TourismPRODUCTandDEVELOPMENTNote–VENDORSELECTION.docVIP

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – VENDOR SELECTION General Guidelines When selecting any vendor/supplier of a tour product, the major guidelines are: suitability for the tour type suitability for the types of tour member reputation of the vendor experiences in providing such services service quality standards ● rates offered bulk perchase - e.g. 1 pax free for booking of every 15 pax - discount policy ● reservation cconditions last minute peak reservation periods) ● credit/payment terms and conditions amounts of non-refundable deposits credit period - Cash on Delivery (COD) payment form - cash/credit card/cheque/billing ● cancellation policy lead time penalty charge refund policy 1. Air Carrier ● start the negotiation with a high-level airline executive rather than a sales representative (with only a limited range of negotiating ability) rates and their seasonality, number of seat alloments, black-out dates fight schedule (direct non-stop/indirect/direct with stops) ground handing quality of inflight services (food and beverages/amount of reading materials/videos/other amenities) type of aircraft safety comfort – space, aisle, tilt of seat capacity configuration speed Coach ● reputation of a coach company quality of the coaches, drivers and services ● number of buses available and their seating capacity ● quality of the coach safety - the mechanical conditions of the bus - maintenance standards comfort - spacious seats and aisles - deep, plush seats which recline to a comfortable sleeping angle equipped with new technology,such as computerized navigation system speed cleanliness windows - large to give panoramic views - wrap- around windows which go clear to the middle part of the ceiling are most desirable - are tinted to reduce glare from the sun during sunrise and sunset - any curtains, in good conditions and clean baggage compartment overhead rack amenities: sound system and video-tape p