Air Travel, Cruises and Vacation Spots in America Essay (Article)

Majumdar, Anne. Christchurch reels as AirAsia X-axes route

This article gives a brief explanation as to why AirAsia X has decided to suspend its services to Christchurch and the effects this decision has had on the tourism industry in this region. Officials at the South Island tourism body are frustrated by the fact that the airline flew in 25,000 tourists from South East Asia last year and the tourism industry in the affected area was enjoying significant growth in its tourist influx from South East Asia during the 2011/12 financial year.

Besides, the decision has come at a bad time since the tourism body in the South Island tourism region had just decided to market this region to Malaysia. However, the chief executive Mr. Tim Hunter stated that the tourism body would continue marketing this potential tourist hub in South East Asia and China to boost tourism to this region. AirAsia X cited the increased cost of Jet fuel as the main reason for suspending its flights to the South Islands.

This article relates to travel in the sense that it highlights various factors that affect air travel on a given route. In this article, the author has given a detailed and concise description of the problem, its effect on the affected tourism industry, and the proposed solution to the problem. While the tourism industry in the South Islands may have hit a snag, I believe that AirAsia X’s decision to suspend its flights to this region is justified. The current fuel crisis is a great challenge to the tourism industry globally. As such, service providers have to make such a tough decision to survive these turbulent times and remain profitable.

Jones, Stephen. IATA in talks over Air Australia funds

This article gives the reader a precise update on the issue surrounding the funds the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) is holding for flight sectors that were not flown by Air Australia. According to the article, there are ongoing debates on whether the funds should be refunded to travel agents and wholesalers who endured great financial losses as a result of the collapse of Air Australia courier or forwarded to the administrators handling the issue. According to the author of the article, and IATA spokesman stated that deliberations regarding the funds were ongoing between the administration and the International Air Transportation Association.

This article relates to travel in the sense that it highlights some of the risks travel agencies are exposed to in case service providers fail to meet their responsibilities to their clients. Also, it highlights the managerial challenges faced by the transport association as they try to solve various issues in an ethical-legal, and fair manner. The IATA has to make sound judgments regarding this issue because it not only affects the stakeholders, but also the reputation of the association on a global scale. In this case, I think that the money should be refunded to travel agencies affected by the collapse.

This is attributed to the fact that they did their part and they are accountable to their clients who were disappointed or incurred losses as a result of this untimely collapse. Air Australia’s collapse was a result of its inadequacies (managerial and financial), and other companies offering supplementary services should not be punished for such mistakes. Air Australia should take responsibility for their actions and accept the losses associated with their mistakes.

Taylor, Ian. Rolls Royce warns of ‘limited options’ on aircraft biofuel

This article sets out to give a detailed account of a speech given by a senior specialist regarding the possibility of biofuels acting as alternative fuel sources for the flying industry. According to the specialist, the aviation industry is facing numerous challenges in its attempt to find an economic, safe, and adequate alternative source of fuel for flying. However, the specialist disregarded the speculations that there were plans of switching from kerosene to biofuel as the primary source of fuel for aircraft.

According to the specialists, some factors should be considered for a fuel source to fully meet the standards set for jet fuel. They include high-energy-density, specific temperature tolerance, similar characteristics to kerosene, slightly flammable, and available in large quantities. As yet, biofuels cannot meet these specifications. However, the specialist stated that the cost of production is not an issue since airlines can compensate for their fuel costs by improving their efficiency levels.

The travel industry is always looking for cheaper and efficient methods of transacting business. This article addresses this issue by highlighting the need for alternative fuel in the airline industry. Besides, it shows how speculations can be dangerous in the travel industry. The information provided in the article shows that the aviation industry is nowhere near developing an alternative fuel source from biofuel. However, speculations are stating otherwise.

Indeed, speculations can be dangerous in the travel industry. I feel like such speculations should be backed by evidence to avoid serious repercussions. Also, I believe that with patience and efficient research, specialists will eventually develop an alternative and safer fuel source for the airline industry. However, they should not rush the process but do it efficiently to avoid mistakes that may cause serious losses.

travel weekly. Costa Concordia a ‘total write-off’, says Carnival

This article gives the reader details regarding the decision made by Carnival Corporation to write-off Costa Concordia, which after the careful evaluation was deemed as a total loss. According to the article, the incident in which the cruise ship had an accident off Giglio Island had serious repercussions on the financial and unquestionable reputation Carnival Corporation had gained over its 60 years of providing quality and safe services.

