types sustainability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different
types of tour operators are explained below(neubauer and wood 2014.):

 E-brochure: It is referred to as electronic brochure which is used to render information
to the large number of customer via internet as it is regarded as online reports which
specifies about all the information related to services the company will render. In addition
to this it is used by LCB tor operator in order to acknowledge more number of customers
from outside regarding the facilities and services they rendered.
 Android/iPad Application: This is a software application which is run-ned digitally.
This types of software are specifically designed for mobile phones. As people in modern
era are mostly, connected with mobile phones.(Tariq, 2017) So Lcb tour operators uses
this technology too in order to advertise and create awareness about the services and
facilities they will render like sky scanner is one of the technology used by Samsung
users.
 Social media: in order to familiarize the facilities and services to the large number of
customers, this technology has proven to be the best way that the premier holiday tour
operators can use. Like face book, Instagram are the kind of social media application.
All over it can be concluded that all the above mention alternatives to traditional brochure
are relevant enough in order to make people aware about the kinds of services Lcb operator
renders. In addition to this it is also beneficial in a way as all this application and technology
helps to get the feedback on the spot without much delay, which is best for the company, as the
company does not have to make much investment in order to get feedback from clients.
AC 3.3 Evaluation of the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for
different types of tour operator
In order to maintain sustainability in the business activities it is necessary for the Lcb tour
operators to maintain and identify various tour operator. There are various types of methods and
tactics which are used by the Lcb and premier tour operator in order to sell out the packages
services they render, like through direct distribution, two level distribution etc. Suitability of
various method are explained below(Nkwanyana 2017):
 Direct distribution: It is channel and method used by the Lcb and premier tour
operators in order to create awareness about the services they render to their client's. In
this channel there is no middleman requires, there take place direct distribution between
the supplier and the customers.

 Social media network websites: In this method sale of services and facilities of Lcb tour
operator are carried out with different social media network like Facebook, Instagram as
this are mostly mostly used by large number of customers.
 Government websites: In order to sell and distribute holiday packages this method is
very much useful for premiers tour operators. It is the best method as government have
their stakes. In addition to this people also free secure when they carry out their
transaction process through governmental sites. It helps in creating a vie point among the
client;s that it is the true fact not the fraud one's.
All over it can be concluded that perfect and accurate evaluation of suitability about the
above methods of distribution must be done in order to attract more customers to take their
holiday packages and to enjoy it.
TASK 4
AC 4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator
Strategic decision refers to those decision which is concerned with the whole
environment under which the firm operates its activities. It mainly involves decision like to
organize mission, vision, goals and objectives. Some strategic decision made by Lcb tour
operator are mentioned below(Pavia, N. 2015):
Pricing strategy: This is the most important strategy which the Lcb tour operators by
rendering affordable and reasonable prices for the services it provide. Whereas premier holiday
tour operator used the penetration pricing staretegy. Thus, this helps in attracting more number of
customers towards them in order to get service as a result it helps in increasing the productivity
level of an organization.
Surcharge policy: It refer to the policy of charging a fee or tax which is added to the
products and services.(Shukla and Ansari 2013) In order to avoid issues like extra pay, hidden
cost, it is important for Lcb company and premier tour operator to render and communicate all
the information regarding surcharge to the clients. Thus it will help in increasing the profitability
ration and the value of the company.
Image branding and Positioning: In order to develop positive image and position of the
company in the mind-set of the client's it is very essential that for the LCB tour operator and
Premier tour operator to communicate all the relevant information which they think that the

