Lucy’s Lifestyle

Playing the game ‘Tour Operator’ taught me that every tourist is unique, with diverse needs and preferences requiring tailored travel arrangements. For instance, some may prefer flying business class, while others prioritise specific activities, such as cultural experiences, during their holiday. Additionally, accommodation preferences vary, ranging from standard rooms to VIP suites, emphasising the importance of customising each travel package to suit individual requirements.

 

The insights gained from playing ‘Tour Operator’ also highlight the vital role of the Chain of Distribution in meeting diverse customer needs. Tour operators act as intermediaries, collaborating with airlines, hotels, and local activity providers to ensure that all aspects of a tourist’s holiday are seamlessly organised. This coordination ensures that individual preferences, such as specific travel classes, cultural experiences, or unique accommodation types, are effectively delivered through a well-structured distribution network.

References 

Carl et al. (2023) Tour Operator, Zatu Games. Available at: https://www.board-game.co.uk/product/tour-operator/ (Accessed: 19 November 2024). 

 

 

According to Investopedia & Tourism Teacher, (2023 & 2024), The Chain of Distribution, is the mechanism that moves products or services from the manufacturer to the end user. Depending on the product type, these chain stages can vary, but generally speaking, they consist of the the following:

Producer

The person who starts the production process, such as the product’s manufacturer or originator. Before the products are into the distribution chain, the manufacturer creates and supplies them.

Wholesaler 

Wholesalers frequently buy goods in bulk from manufacturers and resell them to retailers in smaller amounts. By serving as middlemen, they provide retailers with bulk rates and lessen the effort for producers. 

Retailer

Retailers purchase goods from distributors (or occasionally directly from manufacturers) and resell them to final customers.  They may be supermarkets, internet merchants, or smaller shops that provide goods in amounts that are handy for the consumer. 

Consumer

The final phase of the supply chain, during which the final consumer buys the product for their own usage. All of the chain’s earlier phases ultimately aim to reach the consumer.

Additional procedures, such as agents or brokers, may occasionally be necessary to help connect wholesalers and retailers. Additionally, by avoiding some conventional steps in the process, e-commerce platforms have become essential in modern distribution systems, offering direct contact between suppliers and consumers. 

In my opinion, In the tourism industry’s chain of distribution, the wholesaler or tour operator section is not always necessary. Sometimes, travelers can book directly with service providers (like airlines, hotels, or attractions) instead of going through an intermediary.

In these cases, the distribution chain is more direct, and the steps can skip the wholesaler, allowing consumers to book directly with travel agents or online, which is increasingly common with online travel agencies and direct bookings through provider websites.

References

Investopedia (2023) Distribution Channel. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/distribution-channel.asp (Accessed: 13 November 2024).

Tourism Teacher (2024) The Chain of Distribution. Available at: https://tourismteacher.com/the-chain-of-distribution/ (Accessed: 13 November 2024).

 

 

Travelling for me is a journey of discovery and growth, driven by a deep-rooted passion for tourism. My recent trip to Palma, Spain, in late April to early May was a university-led educational experience that immersed me in the world of tourism and fulfilled my eagerness to explore new places and cultures. Visiting TUI offices and attending meetings introduced me to the inner workings of the industry, offering firsthand insights into tourism’s dynamic nature. Beyond academics, this trip was a chance to connect with new people and make friends, adding a meaningful social dimension to the experience. Exploring the vibrant city of Palma, tasting local food, and experiencing Spanish culture were captivating and further fuelled my passion for understanding diverse ways of life. Travelling, in essence, combines learning with adventure, and this trip reminded me why I love stepping into new environments—it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and broaden my perspective on life.

Displayed above is an image of me on a tour bus that travels throughout Palma, with the Cathedral Basilica de Santa Maria de Palma de Mallorca visible in the background.

This educational trip also aligns closely with McIntosh, Goeldner, and Ritchie’s (1995) Theory of travel motivation, reflecting its Intellectual, Social, and Cultural components.

The Intellectual Component was fulfilled through activities that engaged my curiosity and provided new knowledge about the tourism industry, specifically regarding its impact on Palma, enhancing my understanding of how the industry shapes local economies and visitor experiences.

