PlannIng for Inbound SucceSS

Transcription

1 PlannIng for Inbound SucceSS VOLUME 3 Planning for Inbound Success 1

2 Gold Coast, QLD

3 Planning for Inbound Success Inbound Tourism Where do you start? 4 Prepare Your Business 5 Information And Assistance 5 IntroducTIon to Inbound Tourism 8 Inbound Tourism 9 Inbound vs Domestic What s The Difference? 9 Why Inbound Tourism? 10 Is Your Product Export Ready? 11 The Inbound Traveller 12 Where Do Inbound Travellers Come From? 13 What Motivates Inbound Travellers To Come To Australia? 13 Long Haul And Short Haul Travellers 14 How Does Cultural Background Influence Travel Choices? 14 Long Haul And Short Haul Travellers 14 The Experience Seeker 14 Inbound Trends 18 Consumer Trends 19 Ways Consumers Are Using The Web 19 How This Impacts Your Business 20 Tourism Industry Trends 20 The MarkeTIng Plan 32 Developing A Marketing Plan 33 Identifying Your Target Markets 33 The Four Ps Of Marketing 34 > > Product 34 > > Price 36 > > Place 38 > > Promotion 40 MarkeTIng to Inbound Travellers 42 Digital Marketing 43 How To Market Effectively On Your Website 44 The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse 44 Social Media And How You Can Make 44 It Work For Your Businesses Brochure Product And Distribution 45 Public Relations And The Media 46 Familiarisations 46 Sales Calls 46 Staff Training 47 Sales Missions 48 Trade Shows 48 Tourism Acronyms 50 The Travel DistribuTIon System 22 What Is The Travel Distribution System? 23 How Does The Distribution System Work? 24 Working With Inbound Tour Operators 25 Working With Online Travel Agents 26 Working With Wholesalers 27 The Aussie Specialist Program 28 Working With Meeting And Incentives Planners 28 Working With General Sales Agents 29 Tourism Australia Market Categories 30

4 INBOUND TOURISM WHERE DO YOU START? Inbound TourISm - Where do you STarT? Bay of Fires, TAS

5 INBOUND TOURISM WHERE DO YOU START? HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY BUSInESS TO MARkET TO InBOUnD TRAvELLERS? WHO DO I TALk TO AnD WHERE DO I GO FOR InFORMATIOn AnD ASSISTAnCE? PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS Before you begin to market to inbound travellers, it is important to do some research and planning. You will need to: > Research international markets to establish who will use your products; > Make refinements or enhancements to your product to better meet the needs of travellers from these markets; > Determine what your competition is offering these markets; > Recognise the different travel styles of inbound travellers; > Understand the travel distribution system and its rate structure; > Develop a marketing plan and budget to target international visitors through a range of mediums and distribution channels; > Research opportunities to package your product with other complementary product in your region; > Develop a range of promotional material in English and other languages for both consumers and the travel trade; > Read the Planning for Inbound Success e-booklet and > Seek advice from your local, regional and state tourism office. Quick Links Research and Insights Market Information Marketing Opportunities INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE Do your homework! There are many sources of advice and assistance for tourism operators interested in finding out more before investing time and resources into international marketing. In this section you will find details on how to work with the various types of industry associations as well as contact details for some of the key organisations who can assist. Local Tourism Associations Local Tourism Associations (LTAs) are generally operated by local government and focus on servicing visitors once they are in the area or region. Generally the LTA will run the local visitor Information Centre. LTAs nurture and strengthen local tourism businesses by Bungle Bungles, WA liaising with regional tourism authorities and state bodies on behalf of operators. Local operators who are members of the LTA are also great sources of information, and potential partners in regional tourism packages. Regional Tourism Organisations or Associations Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) or Regional Tourism Associations (RTAs) are organisations of local tourism associations and local tourism operators coordinated through a regional marketing authority. RTOs develop regional tourism marketing strategies, and work cooperatively with the State Tourism Organisations (STOs) to promote quality tourism experiences to ensure their region maximises its tourism potential. not all RTOs are actively involved in the international market. Many, although not all, are membership based. Some are part funded by the State Tourism Organisations. Key Points! Meet your local tourism manager to discuss your product and plans in the international market! Discuss cooperative marketing opportunities that suit your business! Provide staff with a briefing on your product and give them regular updates! Be an active member of the organisation - attend networking functions and other events! Remember the first step is to sell your destination, then your product, so it is important to have a good relationship with your local and regional tourism association Planning for Inbound Success 5

