1. Explain the tour operations environment and the challenges it faces
Unit 13 – Tour Operations
Explain the tour operations environment and the
challenges it faces 1

2. Connector Define package holiday.....
What does the term ‘Tour Operator’ mean to you?
Discuss with the person next to you.
Extension:
What tour operators can you think of? 2

3. Big Picture
You will be finding out what tour operators do and how they link with other organisations in the travel and tourism industry.

4. Outcomes ALL will be able to complete P1
MOST will be able to complete M1
SOME will be able to complete D1

5. Overview
Every year millions of people turn to tour operators to provide them with holidays to all corners of the world. Tour operators are at the forefront of the travel and tourism industry, constantly seeking out new destinations and holiday experiences to satisfy the ever-demanding and ever-changing needs of today’s holidaymakers.

6. Links with other component industries
Travel agents
Transport providers
Accommodation providers
Providers of ancillary products and services, e.g. insurance, car hire
Horizontal and vertical integration
Key terms:
Charter Flight
Scheduled Flight

7. Links with trade and regulatory bodies
ABTA
Federation of Tour Operators
Association of Independent Tour Operators
UKInbound
Civil Aviation Authority

8. Legal framework EU Package Travel Regulations
Consumer protection, e.g. Trade Descriptions Act, Consumer Protection Act, Disability Discrimination Act
Contract law
Licensing, e.g. Air Transport Operators Licence (ATOL)

9. External Influences Environmental, e.g. hurricanes, floods
Political, e.g. terrorism, strikes
Economic, e.g. currency fluctuations, price of oil
Social, e.g. UK demographics, exploitation in host country
Technological, e.g. internet, computerised reservation systems

10. Challenges Dynamic packaging Distribution channels Integration
Budget airlines
Maintaining market share
Trend towards independent travel
Responsible tourism

11. M1
Discuss the impact of challenges facing tour operators

12. Connector
What factors can you think of that have an affect on tour operations?

13. Big picture
You will be looking at news articles to look at the factors currently affecting the Tour Operations environment

14. Outcomes ALL will be able to complete M1
SOME will be able to complete D1

15. Maintaining market share
Thomas Cook has said it will close 200 UK branches over the next two years as part of its UK business turnaround plan more than previously announced.
News of the closures came as the travel firm reported a £398m ($616m) loss for the year to the end of September.
Thomas Cook has blamed the unrest in Egypt and Tunisia and floods in Thailand, all key holiday destinations for the company, for hitting sales.

16. Responsible tourism Also called SUSTAINABLE tourism

17. Dynamic packaging & Independent Travel

18. Articles
euromonitor-says.html

19. Activity
In pairs you are to read through the article you have been given. Using flip chart paper feedback to the rest of the class the main points made in the article.

20. D1
Evaluate the effectiveness of tour operators in responding to challenges facing the sector

21. Articles
market-share.html