Travel Plans for Barcelona - Coursework Example

Travel Plans Executive Summary The tourism sector all over the world has undergone massive and rapid development in the past few decades. This rapid development of the sector is mainly because of the globalisation. This globalisation has been enhancing the people’s craze to travel all round the world. With a larger number of people travelling, the tourism sector has to increase their service quality by duly meeting the needs of the consumers. Initially the tours constituted of the pre-designed packages but, to meet the competition of this global world the travel agencies had to develop tailor made packages to meet the diversified needs of the consumers. It has become an important part of the travel agencies to recognise the nature of the individuals and their intentions of travelling. The competitive domain has also been enhancing the need to provide quality services to enhance the customer’s loyalty. The travelling agencies presently are focused on developing strong mutual relationship between the consumers and the tourism industry. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 1.Introduction 5 2.Itineraries 5 Couple A- Itinerary 6 Analysis of Couple A 12 Gaudi House Museum 12 Gaudis Crypt 12 Aquarium Barcelona 13 Sant Sebastia 13 Hot Air Balloon Flight 14 Montjuic Mountain 14 Sagrada Familia Basilica 15 Couple B- Itinerary 15 Analysis of Couple B 22 Kunst Museum 22 Sagrada Familia Basilica 22 Mandarin Oriental 23 Saatchi Gallery 23 Senyor Parellada 24 MACBA 24 Palau de la Musica Catalana 24 3.Conclusion 25 References 26 1. Introduction Marketing in the areas of travel and tourism has attained tremendous growth over the past few years. It has given rise to stiff competition between the tourism companies. In this context, travel planning has become an innovative technique through which tourism organisation attracts customers. Travel and tourism sector has developed enormously in Spain in the past decade. Barcelona has emerged to be one of the most visited tourist spots that have been attracting customers from all over the globe. Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city having huge historical importance. The city has been much-admired to be a conurbation of modern arts hosting dozens of museums, art galleries and historical architectures. The masterpieces of the great architecture is most famous around the world and has the fame of being the most unique and of distinctive style of architecture. The city has been patron of rich heritage and a beautiful blend of the diversified culture. Barcelona has a beautiful mix of culture, style and harmony that makes the city one of the most visited places on the globe. The most attractive part is that the city has its own tradition and unique cuisine that adds to the interest of the people to visit the place (Tourist Guide Barcelona, 2014). Thus, this discussion will mainly focus towards planning a one week travel trip to Barcelona for two couples. The discussion will also focus towards elaborating every detailed procedure of the travel plan starting from explaining the destination details to the financial factors. 2. Itineraries The two ways flight travels have already been arranged along with the cab facility for bringing the guests to the pre-booked accommodation. In addition, the trip will be continuing for a period of 7 days starting from 28th of August to 4th of September. For the provided context, it can be stated that since the budget requirement is not confined, thus, the expectation of the two couples can be estimated to be at a higher level. From the preferences of the couples it could be easily noted that the couples are quite conscious of the quality of services that will be provided with regards to site environment, quality of service and stage facilities. For the tourism organisations, segmenting their customers forms the base factor for their sustainability. Being a service sector the companies dealing with tours and travels has to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and has to understand the taste and preferences of the customers. Observing the provided case the two segments of the customers can be identified having two separate areas of interest. Accordingly, their itineraries are planned so that their taste and preferences can be duly adhered to. Couple A- Itinerary Taking consideration, of the taste and preferences of the first couple Aaron and Ashley, it can be identified that the couple wanted the plan to be confined within a reasonable budget. Again, the couple has preferences of visiting areas of magnificent architecture. However, being newly married they even have the interest of spending some quality time together. The tour needs to include the requirement of the couple, i.e. to spend some quality time with each other. Since, the couple Aaron and Ashley are not well acquainted with the local