| dc.description.abstract | The group tour market is a market that is currently undergoing some fundamental
changes. Many had predicted that this market would die out with the rise of technology,
Internet and changes in consumer behaviour. This study aimed at investigating if group
tour operators and Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) recognized changes in the
group tour market and at examining ways that they sought to react to those changes. The
study revealed that destinations who have acted upon consumer changes have become
successful group tour destinations. Group tour operators also appear to be aware of the
changes in the market and are implementing changes and approaches in their offerings as
well. There were several trends that this study discovered. The first is that tour structures
are changing such as flexible itineraries and hub and spoke tours. Second, group tour
planners have specific information needs and CVBs and suppliers should accommodate
those needs. Third, the path to group tour planners leads through consumers. Fourth,
there is a focus on emerging markets such as student groups and soft adventure tours.
Fifth, group tours expect special accommodations from suppliers such as group rates,
motorcoach parking and behind the scenes tours. Finally, CVBs are a key player in the
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group tour market. While the results from this study provided important insights, there
is still a need for more research regarding the group tour market and its new customers. | en |
