Tour operators are always looking for new and exciting destinations to offer their customers. But how do they research and select the best places to visit? In this article, we will explore some of the methods and tools that tour operators use to discover and evaluate new travel destinations.
The first step for tour operators is to understand the demand and preferences of their target market. They need to know what kind of travelers they are catering to, what are their motivations, needs, and expectations, and what are the current trends and gaps in the market. Tour operators can use various sources of data and information, such as customer feedback, surveys, online reviews, social media, industry reports, and competitor analysis, to gain insights into their market and identify potential opportunities for new destinations.
Tour operators research new travel destinations through various methods. They attend travel trade shows, read travel publications, follow industry blogs, and network with other professionals. They also rely on feedback from travelers and conduct extensive online research to gather information about the destination's attractions, accommodations, and local experiences. It's a combination of exploration, research, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the travel industry. ????
Tour operators employ various strategies to uncover captivating travel destinations. They conduct comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends, assess potential destinations for allure and practicality, and gather insights from clients and partners to understand interests and demands. Cultivating relationships with local stakeholders provides exclusive access and insights, while staying updated on global travel trends is essential. Additionally, they conduct pilot programs to refine offerings before wider release, ensuring they provide unique experiences while staying ahead of industry trends.
Risk analysis is also key at this point, destinations may be prone to incidences such as terrorism, geopolitical instability. This will contribute to the Tour Operator vision and reduce emergency revenue losses.
Tour operators research new travel destinations through a systematic process to ensure they offer unique and appealing experiences to their clients. Identify trends and preferences: Tour operators monitor industry trends and customer preferences to understand what types of destinations and experiences are currently in demand. Customer surveys and feedback: Collect feedback from existing clients to gauge their interests and preferences for future trips. Competitive analysis: Study what other tour operators offer and identify market gaps that they can fill with new destinations and experiences.
Tour operators research new destinations by analyzing market trends, conducting customer surveys, networking with industry professionals, attending trade shows, exploring online resources, collaborating with influencers, and staying informed about government advisories. They may also conduct pilot programs to assess the viability of new destinations. If you like traveling, I personally think the best way to plan an itinerary and pick the best destination is by traveling there yourself first, that way you’ll be able to make a more accurate report on the destination and avoid any kind of misinformation issues that may arise.
Once tour operators have a clear idea of their market, they can start researching potential destinations that match their criteria. They can use online tools, such as Google Trends, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and Lonely Planet, to find out the popularity, accessibility, affordability, and attractiveness of different destinations. They can also consult with local experts, such as tourism boards, destination management companies, and travel agents, to get more detailed and updated information on the destination's features, facilities, attractions, culture, safety, and regulations.
Destination research also includes checking transportation options to, from and within the destination, travel advise, visa requirements etc. In addition, research will include general attractiveness of the destination, specific points of attraction. During trade shows, meetings with tourisme board representatives, destinations management companies, accommodation and other service suppliers is a quick method of gathering required information.
Online research can provide a lot of useful information, but nothing can replace the firsthand experience of visiting a destination. That's why tour operators often conduct site inspections, which are trips to the destination to check the quality and suitability of the products and services they plan to offer. During site inspections, tour operators can inspect the accommodation, transportation, activities, and attractions that they will include in their packages. They can also establish relationships with local suppliers, negotiate contracts, and identify any potential issues or risks that might affect their customers.
Conducting site inspections plays a pivotal role in the product development cycle, providing an excellent opportunity to assess the quality of service offerings, and discover off the beaten track options that can contribute to authentic experiences. Taking pictures and recording videos, testing the itineraries and evaluating the different accommodation options and meeting with service providers are integral components of the site inspection process.
After completing the site inspection, tour operators can start developing their products, which are the travel packages that they will sell to their customers. They need to design their products according to their market analysis and destination research, as well as their own brand identity and competitive advantage. They need to consider the pricing, duration, itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and marketing of their products. They also need to ensure that their products comply with the legal and ethical standards of the destination and the industry.
During this phase, the product is designed using the groundwork of the earlier stages and in accordance with existing concepts and product lines offered as well as brand image and identity. These factors can influence the inclusions, exclusions, and specific elements of the itinerary.
The final step for tour operators is to monitor and evaluate the performance of their products and the satisfaction of their customers. They can use various methods to collect customer feedback, such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, online reviews, and social media. They can also use analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to track the traffic, conversions, and revenue of their products. Customer feedback can help tour operators identify the strengths and weaknesses of their products, as well as the areas for improvement and innovation.