language a detailed elaboration will be provided regarding their mode of travel. Additionally, they will be provided with the maps detailing out the metro routes, bus routes and the cable car connectors. Keeping in mind the privacy needs an audio guidance will be available to the couple, whenever they need assistance (Grup TMB, 2011). Taking reference of all these facts, a total of 7 exotic locations within Barcelona city have been selected for Aaron and Ashley this includes the following: Name Location Information Relevance Budgetary Suitability References Gaudi House Museum Gaudi House Museum Park Guell - Carretera del Carmel, 23A 08024 Barcelona The museum provides detailed information on the life and works of Antoni Gaudi. The house has a series of collection designed by him and includes furniture and other artefact Since the couple has a keen interest in Gaudi’s architecture they would love visiting the place as it has a detailed history of the architecture of the famous architect The entry fees will be around 794.77 (AUD) per head. (The Construction Board, 2014) Gaudis Crypt Carrer Claudi Guell 6 08690 Santa Coloma de Cervello Costa Barcelona The castle has a magnificent collection of the beautiful architecture of Gaudi. The crypt is of a huge architectural interest. This gives the visitor an opportunity to observe the modernist building The couples interest on the architecture of Gaudi is well met as they would be able to experience the magnificence of Gaudi’s architecture The entry fees would be around 175.55 (AUD) per person excluding transportation cost within the crypt and covering all the 15 units (Turisme de Barcelona, 2014) Aquarium Barcelona Moll dEspanya del Port Vell, 08039 Barcelona The aquarium is unique of its type hosting around 450 species and having a range of 11000 animal and a must visit for every tourists The couple would be able to enjoy a quality time together and marvellous walking trip together through the tunnels Entry tickets would be costing around 28.90 (AUD) per person for the complete trip of the aquarium (L’Aquarium Barcelona, 2014) Sant Sebastia Plaza del Mar, s/n, 08003 Barcelona The beach has exotic sports and huge arrangement to enjoy quality time of being together. The beach also has cheap elite restaurants and hotels that add up to the charm of the beach. The beach is very popular among the young couples The couples requirement for romance and indulgence could easily be met by visiting the beach The hotels provides an elite class accommodation facilities at cheaper rates (Turisme de Barcelona, 2014) Hot Air Balloon Flight Av. Francesc Cambo, 21 - 08003 Barcelona - Espana The balloon ride has been an exclusive attraction of the tourists and enjoy the view of Catalonian The couple would have a beautiful romantic trip together and would be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the outskirts of Barcelona The price per person would be 245.63 (AUD) if availing for an optional pick and drop facility (Ballooning Barcelona, 2014) Montjuic Mountain Paral·lel Station, Lines 2 and 3 connected by cable cars The beautiful view of the mountain and the castles adds up to the essence of the tour. The view of the seaport from the towers is glorious followed by the views of gardens and avenue depicting the different stages of life of Joan Miro The couple would be enjoying the elegant view of the mountain followed by the castles and gardens. Moreover, they would also get a quality time together The tour is cheaper and the visit is included within the metro ticket costs (Barcelona.de – Imprint, 2014) Sagrada Familia Basilica Calle Mallorca, 401 08013 Barcelona, España The exotic building as well as magnificent towers gives an beautiful view of the surrounding adding to the elegance of Gaudi’s work The place would be suitable for the couple to cherish their quality time as well as cultivate their interest of Gaudi’s architecture Entry tickets would be costing around 34.39 (AUD) per person with a guide and the visit to one of the towers (Sagarada Famillia, 2014) Analysis of Couple A The functionality of the tourism industry is mostly confined to the service sector. As a result, it is vital for them to segregate their customers, depending on their taste and preferences. By analysing the taste and preferences of the customers the travel agencies plan the appropriate travel packages that would be suitable for the needs and preferences. The following are the analysis of the excursion depending on the 7Ps of marketing: Gaudi House Museum Product The couple’s prime need to visit the different architectural places of Gaudi will be sufficed by visiting the exotic spot filled with marvels of their favourite architecture. This will provide them high level of satisfaction desired from the travel plan. Moreover, the quality and design of the intangible product would be meeting the need of Aaron and Ashley and would add