6 INBOUND TOURISM - WHERE DO YOU START? State Tourism Organisations Each state and territory in Australia has its own government tourism agency that works with industry. The role of the state tourism organisations (STOs) is to support the development and marketing of sustainable tourism destinations and experiences within their state, to increase awareness and attract visitors. In addition to offices in Australia, STOs also have international offices located within their priority markets. Within Australia, STOs have dedicated product or industry development units that can assist operators in developing their product for the international market. This may include marketing consulting services, advisory services for new operators, workshops and accreditation schemes. Key Points! Discuss your product and plans with the international and product development units at your STO head office! Ask for introductions to other key staff such as the famil and media staff! Sign up your product as part of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), and subscribe to the STO database! Review your STOs cooperative marketing prospectus for the most suitable opportunities for your organisation! Provide briefings, train, educate and provide feedback to STO staff both in Australia and overseas Quick Links STO Contacts ATDW Tourism Australia Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for international and domestic tourism marketing. Their activities in over 20 markets, including Australia, include advertising, public relations and media programs, trade shows and programs for the tourism industry, consumer promotions, online communications and research. Tourism Australia s Business Development Managers are your best contact point for information about Tourism Australia s activities, events, research and marketing opportunities. Their aim is to connect you directly to marketing programs and resources that will help you generate more business and help you gain a better understanding of market conditions. Quick Links About Tourism Australia Business Development Managers Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) ATEC is the industry development body that represents the interests of over 1,000 tourism export businesses throughout Australia. ATEC is a membership based organisation that currently represents inbound tour operators (ITOs), online operators, Australian tourism product suppliers and service providers around Australia. ATEC s primary role is to optimise the business success of its members so that the resulting economic and social impact of tourism exports for Australians is maximised. ATEC represents the interests of its members to government, industry and the wider business community. Austrade Austrade is the Federal government agency responsible for assisting Australian exporters gain entry into international markets. Located in 55 countries worldwide they offer practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support to Australian businesses looking to develop business from international markets. It also offers financial support to some categories of exporters through the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Scheme. International tourism is an international export which is eligible for assistance under the EMDG scheme. Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) The Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has primary responsibility for tourism policy and works closely with industry to identify and address impediments to growth and maximise yield. The Department also provides detailed reports and strategies on different issues that affect tourism in Australia. Tourism Research Australia (TRA) Tourism Research Australia provides superior research information that supports improved decision making, marketing and tourism industry performance. Tourism Research Australia is a branch of RET and offers a full range of reports, covering international and domestic tourism, and research tailored to regional areas. Kangaroo Island, SA

7 Quick Links ATEC s activities and events Austrade Business advice on planning, starting and growing your business Tourism industry contacts TRA default.aspx Planning for Inbound Success 7

8 InTroducTIon To Inbound TourISm Melbourne, VIC

9 INTRODUCTION TO INBOUND TOURISM WHAT IS InBOUnD TOURISM? WHAT IS THE DIFFEREnCE BETWEEn InBOUnD AnD DOMESTIC TOURISM? WHY PURSUE InBOUnD TOURISM? IS YOUR PRODUCT ExPORT READY? INBOUND TOURISM Inbound tourism covers all international tourist traffic entering a country. It is also known as export tourism (Australia is the export), because although tourists enjoy their travel experience within Australia, they are paying for it using foreign currency. Inbound tourism is big business in Australia with the tourism export sector worth $26 billion. visitor arrival details are published on a monthly basis by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Tourism Forecasting Committee (TFC) publishes forecasts for Australian inbound travel twice a year. The International visitor Survey (IvS) is published quarterly by Tourism Research Australia and is the most comprehensive source of information on international visitors to Australia. The IvS samples 40,000 departing, short-term international travellers over the age of 15 years who have been visiting Australia. Quick Links Tourism Australia Research INBOUND VS DOMESTIC WHAT S THE DIFFERENCE? Domestic tourism accounts for 75 per cent of all tourism in Australia. International visitors make up the remaining 25 per cent. International tourists usually travel for longer and spend more money than domestic travellers. The vast majority of Australian operators concentrate on marketing their product domestically and then market to international travellers once they have secured a foothold at home. While marketing your product to international travellers has many benefits, there are a number of differences between domestic and international tourism markets. Key Points! It is important to understand that overseas markets are very competitive. not only are you competing against companies that provide similar products, you are also competing against other international destinations. Selling your region and educating travellers about your destination and its attributes is often the first step in selling your product Domestic Market Travellers are familiar with Australia Lower marketing costs Traveller needs are consistent across segments Distribution system is consistent and operators often deal with consumers directly Simpler, short break style itineraries no language or cultural barriers Easy market to enter and return on investment established more quickly International Market Travellers may have limited knowledge of Australia Higher marketing costs Traveller needs vary in each market and segment Distribution systems vary in each market Complex itineraries Language and cultural differences Long term investment to recoup costs Planning for Inbound Success 9

10 WHY INBOUND TOURISM? Inbound tourism allows tourism operators to diversify their markets and access new areas of business that may balance out regular domestic business patterns. There are many benefits to inbound tourism including: > International travel patterns are not focused around weekends and may level out seasonality problems; > Spreading risk across a range of international markets can minimise the impact of any changes in the domestic or a single international travel market; > Tapping into inbound distribution networks opens up new forms of distribution and gives millions of potential travellers around the world easy access to your product; > International travellers provide a higher yield and spend, on average, three times more than domestic travellers on each trip; > Booking lead times are usually longer, allowing better business planning; and > The opportunity to meet people from a range of cultures and backgrounds can be extremely rewarding. Key Points! Successful inbound marketing requires a large investment of time and money and is based on establishing and maintaining good business relationships! You may have to wait several years before you earn a return on your investment IS YOUR PRODUCT EXPORT READY? not all tourism products are suitable for marketing overseas. Some products may need to be refined before being marketed to inbound consumers, or may only suit specific markets or niche consumer segments. Other products may be more attractive to inbound markets as part of a package. Before investing your time and money in the international market ask yourself the following questions. If you can answer YES to these questions then you are on your way to becoming export ready. Bay of Fires, TAS

