CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS

READING AND COURSE PREPRATION

LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

INTRODUCTION
Learners will investigate the tour operators industry of the travel
and tourism sector, including the different types of operator, their
products and services, the scale of the industry and how it has
been affected by trends and developments. Management issues
will be covered by examining strategic and tactical decision making
in order to develop learners decision-making skills.
Learners will explore the stages involved in creating a holiday and
develop skills associated with determining a selling price for a
holiday from given information.
The role of the brochure will be reviewed against the introduction
of new methods of promoting holidays. Learners will also review
distribution methods used by tour operators to sell holidays,
including the traditional use of travel agencies and the emergence
of methods such as the internet and television.

Aim:
This unit enables learners to gain understanding of the tour
operators industry, the stages involved in creating holidays,
brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays,
strategic and tactical decision making

Key Objectives:

LO 1. To understand the tour operators industry within the travel and

tourism sector
LO 2. To understand stages involved in creating holidays

LO 3. To be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to

sell holidays
LO 4. To understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour
operators.

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:

LO1Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and
tourism sector
P1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and
developments on the tour operators industry.

LO2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays:

P.2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays
P.2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for
different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator
P. 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information.

LO3. Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used

to sell holidays

P.3.1- Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected
brochure

P.3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for

different types of tour operator

P.3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to

sell a holiday for different types of tour operator

LO4. P4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour
operators

P. 4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour

operator

P.4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected

tour operator in different situations

Indicative content guideline of the module and for the completion

of the Assignment:

LO 1Understand the tour operators industry within the travel

and tourism sector
Tour operators: as defined by EU Package Travel Directive; different
types of tour operators including outbound operators, domestic
operators, incoming operators, specialist operators, direct sell operators
Industry: identification of major tour operators including their origins,
ownership, market segments, competition, identification of specific
operators within each category; scale e.g. Number of passengers
carried, market share, turnover; products and services to meet different
markets; vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators; impact
of integration; European and global links; trends to include changing
trends in holidays (e.g. mass market tourism to customisation, product
range, all-inclusive holidays), expansion of the cruise market;
environmental awareness of tour operators, responsible tourism; effect
4

of economy and other external factors e.g. discounting, emergence of ecommerce, budget
Airlines;
The role of trade bodies including The Travel Association (ABTA),
Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Federation of Tour
Operators (FTO), UKinbound, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
LO 2Understand stages involved in creating holidays
Stages: steps e.g. market research; planning and scheduling;
forecasting; contracting e.g. allocation, commitment, ad hoc, time series
charters, split charters, ad hoc chartering, scheduled services, using air
brokers; costing the holiday (fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect
costs, load factors, mark-up, profit margins, seasonal flexing, competitive
pricing,
Skimming, special offers, discounting strategies, currency exchange e.g.
forward buying of currency, interest earning, cash flow); timescales.
LO3Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used
to sell holidays
Brochures: recognition of the planning issues including deciding the
format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product,
target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run,
multiple editions; timescales and stages of production including creative
brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof, printing; brochure launch;
recognition of legal implications; other formats e.g. CD, video, internet,
intranet, television; examination of distribution channels e.g. direct mail,
specialist carriers, haulier, consolidated delivery companies, travel
agencies, intensive/selective distribution systems; racking agreements
Methods of distribution: methods e.g. direct sell, agencies, call centres,
internet, Telexed, telephone.
LO 4Understand the strategic and tactical decision making for tour
operators

Strategic: examination of strategic decisions e.g. volume, pricing

strategies, surcharge policy, positioning and image/branding, choice of
product in relation to customer portfolio, distribution decisions;
investment funded by capitalisation e.g. cruise ships and aircraft.
Tactical: responses e.g. triggered by competition, price wars, external
factors; decisions e.g. fluid pricing, yield management, maximising
occupancy of contracted beds, utilisation of coach and aircraft seats,
consolidations; tactical marketing e.g. discounting, late sales
Course: BTEC HND IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Unit14: Tour Operations Management
W k Lecture Schedule