on to the service guarantee to the consumers (Clarity Marketing Ltd, 2005). Gaudis Crypt Price Gaudi’s crypt is one of the most visited places of Barcelona. The most attractive part of the visit has been the towers that give a beautiful view of the surroundings. Moreover, the price of the tour is also very cheap. This would satisfy the budgetary need of the couple that they have mentioned to the travel guide. The services being available at the cheaper price would definitely enhance the level of customer satisfaction at a larger extent. Moreover, couples requirement for the financial benefit would be met. In addition, the tour will help in providing satisfaction and added value for the couples (Mucai & et. al., 2013; Shah, 2012). Aquarium Barcelona Promotion The popularity of the spot has attracted tourists from across the globe. The unique collection of about 450 species constituting of a number of 11000 animals has increased the popularity of the place at the global domain. Barcelona is visited by numerous international tourists in order to be a part of the experience of the beauty of this aquarium. This is the largest aquarium under the Mediterranean ocean. Moreover, the walk through the acrylic tunnel will also enable the couple to spend some quality time together along with beauty (Jain, 2013). Sant Sebastia Place Sant Sebastia is the most populated beaches of Barcelona and is mostly vested by huge number of young couples from all over the world. The beach is well connected by the rail routes and bus routes. The place hosts huge number of water sports and also has a number of elegant hotels at cheaper rates for the couples to spend time together. The beach is also popular among the couples for the therapeutic massages and other recreational games that help in creating additional value to the visits. The direct access to the beach including several numbers of indoor, outdoor and water sports, help the young couples to enjoy. The place is most suitable for the couple to enjoy their romantic indulgences (Aspal & et. al., 2011). Hot Air Balloon Flight People The hot air balloon trip helps in enjoying the air view of the city of Catalonian. This adds to the romantic entanglement of the couple that they have mentioned as a requirement of the tour. The marketing mix of the service sector is majorly focuses on the customer satisfaction and need of the couple will be duly adhered by meeting the need of the couple. Being moderately expensive the travel would also fit into the budget of the couple. The planning has been conducted in accordance with the need and preferences of the couple. Hence, the selection of the Hot Air Balloon Flight has solely been done to meet the taste and preferences of Aaron and Ashley and their need of spending quality time together (Enache, 2011). Montjuic Mountain Process The 6th P of the service marketing mix includes the process that would enhance the level of satisfaction of the couple. Aaron and Ashley being newly married they wanted to spend some time together and enjoy themselves. The privatised cable car ride would definitely adhere to the process that would definitely enhance their level of contentment at large. Moreover, the cable car ride has been included by following a process that would also meet the consumer’s requirement of the financial needs (Shah, 2012; Akroush, 2011). Sagrada Familia Basilica Physical Evidences The value addition of the services could only be measured by the happiness that the consumer draws from the provided services. The travel plan has been depicted keeping in mind the need and preferences of Aaron and Ashley. The area of interest has been kept as the prime focus of the trip. Thus, the Sagrada Familia Basilica has been selected as one of the excursion spots for the couple keeping in view their original interest of visiting the architectural evidences of Gaudi (Akroush, 2011). Couple B- Itinerary Couple B is an elderly pair and they have certain physical constraints. The taste and preferences of the couple is separate from that of the young couple. Hence, the planning needs to be performed separately. The second couple is the parents of Ashley and plans to meet occasionally at meals or even take some excursion tours together if the needs and the preferences of both the couples meet. The couples are mostly interested in visiting places, which are galleries hosting the paintings of Picasso. Moreover, the couple wants to spend a luxurious holiday in Barcelona. Both the couples plans to rent a apartment that would be luxurious as well as will be suitable to accommodate 4 members i.e. couple A and couple B. The second couple plans for a luxurious holiday for this Gran Apartamento Big Ramblas, will be the best selection that would meet their requirement. This arrangement would also suffice their requirement of having meals together. The cost of renting the apartment would approximately