...Review of consumer protection measures in the travel and travel related services market in Australia including the role of the Travel Compensation Fund Submission by Australian Federation of Travel Agents April 2010 Contact Mr Jayson Westbury Chief Executive Officer, AFTA 309 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 T: 02 9287 9900 E: afta@afta.com.au Without a travel agent, you are on your own AFTA submission to Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs Review of consumer protection measures in the travel and travel-related services market including the role of the Travel Compensation Fund Page 2 AFTA submission to Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs Review of consumer protection measures in the travel and travel-related services market including the role of the Travel Compensation Fund Who is AFTA? The Australian Federation of Travel Agents Ltd (AFTA) was founded in 1957 to: establish professional standards for travel agents; stimulate, encourage and promote travel; bring together those acting as intermediaries in the distribution of travel services; and build strong working relationships with suppliers and consumers of travel related services. AFTA represents approximately 70% of Australia’s travel intermediaries that control more than 90% of travel intermediary turnover. It also has a substantial base of associate members, representing non-intermediary sectors of the travel related services industry. Members are bound by AFTA’s Code of Ethics. AFTA represents...
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...The Role of Intermediaries in Electronic Marketplaces: Assessing Alternative Hypotheses for the Future George M. Giaglis1 , Stefan Klein2 and Robert M. O’Keefe 1 1 Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK 2 Institute for Information Systems, University of Munster, Germany Abstract Early research in electronic markets seemed to suggest that E -Commerce transactions would result in decreased costs for buyers and sellers alike, and would therefore ultimately lead to the elimination of intermediaries from electronic value chains. However, a careful analysis of the structure and functions of electronic marketplaces reveals a different picture. Intermediaries provide many value-adding functions that cannot be easily substituted or ‘internalised’ through direct supplier-buyer dealings, and hence mediating parties may continue to play a significant role even in the E-Commerce world. In this paper we provide an analysis of the potential roles of intermediaries in electronic markets and we articulate a number of hypotheses for the future of intermediation in such markets. Three main scenarios are discussed: the disintermediation scenario where market dynamics will favour direct buyer-seller transactions, the reintermediation scenario where traditional intermediaries will be forced to differentiate themselves and re emerge in the electronic marketplace, and the cybermediation scenario where wholly new markets for intermediaries will be...
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...of Online Intermediaries Diminish the Need for Travel Agents Totally in the Near Future? Erin Toh Temasek Polytechnic Abstract This paper will focus on the comparison between Retail Travel Agencies (TA) and Online Travel Agents/Intermediaries (OTA); and how the rise of technology has affected the business model and operations of traditional agents. Traditional TA in this paper refers loosely to those with a brick and mortar store, selling travel related services with human touch; while OTA are also selling travel related services, but without a brick and mortar store and solely relies on internet as a selling medium (Bottomley, 1997). The paper will start with an overview of the booming travel industry, followed by the main challenges facing the travel industry, namely labour crunch and human touch, discussed in the context of TA and OTA. An analysis of current consumers behaviour factors as identified by Zhou, Dai, and Zhang (2007), affecting purchase decisions will also be discussed. In addition, traditional TA roles have evolved throughout the years to offer differentiated services in order to keep within the competition. The distribution of travel products has undergone changes and in order to remain competitive, TA must take a page out of OTAs, adapt to technology and online platforms in order not to be rendered obsolete. Keywords: Travel Agents, Technology, Internet, Online Intermediaries, Online agents Will The Advent of Online Intermediaries Diminish...
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...2006, p. 1/10). Marketing mix is also called promotional mix as it focuses on using the 5 main marketing communications tools; advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing and personal selling to increase sales and awareness about the brand. Collectively the role of the elements included in the marketing communication mix is to inform, persuade and remind potential buyers of the product or service. As a new product enters the market customers perceive the product or service with uncertainty. This doubt is minimized by making the customers aware of the new product through advertising and personal selling. While awareness increases, product uncertainty decreases and sales promotion is used to stimulate demand. At the same time public relation aims to increase goodwill of the company by maintaining long term relations with customers. While direct marketing shapes the behavior of the target market towards the brand ensuring a positive response. Therefore we see that marketing communication plays an informative role initially and persuasive role later (Narayanan 2003, p. 2). Emirates Airlines is a globally recognized company. It excels in the various fields including service, innovation, travel and tourism. The company also invests a considerable...