Outcome of session
By the end of the session
learners are expected to be
able to:
Introduction to the Mode
of
assessment,
course programme
awareness of the awarding
body, assessment criteria and
Introduction to the LO
the mode of assessment
1 Understand the tour

Activity/seminar
formative assess

Role play and

induction, helpin
each other.

operators industry within

the travel and tourism
sector

Define tour operators

Define a tour package defined
by
EU
Package
Travel
Directive;
Identify and explain different
types of tour operators
Identify the type of services
offered by the different types
of tour operators
Continuation with the Identify and analyse different
LO 1 Understand the tour tour operators
operators industry within Types of tourism
the travel
sector

and

tourism

Understand
6

vertical

and

Group work

Analyse of adver
tour operators

Activity

Tour operators ad
of news papers

horizontal
integration
leading operators
Identification of
operations in UK
3

major

in

tour

Continuation with the

LO 1 Understand the
tour operators industry
within the travel and
tourism sector

Identify major tour operators

including
their
origin,
ownership, market segment,
competition,
Identify specific operators
within each category based on
scale, products and services
Integration of major tour offered to meet different
operators: vertical and markets
horizontal integration in
leading
operators, Identify some of the leading
impact of integration; operators involved in vertical
European and global and horizontal integration
Understand the impact of
links
integration
on
the
tour
operations industry
Identify the European and
global links of major tour
operators

Group discussion
Case
study,
individual present
Reflective questio
of the class

4
Continuation with the LO
1 Understand the
tour
operators
industry within the
travel and tourism
sector

Analyse of the trends to

include changing trends in
holidays (e.g. mass market
tourism
to
customisation,
product range, all-inclusive
holidays), expansion of the
cruise market; environmental
awareness of tour operators,
responsible tourism; effect of
economy and other external
factors
e.g.
discounting,
emergence of e-commerce,
7

Case study

Practical discussi
Group discussion

Analysis of Prosp
videos

budget
airlines;

Revision of task 1
5

Introduction.
2Understand
involved in
holidays

to

LO Analyse of the different Workshop

stages Stages in creating holidays : Activity
creating e.g.market research; planning Prospectuses
and scheduling; forecasting;
contracting e.g.
allocation, commitment, ad
hoc, time series charters, split
charters, ad hoc chartering,
scheduled services, using air
brokers

6
Cont.
to
Understand
involved in
holidays

LO 2
stages
creating

Deadline to
draft of task 1

submit

7
Introduction to LO 3

Analyse and prepare the

costing the holiday (fixed and
variable costs, direct and
indirect costs, load factors,
mark-up,
profit
margins,
seasonal flexing, competitive
pricing,
skimming,
special
offers,
discounting
strategies,
currency
exchange
e.g.
forward buying of
currency, interest earning,
cash flow); timescales

Workshop stude
with case studies
tourist prospec
Thomas cook

Revision,
correction
and support for task 1
Analyse
several
tour Workshop stude
operators.
Brochures: with case studies
8

Be able to review
brochures
and
methods
of
distribution used to
sell holidays

analyse and recognition of tourist prospec

the
planning
issues Thomas cook
including
deciding
the
format (content, structure,
style, paper quality, size),
based on product, target
market
and
budget,
determining
print
specifications, print run,
multiple editions;
Analyse of the timescales
and stages of production
including creative brief,
copywriting,
proofing,
colour
proof,
printing;
brochure launch;
Working towards task 3 ,
P3.1

Cont. to LO 3
Be able to review
brochures
and
methods
of
distribution used to
sell holidays

Deadline to submit a
draft of task 2

Analyse
several
tour
operators.
Brochures:
analyse and recognition of
the
planning
issues
including
deciding
the
format (content, structure,
style, paper quality, size),
based on product, target
market
and
budget,
determining
print
specifications, print run,
multiple editions;
Analyse of the timescales
and stages of production
including creative brief,
copywriting,
proofing,
colour
proof,
printing;
9