11 INTRODUCTION TO INBOUND TOURISM Is your business established in the domestic market? Very few businesses enter the inbound market without first establishing themselves in the domestic market. EXPORT READY Do you have booking mechanisms in place for international markets? You should offer same day booking confirmation via or the internet within 3 to 4 hours. EXPORT READY Do you understand the international distribution system? Be familiar with the role of an Inbound Tour Operator, Wholesaler, Online and Retail Travel Agent. EXPORT READY Are you familiar with commission levels? You should allow up to 30% commission for distribution through Inbound Tour Operators and 20% for wholesalers. EXPORT READY Do you understand online distribution channels? Understand how to distribute your product online and how this impacts on other distribution partners. EXPORT READY Do you understand the concept of pricing? Set and guarantee rates up to 18 months ahead to coincide with the travel industry calendar from 1 April 31 March. EXPORT READY Do you understand where consumers can source information about your product? Be aware of User Generated Content travel websites and how these influence consumer s product choice. EXPORT READY Have you researched international markets to establish where your product fits? Use industry resources to understand key source markets. EXPORT READY Do you understand the needs of international markets? Consider the travel styles, motivations, expectations language and cultural differences of international travellers. EXPORT READY Have you researched international markets to establish where your product fits? Use industry resources to understand key source markets. EXPORT READY Do you have an active quality assurance program? Provide consistent levels of service, quality products and reliable operating schedules to adhere to consumer protection laws. EXPORT READY Are you prepared to work cooperatively with Tourism Australia, your STO, RTA/ RTO, and LTA? These organisations can offer a range of cooperative advertising and promotional opportunities. EXPORT READY Planning for Inbound Success 11

12 The Inbound TraVeller Lizard Island, QLD

13 THE INBOUND TRAVELLER WHERE DO InBOUnD TRAvELLERS COME FROM? WHAT MOTIvATES InBOUnD TRAvELLERS TO COME TO AUSTRALIA? WHO ARE LOnG HAUL AnD SHORT HAUL TRAvELLERS? HOW DOES CULTURAL BACkGROUnD InFLUEnCE TRAvEL CHOICES? WHO ARE ExPERIEnCE SEEkERS? WHAT ARE AUSTRALIA S key ExPERIEnCES? WHAT ARE THE DIFFEREnT STYLES OF TRAvEL? WHERE DO INBOUND TRAVELLERS COME FROM? Tourism Australia operates in over 20 markets within six major regions worldwide: north Asia, South and South East Asia and the Gulf Countries in the eastern hemisphere and the United kingdom and Europe, the Americas and new Zealand in the western hemisphere. The major source markets for Australia include new Zealand, United kingdom, United States, China, Japan, korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany and Hong kong. Where a traveller comes from will influence a number of factors including: > The length of visit; > How much they spend, what they eat and what they buy; > What they do and the attractions they visit; > What destinations within Australia they visit; and > The type of accommodation, touring, activities and attractions they prefer. Quick Links Tourism Australia s key markets WHAT MOTIVATES INBOUND TRAVELLERS TO COME TO AUSTRALIA? People travel to experience difference and travel choices are influenced by many factors, including age, cultural background, previous travel experience and available holiday time. Current economic, environmental and political concerns also impact travel choices. The primary motivation for planning a holiday will affect a tourist s choice of destination. For example, an Asian honeymoon couple will have very different requirements from a German backpacker or an American family. Experiences are increasingly important to international travellers, and what compels and motivates people to travel varies from market to market. When planning a trip, travellers will generally select a destination that can provide the experiences that they are looking for. These experiences are underpinned by specific tourism products. While the product itself is an important part of the overall tourism experience, it is generally not the primary reason for visiting a destination. Key Points! Research international markets and segments to determine which ones match your product! Don t try to appeal to all markets and all people as you end up satisfying no one! Work cooperatively with complimenting partners to promote your destination or region as a total package or experience Kangaroo Island, SA Planning for Inbound Success 13