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...3. Sales and sales tools in the hotel industry and their development 12 2.4. Distribution channels 16 2.4.1. Types of distribution channels 17 2.4.2. Participants of the distribution channels 18 2.5. Development of distribution and the appearance of e-reservations 19 2.5.1. Early stages 19 2.5.2. Internet Distribution System 20 2.5.3. Online Travel Agents 21 2.5.4. Latest tendencies 23 2.5.5. Social Media 24 2.5.6. Consumer Generated Media 25 2.5.7. Meta Search Engines 25 2.6. Travel, booking and research behaviour among Hungarian travellers 26 2.6.1. Travel behaviour 26 2.6.2. Booking behaviour 27 2.6.3. Research behaviour 29 2.7. Summary 30 3. METHODOLOGY 31 3.1. Introduction 31 3.2. Secondary Research 31 3.3. Primary Research 32 3.4. Data Analysis Methods 33 3.5. Summary 33 4. EVALUATION OF RESULTS 34 4.1. Introduction 34 4.2. Interviews with intermediaries 35 4.2.1. Mr. Mate Hegedus, Revenue Specialist of Expedia Lodging Partner Services 35 4.2.2. Mr. Zoltan Katona, Marketing coordinator of Wellnessakcio.hu 39 4.2.3. Comparison of the interviews with intermediaries 41 4.3. Interview with a hotel representative 44 4.3.1. Mr. Zoltan Katona, Marketing consultant of Aquatherm Hotel Zalakaros 44 4.3.2. Conclusion of the interview with Aquatherm Hotel Zalakaros 46 4.4. Booking.com – Facts and business concept 47 4.5....
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...Distribution Strategies: Think of a distribution channel as one slice of the overall marketing pie. It is how a company gets its products or services to the consumers. Few producers sell their goods directly to the final users. Most use intermediaries to bring their product to market. Most producers do not sell their goods directly to the final users; between them stands a set of intermediaries performing a variety of functions. These intermediaries constitute a marketing channel (also called distribution channel) How can channel members add value: -In making products and services available to consumers; -Gathering key information about potential and current customers, and competitors; - Promotion Developing and spreading communications about offers; Physical distribution Transporting and storing goods; Risk taking Assuming some commercial risks by operating the channel (e.g. holding stock) ; The primary purpose of any channel of distribution is to bridge the gap between the producer of a product and the user of it. Distribution channels include wholesalers, e-commerce websites, catalog sales, consultants, a direct sales force who sell over the phone, in person or both, dealers, home shopping networks and retailers. Each channel member depends on the others. * For example: Ford Dealer depends on Ford to design cars that meet consumer needs. Ford depends on their dealers to attract consumers, convince them to buy Ford cars. The best promotion or marketing...
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...Sector Report No. 8 / 2006 ICT and e-Business in the Tourism Industry ICT adoption and e-business activity in 2006 European Commission Tourism About e-Business W@tch and this report The European Commission, Enterprise & Industry Directorate General, launched the e-Business W@tch to monitor the growing maturity of electronic business across different sectors of the economy in the enlarged European Union, EEA and Accession countries. Since January 2002, the e-Business W@tch has analysed e-business developments and impacts in manufacturing, construction, financial and service sectors. All results are available on the internet and can be accessed or ordered via the Europa server or directly at the e-Business W@tch website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/enterprise/ict/policy/watch/index.htm, www.ebusiness-watch.org). This document is a sector study by e-Business W@tch, focusing on the tourism industry. Its objective is to describe how companies in this industry use ICT for conducting business, to assess the impact of this development for firms and for the industry as a whole, and to indicate possible implications for policy. Analysis is based on literature, interviews, case studies and a survey among decision-makers in European enterprises from the tourism industry about the ICT use of their company. Disclaimer Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information...