Workshop stude
with case studies
tourist prospec
Thomas cook

brochure launch;

Deadline to submit a draft of

task 2, revision and support

10

Cont. to LO 3
Be able to review
brochures
and
methods
of
distribution used to
sell holidays

Evaluation
implications;

legal Q&A
Group work
presentations
Explore other formats e.g.
CD,
video,
internet,
intranet,
television;
examination of

Working towards task 3

Analyse
of
different
distribution channels e.g.
direct
mail,
specialist
carriers,
haulier,
consolidated delivery
companies,
travel
agencies,
intensive/selective
distribution
systems;
racking agreements

Cont. to LO 3
Be able to review
brochures
and
methods
of
distribution used to
sell holidays

Methods of distribution:
methods e.g. direct sell,
agencies,
call
centres,
internet, Teledex,
Telephone
Assignment
10

of

revision for

Workshop stude
with case studies
tourist prospec
Thomas cook

11

Revision of task 2

task 3 , Q&A

Introduction to LO4
Understand
strategic
and tactical decision
making
for
tour
operators

Revision of task 2 , students

to submit a draft of task 2 ,
assignment
revision
and
support
Analyse of Strategic decision
making for tour operators such
as : examination of strategic
decisions e.g. volume, pricing
strategies, surcharge policy,

Workshop stude
with case studies
tourist prospec
Thomas cook

positioning
and
image/branding, choice of
product in relation to customer
portfolio,
distribution
decisions;
investment
funded
by
capitalisation eg cruise ships
and aircraft
12

Cont.
to LO 4 Mid-term Assessment
Workshops
Understand
strategic
Individual work
and tactical decision
making
for
tour
operators
Deadline to submit a draft
of task 3
Assignment support
Revision task 3
Christmas Holidays
Christmas Holidays

13

Cont.
to
LO
4
Understand
strategic
and tactical decision
making
for
tour
operators

Analyse ofTactical decision

making for tour operators such
as: responses
Examples
11

of

these

are

triggered by competition, price

wars,
external
factors;
decisions
Such as fluid pricing, yield
management,
maximising
occupancy of contracted beds,
utilisation of
coach and aircraft seats,
consolidations;
tactical
marketing e.g. discounting,
late sales
14

Working towards Task 4

Understand
strategic
and tactical decision
making
for
tour
operators

To analyse the course unit

specifications and the pass Analyse and act
criteria for P4.1 as stated classroom to w
below:
task 4
P4.1 Evaluate the strategic
decisions made by different
types of tour operator
P4.2 Compare the tactical
decisions that could be taken
by a selected tour operator in
different situations.

15

Revision task 4
Assignment
support
and
Assignment support task revision for task 4
4
Deadline
submissiondraft
for task 4

12

Recommended text and links:

Learners should use the latest edition if available.
Cooper et al 2008, Tourism Principles and practice, 4 th edition, Pearson
Education, Essex
Galle, D. (2010) BTEC Travel and tourism, book 2, London: Pearson
Holloway J C 2009, The Business of Tourism 8th Edition, Longman,
Laws E, 1997, Managing Packaged Tourism: Relationships,
responsibilities and service quality in the inclusive holiday industry,
International Thomson Business Press,
Middleton, Victor T C and Clarke J, 2009, Marketing in Travel and
Tourism, 4th edition
Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.
Yale P 1995, the Business of Tour Operations Longman, Essex.

www.bized.co.uk/16-18/educators/tourism

Further reading
ABTA/AITO Code of Conduct
ABTA Handbook
ABTA Information Bureau Holiday Statistics
International Passenger Survey
Package Travel Regulations
Thomascook.co.uk
Thomas cook prospectuses
Air Tours
Signature from Thomas Cook
13

Magazines, journals and newspapers

The Financial Times and other daily newspapers which contain a
business section and market reports
Travel Trade Gazette
Travel Weekly
The travel supplement The Guardian newspaper
The travel supplement - The Times
The travel supplement Daily Mirror
Websites
www.abtanet.com

