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TOURISM, INC.
MARKET- READINESS SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

 Ontario Ministry of Tourism
TABLE OF CONTENTS




      What You Will Get From This Session                    page 3
      Introduction                                           page 4
      Section 1. What’s Your Motivation?                     page 6
      Section 2. Product/Service Profile                     page 8
      Section 3. Business Profile                            page 11
      Section 4. Customer Profile                            page 17
      Section 5. Customer Services Profile                   page 20
      Section 6. Human Resource Profile                      page 24
      Section 7. Partnership Profile                         page 27
      Section 8. Communications & Public Relations Profile   page 30
      Section 9. Marketing Profile                           page 33
      Section 10. Pricing & Ticket Sales Profile             page 36
      Section 11. Health & Safety Profile                    page 39
      Section 12. Transportation & Accessibility Profile     page 42
      Section 13. Performance Measurement                    page 46
      Section 14. A Recap of My Checklist                    page 49
      Section 15. Contacts & Resources                       page 51




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                     2
WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM THIS SESSION


    1. Detailed snapshot of critical business and tourism skill
        sets and requirements in a question/answer and
        discussion format.
    2. Identification of areas of your business requiring
        improvement or changes.
    3. Potential resources and next steps in making these
        improvements or changes
    4. Information and ideas from local, regional, national and international sources that
        can assist with your tourism business development needs
    5. Local network of contacts to refer to when you need immediate or project specific
        assistance
    6. A permanent resource tool to use to monitor your annual progress and
        performance.




Developed by the Regional Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the
Investment & Development Office, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, the Ontario
Cultural Attractions Fund and many tourism industry operators and organizations.




No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission in writing from
Ministry of Tourism, Regional Services Branch.
                                                 Printed in Canada. Regional Services 1-877-395-4105




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                                  3
INTRODUCTION




TOURISM IS…
       the fastest growing industry globally

   o   About people, places and things – the experience a traveller has while in a
       destination

   o   A complex industry because of the diversity of businesses involved in the sector
       – accommodations, food & drink, entertainment, attractions, transportation,
       services, festivals and events, culture and heritage, outdoors & sports

   o   Constantly changing – savvy consumers and improved transportation mean the
       world is now available to everyone

   o   An important economic sector – generates new business and revenues, as well
       as social and lifestyle benefits, to communities

   o   Dependent upon strong businesses and supportive infrastructure to be
       successful – skills, products, services, financing, training, communications, links

   o   An enhancement to your current core business – get it right locally (domestic
       market) and you can grow it globally (export market)




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                           4
TOURISM, INC. TRAINING SERIES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO:




                                                  o   Assist those already in the business

                                                  o   Assist those interested in moving into
                                                      the business

                                                  o   Help you understand what is required
                                                      to be in the business

                                                  o   Help determine your current level of
                                                      business skill and capacity

                                                  o   Help determine your current level of
                                                      tourism readiness

                                                  o   Clearly identify “next steps” required
                                                      in tourism business development

                                                  o   Provide you with a variety of
                                                      resources to assist with this
                                                      development

                                                  o   Be immediately applicable to user
                                                      needs – “just-in-time” modular training
                                                      format




STARTING FROM WHERE YOU ARE TODAY:

   o   Why are you interested in tourism and does it fit your current
       business plan?
   o   Have you assessed your current business strengths and
       weaknesses?
   o   Have you assessed your current tourism readiness level?



                                                            SO LET’S BEGIN.

TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                             5
Section 1:
WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION?


TOURISM IS AN ECONOMIC SECTOR THAT TAKES EXISTING BUSINESSES FROM MANY
DIVERSE SECTORS AND SHIFTS THEM INTO NEW EXTERNAL MARKETS. WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR
PRODUCT/SERVICE THAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU’RE READY FOR TOURISM?

   1) Why do you want to work in the tourism industry? Why are you working or do you want to
      work in the tourism industry?




   2) Is attracting and serving visitors consistent with your organizational/business goals?




   3) Does your organization view increased tourism as a positive opportunity for your site?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                             6
Section 1: (Continued)
WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION?


   4) Is your community interested in developing tourism as an economic driver?
      Is there an organization spearheading tourism in your community?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                7
Section 2:
PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE



AN IMPORTANT PART OF TOURISM MARKET READINESS                                    IS CLEARLY
UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU OFFER AND HOW IT DIFFERS FROM THE COMPETITION, AS WELL
AS HOW YOU MAY WANT TO DIVERSIFY BASED UPON THE CONSTRAINTS OF YOUR FACILITY AND
RESOURCES. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERING?