14 THE INBOUND TRAVELLER Waterhole swimming, NT LONG HAUL AND SHORT HAUL TRAVELLERS Tourist perceptions are influenced by their knowledge of the destination, the distance they need to travel to the destination, media coverage, advertising, their available holiday time and whether it is a first or repeat visit. In short haul markets, such as new Zealand, Australia is a highly achievable destination. Short haul visitors often travel to Australia more than once and purchase shorter, more frequent trips. With familiarity comes the confidence to plan their own trip, travel to destinations beyond the gateways or travel in a less structured, more independent style. In long haul travel markets, such as the United States and Europe, Australia is seen as a destination that requires a large commitment of both time and money. There is much greater pressure on first time visitors to see as much as possible or to see the key icons. In many instances, long haul travellers believe Australia is the trip of a lifetime and see it as a single visit destination. HOW DOES CULTURAL BACKGROUND INFLUENCE TRAVEL CHOICES? Cultural background greatly influences the way an international traveller experiences Australia s key natural and cultural attractions. International travellers often visit the same attractions but they may each take something completely different out of the experience. For example, an Asian visitor may visit the Sydney Opera House to see the building and have their picture taken but an American visitor may want to experience a performance. Cultural background also drives the types of tours, activities, food and accommodation requested by international travellers during their stay in Australia. A German tourist may want to hire a campervan and visit remote, unpopulated locations. An American couple may request a twin room with two queen beds. A Chinese group may express a desire for certain foods during a tour. Key Point! You will need to vary your product presentation in each market to appeal to different consumers Quick Links Tourism Australia s Market Information International Visitors Survey THE EXPERIENCE SEEKER Tourism Australia s target market - Experience Seekers - can be found among all age groups, income levels, and geographic locations. They are not a demographic they have a particular mindset! Using psychographic research, studies find how travellers think and feel to determine the personal factors that influence them to travel. Experience Seekers are less affected by the traditional barriers to travel of distance, time and cost. They are more informed, interested and curious about potential travel destinations. They constitute around 30 to 50 per cent of all potential long haul outbound travellers from key source markets. This target market is highly predisposed to Australia s offer and is more likely to stay longer, spend more and disperse to regional areas. Research has shown that the Experience Seeker has a number of key wants to satisfy their travel experience: > Authentic personal experiences; > Social interactions; > Meeting and interacting with the locals; > Experiencing something different from their normal day-to-day life; > Understanding and learning about different lifestyles and cultures; > Participating in the lifestyle and experiencing it, rather than observing it; > Challenging themselves physically, emotionally and/or mentally; > visiting authentic destinations that are not necessarily part of the tourist route; and > Exposure to unique and compelling experiences. To assist with global marketing efforts, Tourism Australia takes a segmented approach, allowing messages to be appropriately targeted to various life stages and mind sets. In each segment, there is an emphasis on attracting first time visitors. Segments include youth, family, holiday maker and honeymoon. Quick Links Our Target Market. The Experience Seeker Segments we target

15 THE INBOUND TRAVELLER AUSTRALIA S KEY EXPERIENCES Tourism Australia s aim is to move Australia to the top of the list for the Experience Seeker by promoting Australia s key experiences. These key experiences have been identified as taking into account the Experience Seekers motivations and needs. The seven experiences are based on Australia s core strengths and our points of difference from the rest of the world. Australia s key experiences are: Aboriginal Australia learning about traditional Aboriginal practices as well as contemporary interpretations Nature in Australia discover and learn about distinctive plants and intriguing wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world Outback Australia enjoy the vast open spaces and meet the people that make this uniquely Australian landscape what it is Aussie Coastal Lifestyle offers some of the most diverse, least-crowded and unspoilt coastal experiences in the world Food and Wine enjoy Australia s fabulous food and wine served by friendly Aussies in great locations Australian Major Cities enjoy Australia s way of life and culture Australian Journeys discover the diversity, the wonders, the towns, the people and their unique way of life. Quick Links Australian Experiences Framework Australian Experiences Industry Toolkit - Boosting your bottomline boostingyourbottomline Planning for Inbound Success 15

16 THE INBOUND TRAVELLER National Gallery, Canberra, ACT WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF TRAVEL? Tourists can choose from a range of different travel styles based on whether their trip is for leisure, business, a special interest or family reasons. A tourist s travel style will influence their choice of tours and activities, style of accommodation, transport and the location of their product purchases. These choices will be influenced by the tourist s age, budget, cultural background and previous travel experience. The maturity of the outbound travel market from the tourist s home country will also influence their preferred style of travel. The following section outlines several loosely defined travel styles. As with everything in the tourism industry, travel styles are constantly evolving and definitions vary from market to market. Group Inclusive Tour or Travellers (GIT) > Pre-purchase the bulk of their holiday before leaving home via distributors > Prefer structured itineraries > Have highly organised and pre booked tour arrangements > Use distributor s preferred products > Common in less mature markets and with certain segments such as educational groups Partially Packaged Travellers > Pre book skeleton package of airfares, transfers and accommodation prior to arrival > Search for competitive rates > Optional themed extras such as car hire and tours are offered at the point of sale to appeal to different segments Backpackers > Spend at least one night in a backpacker hotel or youth hostel during their stay > Traditionally 18 to 25 year olds but often people aged 30 and beyond travel this way > Prefer a highly independent and unstructured approach towards travel > Rely heavily on the internet and social media for information > Often include voluntourism in their travels - volunteering for a charitable cause Business Travellers > Include delegates of a large conference or an individual on a business trip > Often include a component of leisure travel during their visit such as pre and post conference touring > Include delegates participating in an incentive tour - a specialised business segment which rewards performance with travel experiences > Offer high yield as the per head spend is often very high Fully Independent Travellers (FIT) > Like the freedom of planning their own arrangements > Arrange some core holiday components prior to arrival > Organise the bulk of their itinerary independently often after their arrival > Rely heavily on word of mouth, the internet and social media when planning their trip Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) > Cite friends and relatives as the primary reason for travel > Often travel beyond the family base to other destinations > Rely on the recommendations and advice of their Australianbased friends and relatives when planning their trip Education Travellers > Include short course participants, long term university students, school excursions and exchanges > Cite study as the main purpose of their visit but there may be a tourism component to the trip > Have families who may visit and travel throughout the course of study > Often require specialised arrangements depending on the age of students Special Interest Travellers (SIT) > Travel for reasons associated with personal interests such as agritourism, health and wellness or bird watching > Book through agents or operators who possess a high level of expertise and can access specialised tours, guides, expert lectures and location visits that are not part of the traditional tourism infrastructure > Have customised itineraries > Offer high yield but often low volume Great Barrier Reef, QLD