Association of British Travel Agents

www.aito.co.uk

Association of Independent Tour Operators

www.caa.co.uk

Civil Aviation Authority

www.firstchoiceplc.co.uk

First Choice Holidays

www.fto.co.uk

Federation of Tour Operators

www.mytravelgroup.comMy Travel Group

www.thomascook.com

Thomas Cook

www.tui.com

TUI Group

www.bized.ac.uk
educational purposes

provides

www.ft.com

case

studies

appropriate

for

The Financial Times business sections

www.books.google.com/booksGoogle books
www.airtours.co.uk
group

Air tours part of the Thomas Cook

14

Wk.
1

Session Update

Date

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Lecturer: Taiwo Olajumoke
Campus: Wentworth house
Contact details: UKCBC switchboard,support during the class time.

Teaching and Learning Activities

The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities.
This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand
the course material through case study and text and to apply it in a
practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and
15

discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local

business environment.
2.3

Teaching Ethos

The colleges approach towards teaching and learning is simple and

effective. The main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising
their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively.
This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and
promote success in both their academic studies and subsequent career.
2.3.1 Methods of Delivery:
LECTURES:
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the
indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and
cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of
theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and
explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their
private study time more effectively.
SEMINARS:
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give
learners the opportunity to test their understanding of the material
covered in the lectures and private study with the help of reference
books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in
advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This
method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any
points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral
communication skills.
CASE STUDIES:
An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies.
They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their
subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts
presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists
in the assessment of the learners ability to apply to the real world the
tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study
16

serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through

the course work.
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the
colleges and awarding bodies regulations. In this context the definition
and scope of plagiarism are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes
copying information directly from the web or books without referencing
the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying
another students coursework; stealing coursework form another student
and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be
investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to
the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism
policy and the student code of conduct).
Assessment:
The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the
awarding body, Ed Excel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks
specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details: Individual report approx. 4500 words.
enclosed in the assignment brief.

17

Details

ASSESSEMENT and ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Unit 14: Tour Operations Management UNIT CODE: T/601/1753
Learning Hours: 63 Hours.
Self-learning hours: 87 hours.
Course: HND Travel and Tourism Management Level 4 Credits: 15
Term:
Lecturer: Mr Taiwo Olajumoke
Verifier:
Learners Name
Registration Number
Learners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:
Signed:
Hand out Date:
Submission Date:
The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:
Centre Name:
UKCBC
Centre Number:
Please note that the assessors signature below denotes conformation
that he/she has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:
Assessors Name:
Mr Taiwo Olajumoke
Assessors Signature:
Has
the
unit
been
Internally
Verified?
Y/N
Date of verification:
Internal verifiers signature:
Internal verifiers assignment brief:

Due Dates
Issue Date
Due Task- 1
Due Task- 2
Due Task- 3
Due Task - 4

9/11/13
23/11/13
20/12/13
24/1/14

Final Due date

Unit 14 Tour Operations Management

18

14 MARCH 2014

Outcomes
Outcome

Evidence
for
criteria to pass.

the Feedback

Assesso

TASK 1

After finishing your BTEC HND in Travel and tourism management course you
independent tour operator in LONDON, specialising in Eastern Europe and worldwid
in developing the weddings niche of market.

You have been asked to research the tourism and travel industry in terms of th
operations industry and to analyse its impacts in the development on the tour opera

Research by using supportive materials such as tour operators prospectuses, textb

conduct some field trips , visits to travel agencies and tour operators, and provide
case study above, and for the purpose answer the following questions:
LO 1
Understand P1.1- Analyse the effects of current P1.1
the tour operators and recent trends and developments on (P,M,D)
industry within the the tour operators industry.
travel and tourism
sector:
Summarized
Feedback for Task 1
(reflecting 1.1 Pass
merit
and
distinction.)
IV
comments
towards
Task 1
. TASK 2