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...Blake C Butler World History 1500-Present Essay Assignment #1 11 February 2015 Emergence of Knowledge through Co-Collaboration Raj, Kapil. Relocating Modern Science: Circulation and Construction of Knowledge in South Asia and Europe, 1650-1900. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. Kenny, Dane. Reinterpreting Exploration: The West in the World. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014. The circulation and construction of knowledge in South Asia and Europe from 1650-1900 was a time of exploration, determination, and glory. It was also a time of anguish, disappointment, and even tyranny. There were those who were driven by curiosity and prosperity and also those who were driven by selfishness and greed. Britain and India’s newfound relationship was quickly gaining a more powerful and stable foundation. New fresh ideas, intriguing concepts, and upstanding principles were rapidly being introduced into society and this was really just the beginning; there was still so much to be learned. An identity was slowly beginning to form. Knowledge became the focal point of everything. Learning and understanding concepts as well as engineering them became a steady day to day operation. However, where did the fresh ideas, the carefully calculated risks, the brilliant notions, and the state of the art technology specifically come from? Who was really responsible for this European and South Asian enlightenment? Somebody had to be pulling the strings. Many people seem to think of the British...
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...SHIP BROKING The role of a shipbroker is to act as an intermediary between the two parties to a contract, whether they are shipowners and charterers in the chartering market, or buyers and sellers in the Sale and Purchase market.The broker may be acting particularly for one principal or perhaps is the sole broker between the two contracting parties.He or she will be involved in many stages of the deals: presenting the business to potential clients,negotiating the main terms of the fixture or sale, finalising the details of the contract and following the deal through to its conclusion. Everyone can start their own shipbroking business. This is the beauty of shipbroking. Shipbroker don’t need any formal qualifications nor do they need industry accreditation. Also there are low barriers to entry. This is so important. Moreover shipbrokers usually earn 1.25 percent of the total freight bill. So if 50.000 mt of steels from the black sea to China gets fixed at usd 35 per tonne. The total freight bill is usd 1.75 million. 1.25 percent of 1.75 million is usd 21,875 dollars in comission to the broker. Economy in shipping industry Strong global economic growth and favorable geographical distribution have more than doubled the tonnage demand growthnrate from the 1990s to this decade: from 3 percent to 6.5 percent. Our estimate for 2007 is as high as 9 percent. The principal shipping and shipbroking centres are London, New York and Singapore. Tokyo has...
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...Directive COLOPHON Authors Dr. Claus Kastberg Nielsen, Mr. Christian Jervelund, Ms. Karin Gros Pedersen, Ms. Benita Rytz, Mr. Eske Stig Hansen, Mr. Jacob Lind Ramskov Client Date: DG Internal Market and Services, European Commission 7 September 2007 2 Study on The Economic Impact of the Electronic Commerce Directive TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary.........................................................................................................4 Preface 6 Chapter 1 Main findings............................................................................................7 1.1. Intermediary providers and certain online merchants have benefitted already.......12 1.2. Cross border trade and productivity growth.........................................................12 1.3. Contractual obligations in consumer contracts may hinder cross border trade......14 Chapter 2 The impact of specific provisions............................................................16 2.1. Limited liability provisions ..................................................................................16 2.2. E-contracts ..........................................................................................................23 2.3. Information requirement provisions ....................................................................24 2.4. The establishment provision ................................................................................30 Chapter 3 Country of origin...
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...ONLINE TOURISM AND TRAVEL- ANALYSING TRENDS FROM MARKETING PERSPECTIVE Dr. Manoj Dixit Reader Department of Public Administration University of Lucknow Email: manojdixit23@gmail.com Dr. Rakesh Belwal Assistant Professor Department of Management Addis Ababa University Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Email: rakesh_belwal@yahoo.com Dr. Gurmeet Singh Senior Lecturer Department of Management & Public Administration University of South Pacific Fiji islands Email: drgurmeetsingh@yahoo.com 1 ONLINE TOURISM AND TRAVEL- ANALYSING TRENDS FROM MARKETING PERSPECTIVE ABSTRACT Tourism is the world's largest civilian industry whose growth, economic significance and potential are phenomenal across the globe. Online tourism is rapidly becoming a growing topic of research and its importance as future mode of acquiring information and purchase of tourism products and services is growing day by day. The present paper has been written with the extensive research on contemporaneous data, websites and conference proceedings on tourism related aspects. Web survey, focused interviews have been used to elicit specific information for such qualitative analysis.The domain of Internet is increasing day by day. Tourism products, in particular, have yet to realize its complete advantage. Still, Internet has significantly benefited the bottom line of tourism organizations in terms of cost of converting as well as losing customers with pluses and minuses respectively. Keeping this in view, online tourism...