17 Planning for Inbound Success 17

18 Inbound TrendS Gold Coast, QLD

19 INBOUND TRENDS COnSUMER TREnDS WAYS COnSUMERS ARE USInG THE WEB AnD HOW THIS IMPACTS YOUR BUSInESS TOURISM InDUSTRY TREnDS CONSUMER TRENDS > Inbound tourism is consumer driven due to consumer s increased access to travel information and their customised travel requirements. Increasingly, consumers do not wish to be packaged. > Consumers are researching, planning and booking their travel online and booking lead times are becoming shorter. Consumers are searching for last minute deals, usually the airfare. > Consumers are booking components of their itinerary online; however the travel agent or wholesaler is seen as a risk mitigator, particularly in long haul markets. > Consumer s expectations are changing. They have been exposed to more of the world either physically (through travel) or virtually (through travel documentaries and the internet) and have become more perceptive with a better understanding of value for money. > With the convergence of technology into one device such as the iphone or ipad, consumers have instant access to information including: flight schedules; check-in applications; geo location based travel information and map updates; virtual reality views of hotel rooms and locations; user profile preferences that can alert you to restaurants, shops or galleries as you travel; and social media sites. WAYS CONSUMERS ARE USING THE WEB Consumers using the web are offered credible knowledge and engaging tools to help them create the perfect trip. Due to user generated content (UGC) travel review websites, blogs and the internet, consumers have access to a large range of information to research and plan their travel. This means consumers are more informed in their travel product choices. Many consumers now base their travel decisions around customer ratings they read online. Consumers are also talking to each other on the internet which enables them to reach a large audience quickly. Word of mouth is a trusted source of information for travellers. TraVEL review SiTES BLOgS COnSUMErS TaLking TO EaCh OThEr On internet SOCiaL MEdia SiTES VidEO and PhOTO Sharing SiTES Daintree, QLD Planning for Inbound Success 19

20 INBOUND TRENDS These sites are used to cross check travel information and to update friends and family whilst travelling. The conversations act as personal recommendations in real-time to an individual s entire network. Using the web, consumers can produce information which can be more powerful than your own marketing in encouraging potential customers to purchase your product. This means the relevance of official travel sites are declining due to community forums and UGC sites for travellers that are often considered more credible. Key Point! The internet has increased the reach of word-ofmouth by giving every consumer the power to publish their thoughts, feelings and experiences online The following websites are popular with travellers: Travel sites > realtravel > virtualtourist > gusto! > tripadvisor > world66 > Wikitravel > WAYn > Hostelworld > IgoUgo Websites that may include travel > YouTube > Facebook > Twitter > vimeo > Flickr > videoegg > Second Life > Revver > Myspace.com > bebo HOW THIS IMPACTS YOUR BUSINESS The best strategy is to ensure the quality of the products and services you deliver meet the expectations of your visitors. Some points to consider: > Make your product about the experience you offer. Ensure it stands out in terms of quality, value and uniqueness; > Ensure customers can find you on the internet. Use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and key words that highlight your experience; > Make it easy for customers to contact you and make bookings; > Where possible personalise your customer service; > Provide a place where customers can write reviews or leave photos on your website; > See what customer information already exists about you by searching online; and > If a complaint is received or things go wrong, ensure you handle the situation professionally. Key Point! Use Google Alerts and to monitor what is being said about your business online and have your product mystery shopped Quick Links Tourism e-kit TOURISM INDUSTRY TRENDS As a tourism product supplier it is important to be aware of trends that are occurring in the tourism industry and how these may impact on your business. Regular newsletters and updates are available from Tourism Australia, ATEC (Australian Tourism Export Council), STOs, RTOs and LTAs and other relevant industry associations. Be sure to subscribe to keep up to date! Here are the major trends occurring in the tourism industry: > Online distribution is increasing in the traditional distribution system with wholesalers and retail travel agents having an online presence; > Increasingly, consumers are using online travel agents to research, plan and book their travel; > Retail travel agents are consolidating into large consortiums to increase their buying and marketing power;

