Travel Agencies
| Assessment 1 | Managing Performance & Participation | | Sergei Romanenko | 10/24/2012 |
Contents Introduction 1 Aim 1 Objectives 1 Methodology 1 Background to Travel Agencies 1 Definition 1 Context – The background of Travel Agents 1 Types of travel agents 2 Data collection 2 Literature review 2 Analysis of the data collection 3 Strengths 3 Weaknesses 4 Opportunities 5 Threats 5 Suggestions/Recommendations 7 Conclusion 8 References 10
Introduction
Aim
This report hopes to examine the impact of online booking websites on traditional High Street travel agencies. It was decided to research this subject due to the increasing importance of these websites and that the traditional travel agency may suffer as a result.
Objectives
This report will achieve: * Describe online booking websites and their infrastructure * Describe travel agencies and their background * Analyze material about different aspects of travel agencies * Carry out a Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis
Methodology
After conducting previous primary and secondary research on online booking, it was decided to examine travel agencies in greater detail. The research carried out was secondary data and included journals, books and websites. This was then analyzed and scrutinized. This was done as journals and websites can provide relatively recent and relevant information for the study. Where possible, recently published books were used whilst others contained information on the main concepts.
Background to Travel Agencies
Definition
A travel agent can be defined as:
“A professional who evaluates the travelers needs and then proposes, organizes and sells one or more elements for the person’s trip”. (Mancini, 2005)
Context – The background of Travel Agents
The history of travel agents can be traced back to the 1880s when Thomas Cook was set up and sold holidays (Segreto, Manera, & Pohl, 2009).
Contents Introduction 1 Aim 1 Objectives 1 Methodology 1 Background to Travel Agencies 1 Definition 1 Context – The background of Travel Agents 1 Types of travel agents 2 Data collection 2 Literature review 2 Analysis of the data collection 3 Strengths 3 Weaknesses 4 Opportunities 5 Threats 5 Suggestions/Recommendations 7 Conclusion 8 References 10
Introduction
Aim
This report hopes to examine the impact of online booking websites on traditional High Street travel agencies. It was decided to research this subject due to the increasing importance of these websites and that the traditional travel agency may suffer as a result.
Objectives
This report will achieve: * Describe online booking websites and their infrastructure * Describe travel agencies and their background * Analyze material about different aspects of travel agencies * Carry out a Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis
Methodology
After conducting previous primary and secondary research on online booking, it was decided to examine travel agencies in greater detail. The research carried out was secondary data and included journals, books and websites. This was then analyzed and scrutinized. This was done as journals and websites can provide relatively recent and relevant information for the study. Where possible, recently published books were used whilst others contained information on the main concepts.
Background to Travel Agencies
Definition
A travel agent can be defined as:
“A professional who evaluates the travelers needs and then proposes, organizes and sells one or more elements for the person’s trip”. (Mancini, 2005)
Context – The background of Travel Agents
The history of travel agents can be traced back to the 1880s when Thomas Cook was set up and sold holidays (Segreto, Manera, & Pohl, 2009).
References: Siebenaler, T. C., & Groves, D. L. (2002). Travel Agents and Their Survival. Journal Of Human Resources In Hospitality & Tourism, 1(1), 1. Lawton, L., & Weaver, D. (2009). Travel Agency Threats and Opportunities: The Perspective of Successful Owners. International Journal Of Hospitality & Tourism Administration,10(1), 68-92. doi:10.1080/15256480802557283 Goodley, S Bortz, D. (2012). Why It Pays to Book With a Travel Agent - US News and World Report. Retrieved September 5, 2012 from http://http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/04/30/why-it-pays-to-book-with-a-travel-agent Fulton, J Perkins, E. (2011). Travel Agencies vs. Online Bookings - SmarterTravaler.com. Retrieved September 5, 2012 from http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travel-agencies-vs-online-bookings.html?id=8755570 Haller, S Colins, G. R. & Cobanoglu, D. (2008). The Internet. In Hospitality information technology. lerning how to use it (p. 297). Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt publishing company Sergento, L Maurer, E. R., & (2003). Travel reservations and the internet. In internet for the retail travel industry (pp. -). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning Mancini, M Patricia, D. (2008). THE INTERNE, THREAT OR TOOL FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES?. Annals Of The University Of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 17(2), 103-108.