TOUR 10015 – Problem Based Learning: Semester Project
Worth: 35% of final course grade
Due:
PART A – Written Component
PART B – Website Component
Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to provide learners with an opportunity to put into practice the theory of Agency Operations. Working in self-selected groups of 3-5 (max) people, you will discuss the following “real world” case study and decide on a realistic solution.
Case Study: “Fix it”
Problem: A small independent general travel agency has experienced a significant decrease in business over the last 3 years. The agency has been in operation in Ontario for 20 years and is in a small strip plaza. The agency does not have a website and does not engage on any social media. Operating hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Some of the challenges they are facing include:
Losing clients to online bookings
Losing loyal long-time clients who can no longer travel due to health limitations
Losing clients to the competition as another general agency has opened in the vicinity
Higher operating expenses
These challenges have affected the profit of the agency and it has become necessary to revamp their business model or close the doors.
Solution: Fix It! In groups of 3 to 5 students you will re-establish this agency to give it a “new” presence and purpose.
Research, discuss and things to consider:
niche or specialty (target market or product) or both Must get approval from Professor of your idea before continuing with project Email by February 1st, 2020
join an organization (franchise, chain, or consortium)
advertise/promote/social media
additional products to sell or revenue sources
is there a need to relocate? Different hours? Online presence? Social media
what qualifications are needed from employees?
The semester project consists of 2 parts: (Read carefully what is required for each part).
Part A: Written Component: Together as a group you are to write a research paper that uses industry theories to support your choices.
You must include the following in your paper.
Introduction
Information on the niche or specialty agency you will create. (Why this choice – back it up with facts and information) What will make you different from other agencies? Include the type of product you will sell.
Why or why not join an organization
o if yes – what are the benefits
o if not – what are the benefits
How will you create awareness of the “new” agency? Online? Social media platforms? Why? Benefits? (Website, Facebook, Twitter, Blog) Who will maintain them? What are the costs? New location and hours?
What knowledge and skills are needed from employees? CTC – Destination specialists, TICO. Office administration or accounting skills?
What type of technology would you be using? What are the benefits? Costs?
Conclusion
Include a Title Page and follow APA formatting guidelines in regard to layout and references.
Part B: Website Component
Together as a group you will present the “new” agency by creating a website on weebly.com. (Create this as if a potential client was going to read it and wanted to find out everything your agency was about).
You must include the following pages: Use titles and order as given.
Home page: Name of agency, address, and contact information
About Us: Write a blurb about the agency – how long it has been in business, employee expertise (CTC and why). Include information about industry associations and why you are a member?
What We Do: Provide details about your niche or specialization. (Example: If you specialize in Peru you will talk about the destination, maybe provide a map, attraction list, weather info. If your niche is biking tours, you might want to give some general information about cycling, types of bikes used, expertise needed and maybe some general biking info)
Travel Product: Find relevant product from suppliers that match your niche or target market. (Tour operators, airlines, hotels, attractions). Example: Tour Operators that sell Peru, hotels that you would book in Peru etc. Make sure that the suppliers you choose can be booked from your Ontario agency.
Extras: This is a page for you to showcase other sources or products that you sell. (Make sure it is relevant)
Travel Insurance: Include some general information about travel insurance and why a client needs it and then include product information.
Travel Documentation: Talk about documentation, passports, visas, vaccinations, currency – make it relevant to your niche. (Provide links to outside sources if necessary)
Blog Page: Create a maximum 200-word blog posting. Choose either something related to your niche or to the travel industry in general that a person might need or want to know (If Peru you might write about safety tips. If general, you might write about why your agents are CTC certified)
Contact Page – How can someone get in touch with you for more information?
Add pictures, staff biographies, social media links, outside source information if relevant, videos and any other appropriate items throughout the website. Include TICO, ACTA.
To Note: Because you are creating a website and publishing it anyone searching the internet may find it and think it is real. Make sure that your agency name is not a name of a real agency and do not use real contact phone numbers.
You need to add a disclaimer on your website stating, “The travel agency promoted on this website is not a real registered agency and is created for the purpose of a student presentation only”. Make sure you follow all copyright laws regarding photos, videos, links etc.