21 > Dynamic pricing and packaging is commonplace due to yield management, yet rate integrity is still vital; > Channel managers are emerging in the accommodation sector. Their role is to distribute inventory across multiple online channels to assist with yield management; > Sustainability and being green has become increasingly relevant to tourism businesses and events; > There is a shift to customised itineraries and more demand for special interest travel with a high per person spend; > There is continued interest from consumers in self- drive itineraries into regional areas with local interaction important and product bundling more prevalent; > Lack of training and labour shortages due to the mining boom are having an impact on service levels in the tourism sector, particularly in regional and remote areas; > Backpackers are more discerning in their travel choices due to increased standards and choices in the accommodation sector; > The cruising sector has seen growth both in inbound and outbound markets; > The rise of low cost air carriers has made travel more affordable and taken market share away from full service carriers; > Outbound travel is on the increase and has impacted on tourism operators as domestic travel is often their core business. Many operators are now looking at inbound markets to diversify their market mix and spread the risk; > Education travel has slowed due to external factors and the Global Financial Crisis (GFC); and > visas in many key markets are taking longer to be approved as the Australian government is concerned about overstays. Barossa Valley, SA Bay of Fires, TAS Planning for Inbound Success 21

22 The TraVel distribution SySTem

23 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WHAT IS THE TRAvEL DISTRIBUTIOn SYSTEM? HOW DOES THE DISTRIBUTIOn SYSTEM WORk? WORkInG WITH InBOUnD TOUR OPERATORS WORkInG WITH OnLInE TRAvEL AGEnTS WORkInG WITH WHOLESALERS WORkInG WITH RETAIL TRAvEL AGEnTS WHAT IS THE AUSSIE SPECIALIST PROGRAM? WORkInG WITH MEETInG AnD InCEnTIvE PLAnnERS WORkInG WITH GEnERAL SALES AGEnTS WHAT IS THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM? The travel distribution system is a complex, global network of independent businesses. This network includes a series of distributors or intermediaries, who play a specific role in the development, promotion and purchasing process of Australian tourism experiences. Travel distributors allow you to broaden your customer base far beyond the reach of your own limited marketing budget. They are important to the inbound tourism industry as overseas consumers still heavily rely on the advice of local travel experts when planning and booking their Australian holiday, particularly in long haul and emerging markets. The travel distribution system covers all the channels through which an international traveller can buy your product. Other than approaching you directly, international travellers may book your product as follows. Key Point! Distribution channels and consumer purchasing behaviour varies from market to market so you will also need to understand the structure of the distribution system specific to your target markets Phillip Island, VIC inbound TOUr OPEraTOr MEETing PLannEr YOUr PrOdUCT OnLinE Or retail TraVEL agent wholesaler Sydney Harbour, NSW Planning for Inbound Success 23

24 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Byron Bay, NSW HOW DOES THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WORK? The travel distribution system has traditionally been very structured with clearly defined functions for each role in the chain. However, online technology and company mergers have transformed the tourism industry, with an increasing amount of cross over in the roles and functions of various sectors of the distribution system. Businesses are engaging a mix of distribution partners to ensure the most effective way of reaching their target consumers. Traditional Distribution Channels New Distribution Channels SUPPLiEr SUPPLiEr ChannEL ManagEr ito SwiTCh wholesaler retailer OnLinE TraVEL wholesalers global distribution SYSTEMS TradE wholesalers /inbound TraVEL ManagMEnT COMPaniES CUSTOMEr OnLinE TraVEL agents TradiTiOnaL TraVEL agent CUSTOMEr Source:

25 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM The traditional structure of the distribution system includes Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) based in Australia; wholesalers based overseas and international retail travel agents, the link to the international consumer. However, this varies considerably from market to market. For example, it is not uncommon for an inbound tour operator to be part of a larger company that may also operate a wholesale arm in an overseas market, or for a wholesaler to also operate the travel agencies that sell its packages. As the traditional distribution system continues to evolve, it is important to clearly understand the structure of the companies that you work with and their relationships with other organisations. With the growth of the internet, many traditional travel distributors such as wholesalers and travel agents are taking an online approach as well as offering their services from a retail shopfront. There has also been an increase in online travel agencies (OTAs) who operate solely in the online environment. Both online and traditional distribution partners have the opportunity to work with each other and directly with products and customers. Therefore it is vital to understand each partner s role and how your product can benefit from their part in the distribution network. What are travel distributors looking for? Travel distributors seek product suppliers that can offer: > Quality products and experiences; > Reliability and efficiency (consistent operating hours and regular schedules); > High levels of customer service and helpful reservations staff; > Understanding of the cultural needs of different markets; > Consistent pricing policies that consider all levels of distribution; > Easy communication via , toll free numbers and fax; and > Fast and efficient turnaround and response times. Key Point! Building relationships and establishing your product takes time. It can take a minimum of 12 to 18 months to see results WORKING WITH INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS An inbound tour operator (ITO), also known as a ground operator or destination management company (DMC), is an Australian based business that provides itinerary planning and product selection, and coordinates the reservation, confirmation and payment of travel arrangements on behalf of their overseas clients. They bring the components of accommodation, tours, transport and meals together to create a fully inclusive itinerary. ITOs are the link between Australian tourism products and the overseas travel distributors that buy them, including travel wholesalers, direct sellers, travel agents, meeting planners and event planners. The Office of Fair Trading allows ITOs to obtain a license under the Travel Agents Act in every Australian State and Territory (except the northern Territory). ITOs must be licensed operators if they wish to join the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC). All ITOs must be audited annually and meet strict criteria provided by the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) in order to qualify for their license. Dealing with an ITO provides many benefits for overseas travel distributors, including: > Local expertise on existing and new Australian tourism experiences; > Itinerary consultation and advice on packaging products together; > Instant access to a wide range of tourism products, eliminating the need to contact individual suppliers; > Assisting in quality control by providing first hand feedback; and > Acting as a local contact point for the clients of overseas distributors visiting Australia. Dealing with an ITO offers many advantages for tourism operators, including: > Regular business from a number of markets; > Extensive knowledge of international consumer needs; > ITOs make regular sales visits to their overseas markets and act as an extension to your marketing arm and booking office; > Access to international travel partners, expanding your distribution network; > Easier communication and payment recovery; and > Payment in Australian currency. Great Ocean Road, VIC Planning for Inbound Success 25