customers should know of it. Thus, it will help the LCB tour operator to build up their own
brand image and position in the market.
Thus, overall it can be concluded that it is necessary for the LCB tour operator and
Premier tour operator to make and evaluate the strategic decisions like pricing strategy,
surcharge policy, choice of products in relation to customers portfolio and about the distribution
decision. Thus it will helps in generating maximum profit for an organization.
AC4.2 Comparison of the tactical decisions (two examples) that could be taken by a selected
tour operator in different situations.
Many business firm carry out their operational activities by developing and executing
their decision by adopting different tactics and strategies. This help the Lcb company to enhance
profit margin ratio. Tactical decision which could be taken by LCB tour operator indifferent
situation are mentioned below(Prarthana, 2017):
 Tactical marketing: It refers to such decision which are related with different activities
which are being carried out by marketing department. Decisions like how to promote the
product in the market, which medium of channel needs to be considered in order to create
awareness and many more aspects. For example like Lcb tour operator must make an
analysis regarding which place they should market the product like during summer
season they should adopt the marketing strategy to render services in hilly areas which
will helps in attrcating more number to tourist to get their services.
 Tactical pricing: It is an important decision which need to be taken by Lcb tour operator
by taking into consideration customers affordability to pay. In addition to this Lcb also
need to consider the pricing strategy adopted by its competitors so as to take up their own
decision in order to set price for products and services. For example Lcb company
should make an analysis regarding the change taking-place in the taste and preference
pattern of the customers regarding in context to the price so that according pricing
strategy can be made.
Thus, overall it can be concluded that in order to archive maximum growth rate-in the
market place and to give stiff competition in the market it is very much necessary for LCB tour
operator to take correct decision on specific time period.

CONCLUSIONS
From the above report it can be concluded that it is very much essential for the tourism
industry to take into consideration modern and advance technology in order to run business
smoothly without any hurdle. In addition to this it is important for the company to select and
implement the best medium of brochure in order to attract more number of customers to take
their services. Moreover affordable prices must be set by the company so that customer can pay
it off to get the facilities and services. Lastly, it can be concluded that tactic and strategic
decision must be taken by the company in order to earn profit and to achieve competitive
advantage in the market place.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Avgerinou, A. and Stratsiou, M., 2018. Medical Tourism in Greece, prospects of IVF
development.
Duffek33, M., 2017. The 50th Anniversary of Music Teacher Training in Debrecen.
Horner, S. and Swarbrooke, J., 2012. Leisure marketing. Routledge.
Kato, A., Hosono, K. and Yamao, M., 2015. Effect of introducing an experience-based
educational tour and organizational operation: the case of Iejima Tourism Association in
Okinawa Prefecture. Journal of Rural Economics. 87(3). pp.279-284.
Kumar, R. B. and Kumar, M., 2018. Corporate Social Responsibility in Indian Tour
Matilainen, A. and Lähdesmäki, M., 2014. Nature-based tourism in private forests: Stakeholder
management balancing the interests of entrepreneurs and forest owners?. Journal of
rural studies. 35. pp.70-79.
Neubauer, J. and Wood, E., 2014. Thru-life impacts of driver aggression, climate, cabin thermal
management, and battery thermal management on battery electric vehicle utility.
Journal of Power Sources. 259. pp.262-275.
Nkwanyana, M.S., 2017. The management strategies of selected heritage resources at tourism
destinations in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces (Doctoral dissertation,
University of Zululand).
Pavia, N., Floričić, T. and Cerović, M., 2015. Sustainable Sensitivity of Tourists and Sustainable
Initiatives in Tourism Destination.
Prarthana, Y.N., 2017. Web Base Hotel Management System For Hotel La-Vila (Doctoral
dissertation).
Sevastyanov, D.Vand et. al2015. Recreational nature management as a factor for sustainable
development of Russian Arctic Regions. Geography and Natural Resources. 36(4).
pp.369-374.
Shukla, P. K. and Ansari, A. A., 2013. Role of tourism industry in employment generation in
Gujarat: a geographic assessment. International Journal of Research in Humanities,
Arts and Literature (IJRHAL). 1(2). pp.1-8.
Tariq, A., 2017. Student ambassadors: working & how they influence.

Tejada, P. and Moreno, P., 2013. Patterns of innovation in tourism ‘small and medium-size
enterprises’. The Service Industries Journal. 33(7-8). pp.749-758.
Witt, S. F., Brooke, M. Z. and Buckley, P. J., 2013. The Management of International Tourism
(RLE Tourism). Routledge.