be an amount of 4000 (AUD) inclusive of all the charges. Moreover, apartment flaunts its luxurious living rooms and comfortable bed rooms. The position of the apartment is duly connected by roads and railroads that would help the couples to easily communicate with the rest of the city. The travel plan for the elderly couples need to be made keeping in mind their ailments and inefficiency to climb the stairs and walk long distances. Keeping their taste and preferences in mind and also by adhering to their needs of comfort the 7 outlandish locations has been selected they are listed below: Name Location Information Relevance References Kunst Museum Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain The Picasso museum has a collection of 800 prints by the painter himself. The collection includes the entire lithographic work of Pablo Picasso The selection of the spot has been done in accordance to the need of the couples preference to visit galleries having Picasso’s works (Kunst Museum, 2014) Sagrada Familia Basilica Calle Mallorca, 401 08013 Barcelona, Espana The exotic building as well as the magnificent towers gives a beautiful view of the surrounding adding to the elegance of Gaudi’s work. The castle even has arrangements for the disabled persons who has constraints of walking long distances The couple’s wants to go on excursion with Aaron and Ashley, which will be fulfilled. Moreover, the couples need to fulfil the attainment of their cultural needs (Sagarada Famillia, 2014) Mandarin Oriental Passeig de Grscia, 38-40, 08007 Barcelona. The 5 star hotel hosts therapeutic spas as well as integrates personal preferences of spa treatments and massages. The private spa suits enables the access to the personal Jacuzzi and swimming pool adding value to the services provided The luxurious hotels hosts the therapeutic spas and private luxurious spa suits that will enhance the couples need of luxury and would also help them to relax (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, 2014) Saatchi Gallery C/ Montcada, 15-23 0800 Barcelona The museum of Picasso gives detailed information on the formative years of Picasso. The museum hosts more than 3500 works of Picasso. The collection includes Picasso’s early works that were donated by the painter himself The couples interest in Picasso’s paintings will get enhanced as the gallery has unique collection of Picasso’s painting at the different stages of his life from youth to adolescence (Saatchi Gallery, 2014) Senyor Parellada Carrer Argenteria 37 08003 Ciutat Vella, Barcelona The restaurant is the most popular among all the others in Barcelona. The restaurant flaunts its huge Catalan cuisine that enhances their popularity among the visitors The couple will definitely be enjoying the wide collection of the traditional foods of Barcelona. The taste of the local food will definitely be meeting their preferences of visit (Restaurant Senyor Parellada, 2014 ) MACBA Placa dels Angels, 08001 Barcelona The museum of art has huge number of services that includes special rest rooms and care for the people who are disabled in working The trip to the museum would duly adhere to the needs of the couples to visit areas having huge importance to the art and architecture (MACBA Foundation, 2014) Palau de la Musica Catalana C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona The concert hall in Barcelona is designed in modernist architecture and is beautifully decorated with glass. This concert hall has an accommodation facility of 2200 people and hosts concert all around the year The concert hall would enable the elderly couples to spend time together and also facilitate their need of relaxation (Palau De La Musica Catalana, 2014) Analysis of Couple B While segmenting the marketing strategies for the second couple it has been observed that the couple has the sole motive to enjoy a luxurious holiday irrespective of the price requirement. Detailed information of the taste and preferences of the couple has been collected also with their physical constraints. By analysing the collected information the following segregation has been done and accordingly 7Ps have been implied to increase the credibility of the services. Kunst Museum Product The Kunt Museum hosts a vivid and elegant collection of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. The couple shared their interest to visit the places, which had collection of the artefacts of Picasso. The museum is the best place of visit for the couple as they would cherish the moments to patronise their favourite painter’s works. This would enhance their fulfilment towards the visit and would develop their level of satisfaction. By keeping the museum as a part of the tour the travel agencies will be able to meet the service requirement of the couple. Moreover, this would help in developing a perfect product that would meet the values of the consumers and fulfil