Management of Tourism Business
Management can be defined as the regulation and organization of the activities of an industry/business/company for the achievement of defined goals. Tourism is one of those industries that are dependent on partnership, coordination and team work. It is, therefore, important for the managers to have a crystal clear understanding of the customers/purchasers who would potentially use the offered services or buy the offered products. Similarly, managers are expected to recognize the people who would be helpful in promoting the business ("How to Start and Grow Your Tourism Business" 6).
As far as the role of the tourism service sector managers is concerned, it is rather unique in order to develop the tourism business. There are several functions that are performed by the managers in order to run such a business. Firstly, the major task is to build a team and in doing so employ the people with right qualifications and set of skills. It is the responsibility of the manager to define the roles and responsibilities of each staff member ("How to Start and Grow Your Tourism Business" 7). Secondly, the manager is the person who proposes and resources a proper system of deliverance that also identifies the limitations/restrictions for service meetings between employees and consumers. This is significant for strengthening proud service delivery. Thirdly, the manager functions in an effective manner as he/she develops an organizational culture that gives enough power to the staff members for solving any problems faced by the consumers/clients. A good manager is one that rewards his staff when they positively contribute in winning customer satisfaction (Prideaux, Moscardo & Laws 11).
A manager also remains informed about the competitors so that he/she can motivate his/her workforce accordingly to deliver services that are unmatched to others. Similarly, in order to develop and promote the tourism business, it is very important for the manager to analyze industry and market so that he/she can efficiently review the future of the business. It is also important for the manager to understand that tourism is a seasonal industry which means that the workplace would be full of activity in some months as compared to others ("How to Start and Grow Your Tourism Business" 8). Thus, it is also the role of a good manager to properly plan for the high season and train the employees in view of that.
As far as the challenges faced by tourism industry/business are concerned, there are some which really need to be considered. The most significant challenge faced by the tourism industry in today’s modern world is that of shortage of labor and skills. Other than this major challenge, the unsatisfied workers leave the business due to low salaries and long work hours (Leigh, Webster & Ivanov 194). The pay structures are low as the industry is seasonal dependent. Another rising challenge is that of security as the modern world is faced with new waves of terrorist activities. Another challenge that cannot be neglected is that of currency exchange rates fluctuations. Thus, the challenges faced by the tourism industry are still alarming and fearsome as they were in the past and “will test the resolve and resilience of tourism and its stakeholders, and even the leaders and citizens, in future tourism’s greater society” (Leigh, Webster & Ivanov 199).
Works Cited
"How to Start and Grow Your Tourism Business." DEFRA. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
Leigh, J., Webster, C. & S. Ivanov. Future Tourism: Political, Social and Economic Challenges. New York: Routledge, 2013. Print.
Prideaux, B., Moscardo, G. & E. Laws. "Managing Tourism and Hospitality Services: Theory and International Applications." UTNTYH. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
