Managing the balance of power: UK tour operators and destinations

Abstract

The competitive strategies of international tour operators have had a negative effect on the sustainability of some tourist destinations. British tour operator strategies are analysed as an example to show the effects of vertical integration amongst tour operators, travel retailers and airlines and how this influences pricing and contracting methods in resorts. Also considered are developments in market segmentation and tour operator branding which have accelerated the trend towards standardised holiday products. The consolidation of ownership amongst European tour operators in likely to increase the power of companies vis‐à‐vis destinations. The study concludes by outlining policies to counteract the negative effects of tour operator strategies and suggests ways of developing a more balanced partnership between mass market tour operators and tourist destinations.

Citation

Klemm, M. and Parkinson, L. (2000), "Managing the balance of power: UK tour operators and destinations", The Tourist Review, Vol. 55 No. 1, pp. 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb058324