Module Three: Travel Trends and Insights

Introduction

• Speaker: Sandy
• Focus: Airline and Accommodation industries
• Background: Experience in hotels (sales, marketing, front desk, reservations) and airlines (Flight Centre)

Module Overview

• Aim: Provide product knowledge and insights into the airline and accommodation industry.
• Importance: Essential for careers in travel and tourism (travel consultant, airline/hotel industry employee).
• Participation: Engage in discussion forums, complete learning activities, read resources, and watch videos.
• Completion: By end of week six.
• Assessment: Module 3 and 4 information will be included in Assessment 1b, due end of week eight.

Airline Industry

Overview

• Significant sector in travel and tourism.
• Massive growth in passenger numbers expected in the next 10-20 years.

Key Terminology

• Fare Aggregators: Search engines (e.g., Skyscanner) for comparing airfares.

  • Pros: Quick, easy comparison.
  • Cons: May not consider preferences like direct flights.

• Full-Service Airlines: Airlines offering comprehensive services (e.g., Qantas, Emirates).

  • Includes tickets, seat selection, baggage, meals.

• Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs): Airlines with cheaper fares but fewer inclusions (e.g., Jetstar, AirAsia).

• IATA: International Air Transport Association, standardizes airline safety and policies.

Airline Strategies & Concepts

• Hub Cities: Central airport from where airlines operate (e.g., Emirates in Dubai).

  • Importance: Helps in planning stopovers and efficient travel routes.

• Revenue Management: Adjusting fares based on demand and other factors.

  • Earlier bookings usually cheaper.

• Classes of Service: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First.

  • Differences in price, seat comfort, and additional services.

Evolution of the Airline Industry

• Milestones:
  • 1952: First commercial airline.
  • 1970s: Introduction of jumbo jets.
  • 2000s: New long-haul aircraft.
  • COVID-19: Significant impact on airlines.

Accommodation Industry

Overview

• Hotels are adapting to new trends and generations.

Key Terminology

• Affiliated Hotels: Part of a group operated by the same company (e.g., Accor, Marriott).

• Allotment: Block of rooms at negotiated rates for wholesalers/tour operators.

  • Example: Contiki tours.

• Average Room Rate: Average price hotel sells rooms for.

• Back of House: Non-customer-facing staff (kitchen, housekeeping).

• Front of House: Customer-facing staff (front desk, guest services).

• Overbooking: Strategy of selling more rooms than available, anticipating no-shows.

Types of Accommodation

• Variety: Motels, resorts, hostels, eco-hotels, etc.
• Considerations: Customer needs, travel purpose, budget.

Evolution of Accommodation Sector

• Started from the 1500s: Registries and guidebooks.
• 1800s: Resort popularity.
• 1900s: Business hotels, tourism expansion.
• 2000s: Rise of eco-friendly and tech-savvy hotels.

Accommodation Trends

• Seamless Technologies: Automated guest experience.
• Millennial Travellers: Adaptation to preferences of younger demographics.
• Wellbeing & Personalization: Offerings tailored to guest needs.
• Social Media Influence: Impact on bookings and reviews.

Accor Hotel Group

• Large hotel group with brands like Peppers, Mantra, Art Series, Break Free.
• Encourage familiarization with brands and offerings.

Conclusion

• Complete all module activities and prepare for upcoming assessments.
• Next module focus: Cruise and tour sectors in weeks seven and eight.