Tourism Trends: Brazil World Cup, Online Booking & Social Media
The forthcoming World Cup in 2014 will take place in various cities around the country. Meanwhile, as Brazilians themselves become more affluent, they are travelling more and are welcomed as high-spending visitors.
Emergency Preparedness in Travel
Most travel companies are not sufficiently prepared to deal with emergencies. In such cases, communication is essential. Regular updates on their website or text messages are a very important way of getting information to clients and their families very quickly. A well-handled emergency could help companies generate more business.
The Evolution of Online Booking Tools
The use of online booking tools has matured into much more than a means to make reservations. An online booking tool is an integral part of the end-to-end travel management process. It’s also an effective way to save time, select, and confirm travel arrangements, especially for simple point-to-point routes.
Dynamic Packages: A Customized Travel Experience
Dynamic packages are a method that is becoming increasingly used in package holiday bookings. It enables consumers to build their own package of flights, accommodation, and car hire instead of a pre-determined package. However, there are some drawbacks related to dynamic packages and to all purchases made online, such as time spent locating the best products and the lack of a travel advisor.
The Impact of Social Networking on Tourism
Social networking has had a great impact on tourism. Some examples include:
- Podcast: A digital medium which consists of a series of audio or video files that can be downloaded from the Internet and loaded onto a computer or mobile device.
- Blog: A website with information about a particular subject in which the newest information is always at the top of the page.
- Microblog: A blog such as Twitter consists of very short messages (known as tweets) that can be read by anyone.
- Wiki: A website that allows any user to change, add, or move information and to add links to other parts of the website.
Careers in Tourism
A career in tourism may sound enticing—being paid to travel, go to glamorous places, and soak up the sun might seem an ideal way of earning a living. Of course, the reality is, just like every other job, a lot of hard work is involved.
The Role of Office-Based Travel Professionals
Booking holidays and making travel arrangements is increasingly being carried out online. However, there is still a need for office-based roles, as many people like to discuss their options face-to-face with someone knowledgeable. At the beginning of your career, a year or two in this job can be a rewarding way of learning about the business. You might be a city-based tour guide, lead organized tours of a region, work in a national park, or escort groups for a company specializing in adventure sports.
Safety and Maintenance in Tourism
While staff must follow procedures and take all reasonable precautions, the person responsible for maintenance must ensure that all equipment is in good working order and regulations have been observed.
Culinary Experiences
The menu includes staple French and Mexican dishes to savor, aimed at those who prefer a classic menu, as well as specialties all prepared by celebrity chef Philippe Leblanc.