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...Present Value: Today’s $ v. Next Year’s $ 8 Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) 8 Mkt Strat I: Strategy Formulation, Market Assessment Tools (Frameworks), Porter’s Generic Strategies 9 Dolan’s 5 Cs 9 Porter’s 5 Forces Model 10 BCG Matrix 10 Marketing Strategy II: Segmentation and Positioning 11 S-T-P 11 Consumer Segmentation Variables: 11 Business Segmentation Variables: 11 Characteristics of Effective Segmentation 11 Bases for Segmentation Evaluation 12 Targeting the Markets 12 Pricing 12 Top 3 of 5 Deadly Pricing Sins 12 8 Steps to Better Pricing Decisions 12 Value-Based Pricing 13 Marketing Research 14 Steps in Marketing Research 14 Reliability v. Validity 14 Marketing Channels 15 Value Adding Roles of Intermediaries 15 Channel Conflict and Efficiency 15 Salesforce Management 15 McMurry’s sales representative types: 16 Motivating the Salesforce 16 Simple Salesforce Structures 16 Salesforce Size 17 Brand Management 17 Brand Associations, Identity, and Equity 17 Determinants of Successful Brand Extensions 17 New Product Development 18 Challenges to Bringing a New Product: 18 New Product Success Factors: 18 Top 10 Reasons for NP Failure 18 Marketing Communications 19 How Communication Fits into Strategy 19 Formulas: Variable Costs incurred with every unit sold/produced; linearly increase with volume...
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...CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1 Background to the Study Most producers do not sell their goods directly to the final users between them stands a set of intermediaries performing a variety of functions. The process of distribution of goods involves all human and physical means which aid the smooth transfer of such good from the manufacturer to the final consumer. Nickeil (1998) The growing of distribution is a key strategy variable in marketing management. In deed, if one look at the major strategy of the marketing mix – product, price, promotion and distribution, the greatest potential for achieving a competitive advantage now lines in distribution. Distribution still offers a new frontier for competing usefully especially if the emphasis is placed on the design and management of superior marketing channel systems to provide excellent customer services. Yet design optimal marketing channel system to boost sales, formulating innovative distribution strategies and management channels system effectively is no simple task. To day, companies are faced with choice of distribution path or strategy that will make product readily available to potential customers. Achumba (1994). Also the need for other institutions or intermediaries in the delivery of good is sometime questioned, particularly since the profits they make are viewed as adding to the cost of product which may eventually slow down sales of the product. The concept of distribution refers to where and how product and services to...
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...tourist receipts for 2006 was RM36.2 billion, an increase of about 13% compared to 2005. This is, however, RM1.4billion less than the targeted figure of RM37.6 billion(Tourism Malaysia, 2007). 2007has been designated by the Malaysian governmentas Visit Malaysia Year with the theme“Celebrating 50 Years of nationhood”. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' SeriAbdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi officially launched the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007at 8pm on 6 January 2007, during a grand ceremony in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, KualaLumpur. The country is expectedto attract more than 20 millions visitors and to earnabout 50 billion Ringgitfrom tourism related activities (Tourism Malaysia, 2006) thisyear. Name of tourism Air Travel Bridges and Tunnels Bus Travel Car Rentals Continents and Regions Countries, States, and Cities Cruises and Ocean Liners...
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...Reliance Communications Marketing Mix Reliance communications 7 P’s of marketing for Reliance Communications Product Reliance mobile always faced the problem of weak network. So to correct the major have invested over Rs 300 crore to upgrade to NGIP (Next Generation IP) network. Product has to sell itself. Now they are launching about more than 1100 network towers to provide more coverage to its customers. Price There are many ways to price a product. The pricing policy/ strategy vary in various situations. In case of Reliance mobiles they have priced their product at a very low price & they also come up with new plans. Place Another element of Marketing Mix is Place. Place is also known as channel, distribution, or intermediary. It is the mechanism through which goods and/or services are moved from the manufacturer/ service provider to the user or consumer. Reliance Mobiles do not find it very difficult to find the distribution channel because they are the old players and distribute their product in India. Promotion Another one of the 4P’s is promotion. This includes all of the tools available to the marketer for ‘marketing communication’. Reliance has recently started doing heavy promotions. Physical Evidence Physical Evidence is the material part of a service. Strictly speaking there are no physical attributes to a service, so a consumer tends to rely on material cues. As Reliance mobile provide various rental plans. People Reliance always...
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