You work for the operations and planning department for Thomas Cook i
department. Your manager has offered you the position of Team Leader
assessing, evaluating and researching the stages involved in creating two new

A wedding package tour of 7 seven days in Las Vegas , USA where the wedd
sightseeing tour (see Thomascook.co.uk)

19

b) Walking tours in the VIA ALGARVIANA, Algarve, Portugal (

http://www.viaalgarviana.org/index.php/the-track/?lang=en), and http://www.viaalgarv
For the purpose write your report answering the following questions:
P2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays
P2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays

P2.2 For this task you need to evaluate and compare two different tour operators (
prospectuses and Flight centre South America prospectuses.), and for the purpose

P2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different co

types of tour operator
P2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information below.

This case study is based on Air Tours part of the Thomas Cook group, mass market
operates a time-series charter travel to Rhodes, Greece and specialises in seven da
Rhodes. This is a short haul journey of approximately three hours from London Ga
cook airlines a Boeing 737-800 with seating capacity of 180 seats.
You are going to use the services of a local agent Rhodes and he has been able to
in different resorts. You must choose one hotel and resort for your programme and
contract

B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Avra Beach Hotel, Rhodes-twin room (2
= 30 euros.
B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Rodos |Princess Hotel Kiotari

, -twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed allocation contract = 38 euros.

Supplement for half board for both hotels 15 euros.

Assume that the passengers will travel by air with Thomas cook airlines from Gatw
You have a fixed contract for 80 seats. The agreed rate is 130 per person return, i
advance for 80 seats on each flight even if you have no bookings made.
20

The agent has quoted a rate of 10 euros per person for the return transfer by coac
hotel resort chosen by you, or 35 euros return trip by taxi. He will also charge a flat
the cost of a local representative making a daily visit to the hotel.
TIPS: use the internet to help you choose which resort to offer.
LO2
Understand P2.1- Assess the stages and
stages involved in timescales involved in developing
creating holidays
holidays
P2.2 Evaluate the suitability of
different methods of contracting
for different components of the
holiday and different types of tour
operator

P 2.1
(P,M,D)
P2.2
(P,M,D)

P2.3 Calculate the selling price of P2.3

a holiday from given information
(P,M,D)
Summarized
Feedback for Task 2
(reflecting 2.1, 2.2
and 2.3, Pass merit
and distinction.)
IV
comments
towards
Task 2
Task 3

You work for Thomas Cook group and recently you have been appointed to wo
company where your main job is to work in a team where you will evaluate the pla
selected brochure of Thomas Cook group. You will work in a group of maximum
presentation (you need to discuss the dates and times with your Lecturer/ tutor). Yo
for task 3 which covers all the pass criterias mentioned below as follows:
LO3 Be able to
review
brochures
and methods of
distribution used to

P3.1Evaluate the planning decisions taken for

the design of a selected brochure
P3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a
traditional brochure for the following tour
operators of the THOMAS COOK group:
21

P3.1
(P,M,D)
P3.2
(P,M,D)

sell holidays

Air Tours , Summer 2014

THOMAS Cook Cruises Summer 2014.
P3.3 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by P3.3
different types of tour operator.
(P,M,D)

Summarized
Feedback for Task 3
(reflecting 3.1, and
3.2, Pass merit and
distinction.)
IV
comments
towards
Task 3
TASK 4

You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, w
decisions made by different types of tour operator, compare the tactical decisions
operator in different situations. In your report, please answer P4.1 and P4.2. Please
P4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the travel and tourism sector. Answers wit
a fail.
LO 4. Understand
strategic
and
tactical
decision
making for tour
operators

P4.1
Evaluate the P4.1
strategic
decisions (P,M,D)
made by different types
of tour operator
P4.2
Compare
the P4.2
tactical decisions that (P,M,D)
could be taken by a
selected tour operator
in different situations

Summarized
Feedback for Task 4
(reflecting 4.1, and
4.2, Pass merit and
distinction.)
IV
comments
towards
22