The article gives a detailed analysis of the implications this incident had on the corporation. It provides information about the losses the corporation has experienced financially and in terms of booking volumes. However, the Chief executive of Carnival Corporation reassures investors and customers that the corporation is undergoing series of safety and prevention audits and investigations to determine the cause of the problem and ensure that such incidences do not happen in the future.

Besides, he gives a convincing projection that indicates that the corporation is already regaining its former glory and that it is in the process of repairing its tarnished reputation. He states that the corporation’s other brands are doing well and there are plans to expand its fleet by procuring three additional ships during the second quarter of the corporation’s fiscal year.

This article shows the public relation strategies used by travel agencies to restore the confidence of their clients and stakeholders after a disaster affects their vessels. In this article, the chief executive of Carnival Corporation has effectively marketed his corporation despite the two incidences that affected people’s confidence and perception regarding the corporation. While the article portrays Carnival Corporation as an apologetic and affected entity, I believe that it should publicly admit that it failed in ensuring the safety of its clients. In the recent past, various large corporations have risked the lives of people by providing substandard services. Such companies should be held accountable to ensure that such incidences do not happen in the future.

Travel trade (NZ). Orion sets sail with a new calendar

In this article, the author seeks to inform the reader about the release of the 2013 calendar of sailing itineraries by Orion Expedition Cruises. The article gives a detailed description of the activities that are included in this itinerary, the duration that the cruise will take, and the destination that will be visited during the cruise. The author effectively markets this voyage by using imagery to describe the scenes that will be visited and the expected experience clients will have during the voyage.

Besides, the author describes the vessel and gives it a unique image characterized by quality and efficiency. On the same note, the author also markets the vessel (Orion) by stating that the services offered within the ship are of good quality and that these services have been rated exceptionally high by the clients who have had a chance to cruise in it. Finally, the author informs the readers of an ongoing cruise and assures them that they will be informed of new events as they happen.

This article highlights the marketing strategies used by various travel agencies to boost their reputation, booking volumes, and consumer loyalty. The author of this article has successfully marketed Orion’s 2013 cruise.

This has been achieved by availing detailed descriptions of the voyage, benefits clients will get from the cruise and the competitive advantage this cruise line has over its rivals. In my point of view, the author has done a great job in marketing this cruise. In the travel industry, marketing plays a pivotal role in ensuring that a travel agency has a competitive edge over its competitors, and remains profitable. The author has achieved this aim by providing concise information on the cruise.

Deshmukh, Ujwal. Vacation Spots in the United States (US)

This article sets out to give a detailed description of various holiday spots that tourists may visit in different cities across the United States. The author starts by describing the layout of American cities and how their locations provide a variety of special features that can be enjoyed by all regardless of age, gender, or financial status. Subsequently, he states that cities in the US offer the best holiday experience to diverse tourists.

The unique selling point of this article is that the author gives the readers information about different cities. In his description, the author tells the reader about the various tourist attractions that can be found in each city. Also, he sheds some light on the available accommodation arrangements, names of places worth visiting, and the expected experience a tourist is bound to have in each city.

This article relates to travel in the sense that it seeks to market various tourist destinations in American cities. By reading this article, potential tourists planning to visit one of these cities are well informed and as a result, they have a vague idea of what to expect and how to navigate within these cities. This article, therefore, covers important tourism marketing aspects such as informing the target market and market base expansion.

By reading this article, readers can make informed decisions depending on their preferred destination and financial status. The author has successfully managed to inform the client about various tourist destinations in different American cities in a detailed yet concise manner. I feel as though he would have gone the extra mile and explore issues regarding the cost of visiting these cities. In most cases, tourists are more concerned about the value of money rather than the destination.

Works Cited

Deshmukh, Ujwal. Vacation Spots in the United States (US). 2012. Web.

Jones, Stephen. IATA in talks over Air Australia funds. 2012. Web.

Majumdar, Anne. Christchurch reels as AirAsia X axes route. 2012. Web.

Taylor, Ian. Rolls Royce warns of ‘limited options’ on aircraft biofuel. 2012. Web.

traveltrade (NZ). Orion sets sail with new calendar. 2012. Web.

travelweekly. Costa Concordia a ‘total write-off’, says Carnival. 2012. Web.