26 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Lifesaver How to distribute your product through an Inbound Tour Operator Larger ITOs have product departments that identify and select the products and suppliers they want to sell. These departments can offer advice on suitable markets for your product and suggestions about product development and packaging. ITOs often specialise in particular inbound markets or market segments so it is important to research the ITO and understand their business and how your product fits into their programs. Top Tips for working with ITOs > Research who the ITO works with in the distribution system and which markets they target to ensure your product is the correct fit; > Become a member of ATEC; > Compile a sales kit with product fact sheets (in PDF format), brochures and images; > Ensure information on your website is up to date; > Provide rates that allow for ITO commissions and include concise terms and conditions. Be prepared to provide rates up to 18 months in advance; > Provide information in language (online fact sheets, brochures) if targeting markets where English is not commonly spoken; > Participate in ITO networking events, workshops or famils organised by ATEC, your STO or RTO; > Provide ITOs with prompt (same day) turnarounds on enquiries, quotations and bookings; > Don t ask for prepayments or deposits; > Accept ITO vouchers and trading terms; > Action complaints promptly; > Provide updated product information, training and famils for key ITO staff; and > Check that the ITO is licensed by contacting ATEC or the Office of Fair Trading. Don t be afraid to speak to other businesses that work with the ITO to confirm that it is a reputable company. Where do you find ITOs? WORKING WITH ONLINE TRAVEL AGENTS Online travel agents (OTAs) specialise in online distribution and have no intermediaries they deal directly with consumers and tourism product. Consumers can purchase a product or an entire holiday package online. Online distribution is less structured than the traditional travel distribution system. Commission levels vary, depending on how the site is operated. How to distribute your product through an Online Travel Agent Before establishing a distribution deal with any online partners, it is important to research the site, how it operates and how it will promote your product, as well as how information is loaded and updated. An excellent tool to determine the most visited consumer travel websites is Experian Hitwise. This company provides insights and reviews into the performance of travel websites. Many sites provide you with access to maintain and update your details. While this does provide you with control over the information on your product it can also be very time consuming, especially if you are featured on a number of sites. Online distributors may also run a number of affiliate sites on-selling packages just as an ITO would to a wholesaler. It is important that you are aware of any affiliate sites and where rates may appear. Quick Links Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Travel Trends ATEC can provide members with a list of ITOs and the markets in which they operate. Market Coordinators at your STO or your Tourism Australia Business Development Manager can also provide you with contact details for suitable ITOs.

