As you work through this Unit you will have the opportunity to learn and understand how tourism organisations operate as businesses. Some are what are known as small medium enterprises and others are large scale businesses, some operating on a local or regional basis, some operating nationally and the very large-scale businesses operating internationally and even globally. You might find this hard to believe but not all tourism business organisations aim to make a profit. This AC will help you understand why.
Enterprise and innovation are key to being successful in the hugely competitive market of tourism. In recent years there have been a number of tourism organisations that have failed and had to cease trading, while on the other hand, new organisations have started, and a number have grown and expanded.
Tourism businesses are wide and varied and there will be the opportunity to look at a variety within the key components of tourism which includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Attractions
- Travel Agents
- Tour Operators
- Support services
- Events
- Pressure Groups
You will be learning about different forms of ownership and how they can be classified into the Private, Public and Voluntary sectors. You will have the opportunity to understand how each form of business can be set up and the advantages and disadvantages of each. You might be considering working in the tourism industry and be enterprising enough to start your own business sometime in the future, this unit will form the basis of your knowledge and understanding; Richard Branson started the Virgin Group as a sole trader, but look at him now!