Marketing of Tourism Services/Experiences

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter’s aim is to present the key elements of marketing of tourism services and experiences by taking the perspective of a new tourism entrepreneur. The chapter’s focus is on better understanding and efficient implementation of marketing principles.

Methodology/approach

This chapter was built on literature review of marketing of tourism services at business level. A practical approach has been adopted and implemented in illustrating the variables of marketing mix.

Findings

This chapter highlights the fact that in order to be successful in the field of marketing, tourism entrepreneurs should consider and implement all elements of marketing mix as an integral and comprehensive set; all marketing variables are interlinked and interrelated.

Research limitations

This chapter is explorative in nature, based on a literature review. It takes more entrepreneurial/practical than academic approach.

Managerial/practical implications

A marketing plan for tourism services/experiences constitutes a chain of strong bonds that guide the tourism business forward in making the chain stronger and more efficient. When an entrepreneur/manager is considering adding a new feature or changing existing elements, he/she has to consider the whole picture of the actions and the resulting outputs.

Originality/value

This chapter discusses an extended marketing model; the model of 10 Ps – Product, Place, Pricing, Promotion, Partners, Presentation, People, Process, Physical evidence and Passion under two stages, before and during the experience consumption/encounter.

Citation

Bao, H. (2018), "Marketing of Tourism Services/Experiences", Sotiriadis, M. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 261-275. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78743-529-220181021