Page 44 - MARKETING MIX
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Distribution channel
Distribution channels for tourism and
hospitality products reflect various methods of
selling or marketing your goods which can be
divided into three main categories: online Credit : https://www.canva.com/design
channels, strategic partnerships, and offline
Online channel
channels DISTRIBUTION
Hospitality providers can optimize their own CHANNELS
website and encourage direct booking because
of low transaction costs and the advantage of
having complete control over how consumers FOR
engage with their brand.
Besides, they can also engage with online travel HOSPITALITY
agencies such as Easybook.com and
Expedia.com. As these channels have grown in
popularity for acquiring hospitality products. INDUSTRY
Hospitality providers also may use a Global
Distribution System. It serves as a global link
between travelers and suppliers such as hotels It is also generally more cost-efficient for hotels
and other lodging options. It provides live to recruit hotel representatives, especially
product, pricing, and availability data to travel when the market is far away and cultural
agencies and internet booking engines, as well differences make it difficult for an outsider to
as the ability to conduct automated enter the market.
Strategic partnership Offline channel
transactions.
Collaboration with strategic partners such as Ignoring offline distribution channels would
travel agents, travel wholesalers, and tour be a mistake. Although the internet has a global
operators is an excellent method to boost your reach, cross-selling agreements with local
sales. influential companies such as stores,
restaurants, cafés, and hotels may be highly
Travel agencies help you to reach a important distribution channels.
geographically diverse marketplace whereas
tour wholesaler assembles blocks or room and Since many travellers do not arrange excursions
airline seats and sometimes create packages as well as activities until they arrive at their
usually targeted at the leisure market. location, local tourist centers can be beneficial
Meanwhile, tour operators create packages and as well. This center provides tourist information
sell them to travel agents or directly to the and promotes local tourism activities.
consumer. They provide the consumer with the
package that is perceived to the consumer to be Attending trade shows and industry events can
a better value than what they can create on be expensive, especially for small firms, but the
their own. potential network and sales leads that follow
are sometimes crucial.
Building relationships with travel bloggers, as
well as tight participation with trade groups .
and associations, will help you get your brand
out there.
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