Task 4

Merit grades awarded

Distinction
awarded

M1

M2

M3

grades D1

D2

D3

P1

P2
RS:

Resubmit

Any other comments

Grade given by the tutor:
Pass

Merit

Distinction

Tutors Signature:

Date:

IV Grading Check:

Comments if any:

Agree
Disagree

Modify grade to

IV signature:
Date:
Student feedback:

Student signature:

I assure that this is my work. Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the c
context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below:

Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes copying information directly

material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another students coursewor

submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occ

procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduc

23

ASSIGNMENT

TASK 1
After finishing your BTEC HND in Travel and tourism management
course you have found a job within a medium-size independent tour
operator in LONDON, specialising in Eastern Europe and worldwide
destinations. They have a keen interest in developing the weddings
niche of market.
You have been asked to research the tourism and travel industry in
terms of the current and recent trends in the tour operations industry
and to analyse its impacts in the development on the tour operators
industry.
Research by using supportive materials such as tour operators
prospectuses, textbooks and online resources but above all conduct
some field trips , visits to travel agencies and tour operators, and provide
feedback on the findings relate it to the case study above, and for the
purpose answer the following questions:

LO1. Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and
tourism sector:
P1.1
Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and
developments on the tour operators industry.
TASK 2
You work for the operations and planning department for Thomas Cook
in the Signature packages/products department. Your manager has
offered you the position of Team Leader and has made you responsible

24

for accessing, evaluating and researching the stages involved in creating

two new package tours as follows:
A wedding package tour of 7 seven days in Las Vegas , USA
where the wedding ceremony takes place in a helicopter
sightseeing tour (see Thomascook.co.uk)
Walking tours in the VIA ALGARVIANA, Algarve , Portugal (green
tourism) a 7 days. (see http://www.viaalgarviana.org/index.php/thetrack/?lang=en), and http://www.viaalgarviana.org/?lang=en).
For the purpose write your report answering the following
questions:
LO2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays
P2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing
holidays
P2.2 For this task you need to evaluate and compare two different tour
operators (e.g.Air tours all inclusive summer 2014 prospectuses and
Flight centre South America prospectuses.), and for the purpose
answer the question below:
P2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for
different components of the holiday and different types of tour
operator
P2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information
below.
This case study is based on Air Tours part of the Thomas Cook group,
mass market tour operator based in UK. The company operates a timeseries charter travel to Rhodes, Greece and specialises in seven days
and fourteen days all inclusive tours to Rhodes. This is a short haul
journey of approximately three hours from London Gatwick. The
company will charter Thomas cook airlines a Boeing 737-800 with
seating capacity of 180 seats.
You are going to use the services of a local agent Rhodes and he has
been able to offer contract rates for 3 and 4 star hotels in different

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resorts. You must choose one hotel and resort for your programme and
decide on the board basis and method of contract.
B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on AvraBeach Hotel, Rhodestwin room (2 adults sharing) fixed guaranteed contract = 30 euros.
B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Rodos |Princess Hotel
Kiotari, -twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed allocation contract = 38
euros.
Supplement for half board for both hotels 15 euros.
Assume that the passengers will travel by air with Thomas cook airlines
from Gatwick each Saturday and stay for 7 nights. You have a fixed
contract for 80 seats. The agreed rate is 130 per person return,
including all taxes. You will have to pay in advance for 80 seats on each
flight even if you have no bookings made.
The agent has quoted a rate of 10 euros per person for the return
transfer by coach between Rhodes airport and any of the hotel resort
chosen by you, or 35 euros return trip by taxi. He will also charge a flat
sum of 100 euros for each group to cover the cost of a local
representative making a daily visit to the hotel.
TIPS: use the internet to help you choose which resort to offer.

