Internal & External Linkages and Flows of People, Goods, Services and Ideas Fairmont Resort

External Linkages Suppliers & Competitors: Where possible, Fairmont resort purchases from local suppliers – depends on price It has links with tourism providers – it works with travel agents, transport companies and local niche operators such as Megalong Valley Farm. Local competitors include: - ‘Lilianfels’ ,a 5 star hotel in Katoomba - ‘The Palais Royale’ , a restored hotel in the centre of Katoomba. - ‘Mecure Resort’,Leura. 2. Government & Non-Government Organisations: Has to comply with local gov. Regulations e.g. Height and colour schemes, OHS, emergency procedures etc. State Government level: must follow liquor & licensing rules Internal Linkages and Flows 1. Employment: Fairmont Resort employs 186 people (25% casual) – mostly from Blue Mtns. Employees undertake training to attain skills in a dynamic business environment and maintain competitive advantage. The resort contributes over $30 million each year to the local economy. 2. Provision of Services: The resort provides for conference-based visits (49%) as well as for overnight guests. Indoor and outdoor activities such as high ropes course 3. Customers: Sydney is the major market for Fairmont Resort. Tourists also come from the USA, UK and Japan.

Benefited from an aggressive advertising campaign by state gov Benefited from an aggressive advertising campaign by state gov. After Christmas Bushfires Tourism NSW and the Tourist Information Office, Sydney also have a role in promoting Blue Mtns as a tourist destination from which Fairmont Resort benefits. Federal Government: DFAT, Tourism Council Australia & the Dept. Of Tourism also promote Blue Mtns to overseas countries (benefits Fairmont Resort) Funding by state government to upgrade Great Western Highway (dual carriage way) will improve access for Sydney tourists to Blue Mtns. NGO’s such as ‘Blue Mountains Tourism’ promotes the region thereby creating indirect links with Fairmont Resort.

3. Technology: With the internet and development of an intranet, resort is now linked to the global market. It also links management with employees. Prospective customers can access the website to make reservations. http://www.fairmontresort.com.au/index.html

Effects of Global Changes in the Tourism Industry on Fairmont Resort Most significant changes are those associated with globalisation an technology. Fairmont resort uses Property Management System (PMS) for their computerised booking service. It allows accounts to be charged at all outlets (more efficient, streamlines payment) Website: provides tourists with information eg. Pricing, availability etc., photos and payment by credit card over the internet. Whilst more efficient, it lessens the communication between staff and customers.

With globalisation, there is more exposure for competitors as well With globalisation, there is more exposure for competitors as well. Therefore, the enterprise must maintain the competitive advantage in resort service. Globalisation means that more varied cultured tastes will need to be catered for. E.g. more Thai and Malaysian cuisines in the menus. In a dynamic business environment, trends are favouring eco-friendly (sustainable) practices. Therefore, strategies will need to be implemented that are sensitive to the surrounding environment.