27 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Rate Parity and Integrity When distributing online, rate parity is critical. Rate parity exists when the same rate structure for a product exists across all its distribution channels. When a product effectively controls rate parity, rate integrity is assured and the consumer becomes confident in booking the product. Rate parity ensures an even playing field and protects a product s relationship with all its distribution partners. This will ensure that consumers receive the best pricing and value no matter which of these channels they use to make their reservations. When considering online distribution it is important to consider possible impacts on your traditional distribution partners. You need to manage and preserve the relationship you have with these partners. It should be your goal to mirror the same retail rates at all points of reservation for your travel distribution partners. Top Tips for working with OTAs > Clarify commission and inventory levels required and the level of promotion for your product; > Find out how much new business the site may generate; > Check if there are any affiliate sites that may operate in addition to the main site; > How is your information on the site maintained by you or the site host? and > How is the site promoted? Is it targeted at the trade or consumers? Are there any distribution agreements in place? WORKING WITH WHOLESALERS Wholesalers are located in overseas markets and have traditionally provided a link between travel agents and ITOs or tourism product. Wholesalers purchase programs developed by Australian based ITOs or develop their own packages and itineraries for travel agents and consumers. These packages will usually offer transport, accommodation, tours and attractions. In some markets, wholesalers are also direct sellers who bypass travel agents to directly target consumers. In other markets, there are no wholesalers in the traditional sense and travel agents perform both roles. Traditionally, travel packages are published in brochures and promoted and distributed via retail travel networks. Wholesalers may operate their own retail outlets or work with an established network of travel agents in their own country. Many wholesalers specialise in specific market segments such as adventure or the seniors market and many also have an online presence. How to distribute your product through a Wholesaler Many wholesalers rely on an ITO to identify and recommend new Australian products to include in their programs. It is essential that you establish good relationships with ITOs, who specialise in your target markets. Building a relationship with a wholesaler is critical. This can be achieved by conducting in market sales calls to meet with the Product Manager or by participating in trade events such as the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) to meet with key wholesale travel decision markers. ATE is an annual event for major international wholesalers who brochure and promote Australian tourism experiences to meet with Australian tourism products. Don t be surprised if it takes several years of contact before a wholesaler begins to use your new product. This is partially due to their loyalty to existing product suppliers and stringent consumer protection laws in some major markets. Wholesalers also need assurance that you are an established operator that will remain in business for many years. Once you have secured a product distribution deal with a wholesaler, you will need to provide the wholesaler and key frontline sales staff with ongoing education and product updates to keep your product front of mind via newsletters, sales calls, trade shows and famils. Top Tips for working with Wholesalers > Research find out which markets and market segments the wholesaler targets, the type of experience they sell and who their distribution partners are; > keep wholesalers updated on any new developments or changes to your product; > Suggest ideas for packaging your product with complementary products in your region to make it easier to sell; > Highlight your unique selling point (USP), the benefits of your product and the factors that set you apart from the competition; > Ensure you allow for wholesaler commissions in your rates and include concise terms and conditions. Be prepared to provide rates up to 18 months in advance; and > keep in mind consumer protection laws that the wholesaler must adhere to. Europe and Japan have strict consumer laws that require companies to deliver the promised standard of holiday experience. Planning for Inbound Success 27

28 THE TRAVEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WORKING WITH RETAIL TRAVEL AGENTS Retail travel agents are based in the consumers country of origin and deal directly with consumers. Retail travel agents offer wide distribution in prominent shopfront locations and a convenient place for travellers to make bookings and buy holidays. Traditionally, retail travel agents have provided a link between the wholesaler and consumers. With the integration of distribution roles, the retailer may deal directly with ITOs or Australian-based products, particularly in Asian markets. Many retail travel agents belong to a larger chain of travel agencies or consortiums that use their combined resources to market the agency brand. In some countries, retail agencies may be operated by travel wholesalers, or may concentrate on particular market segments such as special interest or family travel. Many retail travel agents also have an online presence. How to distribute your product through Retail Travel Agents One of the best ways of distributing your product at the retail level in markets where travel agents prefer to work with a wholesaler and/or ITO is to identify established wholesalers with a wide distribution via retail agents. Training the wholesalers and ITO about your product and providing them with the tools to effectively train their retail partners is the most effective way to target these retail agents. Top Tips for working with Retail Travel Agents > Get involved in the Aussie Specialists Program and offer special deals to encourage agents to experience your product first-hand; > Meet retail agents and wholesale reservation agents by attending trade shows that target these staff; > Establish and maintain good relationships with your retail travel agent s preferred wholesalers and ITOs; and > Provide key agents with regular but relevant product updates. THE AUSSIE SPECIALIST PROGRAM Aussie Specialists are a group of retail travel agents actively selling and promoting Australia around the world. The program is designed to provide travel agents and distributors with the knowledge and skills to sell Australia more effectively. These Aussie Experts have been educated and trained through the Aussie Specialist Program, run by Tourism Australia and the STOs. In 2010, Tourism Australia launched a new version of the program, which is now available in 11 languages. Globally, there are over 20,000 registered agents across more than 110 countries including the key markets of the United kingdom, Europe, north America and Asia. Tourism Australia maintains active relationships with qualified Aussie Specialists through trade events, the online training program, e-newsletters and familiarisation trips to Australia. You can get involved in the program through: > Travel Club > E-newsletters > Partner Training Modules > Training Events Quick Links Aussie Specialist Program Aussie Specialist Website WORKING WITH MEETING AND INCENTIVE PLANNERS Meeting and incentive planners organise and manage all aspects of meetings and events including conventions, conferences, incentives, seminars, workshops, symposiums, exhibitions and special events. Incentive trips are awarded as a non-cash bonus for good performance and may include a corporate meeting or corporate team-building activity. All these events attract delegates and participants from Australia and overseas. This sector is called business events and is one of the highest yielding inbound tourism segments. Meeting and incentive planners use a wide variety of venues, tour operators, accommodation, team building companies and restaurants. They look for unique travel experiences and require different support and facilities to leisure tourism. Meeting and incentive planners are also known as: > Professional Conference Organisers (PCO); > Destination Management Companies (DMC); > Conference Managers; > Event Managers; > Incentive Houses; > Travel Fulfilment Companies; and > Special Project Managers. Top Tips for working with Meeting and Incentive Planners > Offer a variety of itineraries that include unique and diverse experiences; > Ensure the ITOs and DMCs that handle business and incentive travel are familiar with your product; > Suggest interesting ways to package your product together with other experiences; and > Participate in cooperative marketing activities organised by Tourism Australia and your local Convention and visitors Bureau (CvB).