The Social Component of the theory was evident in the friendships and connections I built on this trip, which fostered personal growth, boosted my self-confidence, and created meaningful bonds with peers who share similar interests.

Finally, this trip catered to the Cultural Component by immersing me in the unique cultural fabric of Palma. From exploring local architecture, like the image shown above, learning about the effects of tourism on the daily lives of residents, this journey allowed me to experience the city’s identity and gain a richer understanding of its culture and heritage.

Together, these motivations enhanced my experience, combining learning, connection, and cultural appreciation in a way that deepened my passion for travel and tourism.

NEEDS CITE

References

Gopalakrishnan, K., 2019. A study on the influence of social media marketing on consumer buying behavior. [pdf] CORE. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234671427.pdf (Accessed: 27 October 2024).

Switzerland 

Switzerland is a country in Central Europe that is mountainous and contains many lakes, villages, and the tall Alps. There are mediaeval neighbourhoods in its towns, such the Zytglogge clock tower in the capital Bern and the wooden chapel bridge in Lucerne. The nation is also well-known for its hiking routes and ski areas. Key businesses include banking and finance, while Swiss chocolate and timepieces are well-known worldwide. 

Population – 8.776 Million (2022) 

Classydestinations, (No Date).

Rattanatum, T, (No Date).

Domestic and Inbound Tourism 

Due in large part to its Alpine regions, Switzerland has seen a rise in domestic tourism. 34.3 million domestic tourist nights were spent in 2021, a 16.8% increase above pre-pandemic levels.

OECDiLibrary, (No Date). 

In 2023, Switzerland received around 20.8 million foreign visitors.

– 19.76 million foreign visitors visited Switzerland in 2019, the most ever reported in years prior to the pandemic.
– When the epidemic began in 2020, this figure fell to 10.7 million – visits, a 46% decrease.
– Switzerland saw a slight 28% rise in foreign visitors by 2021, with 13.69 million tourists.
– In 2022, there were 18.3 million inbound visitors; in 2023, there were 20.8 million, which was a 5% increase over the number of tourists in 2019.

Travellers to Switzerland in 2023 spent more than CHF 18.4 billion, both domestically and inbound.

Switzerland made CHF 18 billion in 2019 from inbound tourism.
In 2020, this amount dropped to CHF 9.6 billion as a result of travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus and a decline in foreign tourists. This grew to CHF 10.9 billion in 2021, a small 13% increase.
The overall revenue from tourism in 2022 was CHF 16.4 billion. This surpassed the total revenue of 2019 by 12% in 2023, reaching CHF 18.4 billion.

Roadgenius, (2023).

Here is a table below stating the statistics from 2017-2021 of Switzerland’s Domestic, Inbound and Outbound Tourism:

OECDiLibrary, (No Date). 

References 

Classy Destinations (No Date) Switzerland Vacation. Available at: https://www.classydestinations.com/switzerland.html (Accessed: 12 November 2024).

OECD iLibrary (No Date) Site homepage. Available at: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/06538760-en.pdf?expires=1729271129&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=F0FA571B5EB4F0201B7C5F1ADC288677 (Accessed: 18 October 2024).

Rattanatum, T. (No Date) 100,000+ best mountain photos – 100% free download – Pexels Stock Photos. Available at: https://www.pexels.com/search/mountain/ (Accessed: 18 October 2024).

Road Genius (2023) Switzerland tourism statistic – how many people visit? Available at: https://roadgenius.com/statistics/tourism/switzerland/#:~:text=How%20many%20tourists%20visit%20Switzerland,tourists%20visited%20Switzerland%20in%202023.&text=In%202019%2C%20Switzerland%20welcomed%2019.76,visitors%20in%20pre%2Dpandemic%20years. (Accessed: 18 October 2024).  

Pexels, (3 June, 2020). 

References 

Guerrero, D. (3 June, 2020) Low-angle shot of Cinderella Castle in Disney World – Free Stock Photo. Available at. https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-shot-of-cinderella-castle-in-disney-world-8183994/ (Accessed: 29 October, 2024). 

Tourism Teacher, 2024. Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle Model. (online) Available at: https://tourismteacher.com/butlers-tourism-area-life-cycle-model/ (Accessed 12 November 2024).

