Role of Public Relations within Tourism Sector

[Name of the Author]

Travel and Tourism Sector4

Public Relations as a Promotional Tool5

Different publics that are related to Thomas Cook6

Businessmen6

Students6

Artists6

Transporters7

Hotels Managers7

Government Officials7

Visitors8

Economic and Social Benefits of Travel Tourist Industry8

Public relations and promotional tools for Thomas Cook Company9

Writing and Editing10

Public Speaking10

Media relations11

Training11

Different types of media11

Newspaper advertising12

Broadcast Media12

Social Media Network12

Relationship between Public Relations and the Media13

Objectives of Public Relations Plan14

Promotion15

Key Publics15

References17

Role of Public Relations within Tourism Sector

Introduction

Tourism industry is the rising sector in all the economies of the world. The trend of tourism is becoming popular not only in developed countries of the world. but the trend is equally becoming famous in less developed parts of the world. There are many factors underlying the popularity ratio such as increased income of middle class, increased level of education in youth, rising trend of individualism, enhanced medium of communication and reasonable, rather more customized travel and tourism packages offered to customers. Thomas Cook is also endeavoring to capture the market by managing their relations with customers through Public Relations. The aim of the organization is aware the target audience and general public, regarding the activities of the firm.

Evaluate the role of public relations as a promotional tool within the UK's travel and tourism sector, quoting examples from what happened in the industry in the recent past.

Travel and Tourism Sector

The economy of any country is dependent on a number of industries present and operating within a country, with tourism and environment holding special position as means of attaining foreign exchange. Thus, it can be said that tourism has an important part in the designing and planning of the overall economic policy of the country. It should also be noted that specific claims regarding progress in tourism generally leads to an increase in respect of the industry among the business community. This is so because the economy of any country is linked to the success in attaining maximum possible retunes from the natural resources present in the area, which includes the tourism sites as well (Middleton & Clarke, 2001).

Thomas cook merged with Carlson Leisure and in 2000, as the company sold off its worldwide foreign exchange business to Travelex in order to concentrate on tours. The company faced down turn trend right after its merger with Carlson. The main reason for the down trend is the volatile political condition which has badly affected the operation of Thomas Company. The downtrend continued as in 2011, the company lost about three quarters of their value in London stock exchange. The company has decided to raise the level of borrowing, and appointed chief executive officer of Thomas Cook Group.

Internet which has revolutionized the business industry has deep-rooted impact on tourism industry as well. It has transforms the style of business. With online travel agencies and tour operators, and development of internet based price comparison sites, it is difficult for the company to keep up with the competitors. The company is required to take some major steps in for managing its network of outlet and ...