Task 3
You work for Thomas Cook group and recently you have been appointed
to work for the Marketing Department of the company where your main
job is to work in a team where you will evaluate the planning decisions
taken for the design of a selected brochure of Thomas Cook group. You
will work in a group of maximum of four students and will provide an oral
presentation (you need to discuss the dates and times with your
Lecturer/ tutor). You will also need to submit a written work for task 3
which covers all the pass criterias mentioned below as follows:

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P3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell

holidays:
P3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected
brochure
P3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for the
following tour operators of the THOMAS COOK group:
Air Tours, summer 2014
THOMAS Cook Cruises Summer 2014.

P3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to

sell a holiday for different types of tour operator within the THOMAS
COOK group.

TASK 4
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials
like books, websites, etc. to evaluate the strategic decisions made by
different types of tour operator, compare the tactical decisions that could
be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations. In your
report, please answer P4.1 and P4.2. Please give a feedback of the
findings on P4.1, P 4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the travel
and tourism sector. Answers without relevant examples will be marked
as a fail.
P4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour
operators:
P4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour
operator
P4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected
tour operator.

Assignment Guidelines:
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Assignment Guidelines:
Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Times New
Roman script of a proper font size 12.
Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word limit as
instructed.
Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.
Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a soft copy on
the submission date.
It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline
Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless
mitigating and may be entitled for a late fee.
Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.
Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight
each question clearly.
Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard
referencing system.
All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully
acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of
visit), etc.
Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
In order to pass you need to address all the LO
In order to get a merit you need to achieve a pass and address the
characteristics of M1, M2,M3
In order to get a Distinction you need to achieve a merit and successfully
address the characteristics of D1, D2 and D3.
Use a common format for the questions, for example:
Introduction (analyse the question.)
Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)
Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)
Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario
keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)

Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their

pass, merit and distinction:
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Name:
Registration Number:
Unit 14: Tour Operations Management
Outcomes/criteria:

Indicative
characteristics

Possible
evidence

P1. Understand the As per the assessment

tour
operators criteria specified for
Task 1
industry within the pass
travel and tourism
sector:

P2
Understand
stages involved in
creating holidays

Task 2

Do

Task 3

Do
P3
Be able to
review
brochures
and
methods of
distribution used to
Do
sell holidays

Task 4

P4.
Understand
strategic
and
tactical
decision
making
for
tour
operator
Merit Description:
M. Identify and apply . Relevant theories and
strategies
to
find techniques have been
appropriate solutions. applied.
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Feedback

. Effective judgments have

been made.
. Complex problems with
more than one variable
have been explored.
. An effective approach to
study and research has
been used.
M2. Select/ design . A range of methods and
and apply appropriate techniques
has
been
methods/ techniques. applied.
. A range of sources of
information used.
. The selection of methods
and techniques justified.
.
Complex
information/data
have
been synthesized and
processed.
.Appropriate
methods/
applied.

learning
techniques

. Appropriate structure and

approach has been used.

M3.
Present
and
. Logical and coherent
communicate
arguments have been
appropriate findings.
presented
.
Technical
language
accurately used.
. A range of methods of
presentation has been
used.
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. Familiar and unfamiliar

contexts have been used.
. It is appropriate for
familiar and unfamiliar
audiences.
Distinction
Description:
D1.
Use
critical . Synthesis has been used
reflection to evaluate to generate and justify
own work and justify valid conclusions
valid conclusion.
. The validity of results has
been judged
. Self-criticism of approach
has taken place.
. Evaluation has taken
place using defined criteria
. Realistic improvements
have
been
proposed
against
defined
characteristics
for
success.
D2.
Take Autonomy/independence
responsibility
for demonstrated
managing
and
Substantial
organizing activities.
activities/projects
or
investigations have been
planned, managed and
organized.
The unforeseen has been
accommodated.
The
importance
of
interdependence has been
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recognized.
D3.
Demonstrate Ideas
generate
and
convergent,
lateral decisions taken
and creative thinking
Convergent and lateral
thinking have been applied
Capacity for innovation
and creative thought has
been used.
Receptiveness to new
ideas has demonstrated.
Unfamiliar contexts have
been applied.

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