 

 

 

 

 

Mother Shipton’s Cave

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire 

Mother Shipton’s Cave is a landmark and England’s Oldest Visitor Attraction, since 1630.

Mother Shipton, born Ursula Sontheil in 1488, is one of England’s most famous prophetesses, credited with predicting events like the Great Fire of London, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and iron ships.

Though the stories about her may have grown over the centuries, the cave where she was born remains a central part of her legend, drawing visitors to Knaresborough. Whether fact or folklore, Mother Shipton’s connection to the cave and her prophecies have made her an enduring figure in English history.

Mothershipton.co.uk, (No Date). 

Infrastructures

Many types of tourism infrastructure are essential for this tourist attraction:

Transportation Infrastructure –
Visitors can access Mother Shipton’s Cave by various means of transportation, including train, coach, and car.

Food and Beverage Infrastructure –
Mother Shipton’s Cave offers small food stalls and gift shops on-site.

Health and Safety Infrastructure –
Within the grounds of Mother Shipton’s Cave, various health and safety measures are implemented to ensure the well-being of visitors. The attraction itself is a scenic walk through ancient woodlands, where attention to safety is paramount.

Utilities and Basic Services –
Mother Shipton’s Cave provides essential services, including toilets at the main entrance, with facilities for baby changing, as well as portable toilets located throughout the site. Accessible toilets are also available to ensure that all visitors are catered for.

Entertainment and Recreational Infrastructure –
Mother Shipton’s Cave enhances the visitor experience by offering a variety of themed events and activities depending on the season, such as Halloween and Christmas-themed experiences. These events often include seasonal decorations, hot chocolate, and performances by costumed actors, contributing to an engaging and memorable visit.

This well-rounded infrastructure supports both the practical needs of tourists and the overall enjoyment of their visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave, enhancing its appeal as a destination for both day trips and longer stays.

Mothershipton.co.uk, (No Date). 

References

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Park. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-park/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Story. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-story/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Mother Shipton’s Cave (2024) The Story. IMAGE. Available at: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/the-story/ (Accessed: 09 October 2024).

Raina, A. K. (2005) Ecology, Wildlife and Tourism Development: Principles, Practices and Strategies. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons, p. 192.

What makes tourism difficult to define? In my opinion, it is difficult to define because tourism is not just one specific passage, it is multifaceted. This is because there are many reasons as to why one would have/want to travel. For example, domestic travelling to work to a different town to internationally travelling to a different country for a leisure based holiday. Essentially, tourism is always evolving based on someone’s circumstances and invention behind the trip. When it moves from person to person, it even modifies its definition. I believe that tourism is always evolving based on the circumstances and intention behind the trip. This modifies its definition.

Therefore, there is no specific meaning for tourism.

Brainy.com, (No Date). 

Pexels.com, (No Date). 

According to (Fennell, 2015), due to its dependence on primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of production and service, along with its close integration into the economic, sociocultural, and environmental aspects of life, tourism has proven to be a challenging concept to describe.

In an 1991 issue of the (Economist) the same challenge appears, Every attempt to define the tourism industry faces the danger of overestimating or underestimating economic activity because there is no accepted definition of the industry. In essence, the industry carries out people’s transportation – from one place to another and back – while also giving them lodging and food. You will not get very far with it. For example, the statistic would be artificially boosted by sales to residents if all restaurant sales were classified as travel and tourism. But, that would be just as misleading as excluding all restaurant revenues.

In terms of fundamental characteristics and theoretical underpinnings, tourism and recreation and leisure studies are very similar. According to Jansen – Verbeke and Dietvorst (1987), the phrases ‘leisure’, ‘recreation’, and ‘tourism’ form a loose, harmonious unity that emphasises the experience and the activity – based features that characterise these notions. However, definitions that are technical, statistical, or economic tend to ignore the components of the term that relates to human experience in favour of an approach that centres on the movement of people across political borders and the amount of money that results from that movement. (Fennell, 2015).

BINUSTourism, (No Date). 

References

  Hello everyone,

    Welcome to ‘Lucy’s Lifestyle’ Blog,

  My name is Lucy Poppy Read, I am 19 years old and I study International Tourism Management at Teesside University.

In my blog, I will be discussing my personal experiences and opinions on local towns and popular destinations in the North East of England.

I hope you enjoy.

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