their desire (The Chartered Institute of Marketing, 2009). Sagrada Familia Basilica Promotion The couple has initially expressed their desire to go on excursion with Couple A. the site would definitely suffice their need of spending time with their daughter and son-in-law. This place has been included within the trip as it would help in adding value to the services, which are being provided. Moreover, it would also meet the taste and preferences of the couple to patronise art and architecture. Keeping in mind their physical constraints, the place has been selected, because of the elated services provided for disabled people to take a tour of the place successfully (Jain, 2013). Mandarin Oriental Place The luxurious hotel will be best suited for sufficing their need of spending a comfortable holiday and would also help the couple to relax. Moreover, the special spa treatments provided in the spa suits will enhance the value of the services and would meet the requirement of the couple’s luxurious holiday. This would in turn enhance the level of satisfaction of the consumers and also help in developing the quality of service being provided (Aspal & et. al., 2011). Saatchi Gallery People The services being provided are always decided depending on the needs of the people involved with such services. The people here are the couples who have expressed the desire of visiting the galleries that has Picasso’s work. Thus, the Saatchi Gallery will be the best place to fulfil their desire to patronise the beautiful artefacts of the painter. The gallery has a wide collection of the painter’s works at various stages of Picasso’s life. This would enable the couple to cherish their areas of interest and would also enhance their level of contentment (Enache, 2011). Senyor Parellada Process The Catalan cuisine provided by the elegant restaurant will perfectly fit the requirement of the couple to taste foods of Barcelona. The restaurant displays a traditional cuisine constituting of the Catalan delicacy. Moreover, the location of the restaurant in the vibrant neighbourhood of Barcelona close to the Picasso Museum and cathedral meets the needs of the couples and enhances the procedure of serving people. The colonial style also adds to the value of services (Shah, 2012; Akroush, 2011). MACBA Physical Evidences The huge museum has a magnificent collection of art. It has been evident that the couple loves to patronise art and will surely be able to satisfy needs. The physical evidences of elegant services have always effectively enhanced the level of satisfaction drawn from the service. The museum has unique collection and as an added advantage has rest rooms that would enable the couple to meet their requirement of resting (Akroush, 2011). Palau de la Musica Catalana Price The price factor for the services is not applicable in this particular case as the couple has only been focused on the luxury holiday irrespective of the price they have to bear for it. Hence, the price mix of the service marketing mix is highly not applicable in this case. However, the travel planning has been done in such a way that they can avail elite class services at a lesser price level (Mucai & et. al., 2013; Shah, 2012). 3. Conclusion Barcelona is one of the most visited places of Spain. The elegance of their architecture and the beautiful galleries makes them one of the most attractive tourist spots. The huge Mediterranean aquarium having wide variety of species as well as hot air balloon flight also enhances the beauty of the city. The luxurious hotels, Catalan delicacies and the traditional culture of the city makes it a much adorable place of visit. The requirements of the couple will be duly satisfied by their visit to the city. The beaches and the beautiful sceneries even provide a huge atmosphere to meet the need of the romantic indulgences. The city also host huge accommodation facilities to adhere cheap and luxurious requirement. The various luxurious spas and the therapeutic centres also help in relaxation and spending quality time together. The couple’s needs of visiting places of their interest will be met effectively with high of satisfaction. . References Akroush, M. N., 2011. 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[Online] Available at: http://www.casamuseugaudi.org/cm-eng/docs_instit/casamuseu.php [Accessed August 11, 2014]. Turisme de Barcelona, 2014. Gaudi Crypt - Colonia Guell. World Heritage Site. [Online] Available at: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Gaudi-Crypt---Colonia-Guell/_vf-SMlY1yIuKQTV1aq49kN41Yy7hqwPa9MVpjotn0QWyCnwb14Cy8owtdI4Oxp_4 [Accessed August 11, 2014]. Turisme de Barcelona, 2014. Beaches. St. Sebastia & St. Miquel Beaches. [Online] Available at: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/St--Sebastia---St--Miquel-Beaches/_3Ngb8YjSpL1oqqzyGDMpOJLwEgb1lL4eli1pvBdk5yA [Accessed August 11, 2014]. Read More