   1) Do you currently offer products/programs/services at your site? Please describe.




   2) Do you currently set business goals and have a method of tracking success and
      customer satisfaction with the products/programs/services offered? How? How often?




   3) Does your product/service offer a quality experience to visitors?
      How do you know?




   4) Does your product/service offer something unique? What is it and how do you know it’s
      unique?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            8
Section 2: (Continued)
  PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE


   5) Is your product/service recognized locally, regionally, nationally, internationally?




   6) Do you update existing products/programs/services and develop new offerings?
      How frequently and what drives these updates/new developments?




   7) Are you aware of who your competition is, how they operate and their unique
      advantages?




   8) Have you worked collaboratively with other product partners in your area?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                           9
Section 2: (Continued)
  PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE


   9) Are you looking for opportunities to develop additional products, programs or services?
      Why?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                              10
Section 3:
BUSINESS PROFILE


IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A SUCCESSFUL TOURISM OPERATION, IT’S IMPORTANT
TO ENSURE YOUR CORE BUSINESS/PRODUCT IS PROFITABLE, AND THAT YOU ARE IN THE
APPROPRIATE POSITION TO DIVERSIFY YOUR OFFERING. WHAT BUSINESS ARE YOU
CURRENTLY IN?

   1) What business are you in? (What pays the bills?)




   2) What are your hours of business, days of operation, and in what seasons do you
      currently operate?




   3) What is your current operating capacity? (Use percentages) Circle the periods where
      you’d like to see increased capacity.

                SPRING                                SUMMER
                FALL                                  WINTER


                WEEKEND                               MIDWEEK



   4) Do you have a documented vision or mission statement, a business plan that includes
      business objectives, operations plan, brand/identity, philosophy and values?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                          11
Section 3: (Continued)
  BUSINESS PROFILE


   5) How well do your business/organization objectives reflect the reality of your business?
      When was the last time you evaluated your objectives?




   6) Are you part of a quality service or training initiative? (Please specify i.e. ISO,
      Ambassador Program, Customer Service Excellence, etc.)




   7) How many people in your business/organization know and understand your
      business/organization objectives?




   8) How involved are staff/volunteers in the development and evaluation of your
      business/organization objectives?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                              12
Section 3: (Continued)
BUSINESS PROFILE


   9) At what stage of development is your business/organization?

                       Start up (5 years or less)
                       Developing
                       Expansion
                       Retiring/winding down in the next 5 years
       Does your business plan include succession planning? Please specify.




   10) Do you know the jurisdictional local, provincial, state, federal “Bylaws and Regulations”
       related to your business/organization? (Current land, water, utility, municipal, economic,
       industry sector, community or social issues.)




   11) Do you have an up-to-date government license(s) to operate?




   12) What professional support do you use in your business/organizational planning (bank,
       lawyer, accountant, consultants, industry or educational institutions, planning, zoning,
       economic development, etc.) List all below.




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                                13
Section 3: (Continued)
BUSINESS PROFILE


   13) How often do you update legal documents such as bylaws, partnership agreements, wills,
       insurance, etc. to meet current market and economic conditions, technological and
       privacy changes?




   14) Do you understand the capitalization/funding needs of your business/organization?




   15) Do you know the value (monetary, or otherwise) of your business, organization, in the
       current marketplace?




   16) Do you have a working relationship with a bank or financial institution?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                             14
Section 3: (Continued)
BUSINESS PROFILE


   17) Do you prepare an annual operating budget? How often do you review your operating
       budget?




   18) Do you have sufficient access to capital, as well as sufficient cash flow to operate?




   19) How long have you operated your business in its current location? Do you own or lease
       your site?




   20) What are the greatest threats to your business?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                             15
Section 3: (Continued)
  BUSINESS PROFILE


   21) How do you currently track the success of your business?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                  16
Section 4:
CUSTOMER PROFILE


IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOURISM BUSINESS, IT’S CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND WHO
YOU ARE CURRENTLY SELLING YOUR PRODUCTS AND PROVIDING SERVICES TO, AS WELL AS
WHO YOU COULD BE TARGETTING. DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE?

   1) Rank the current age demographic of your customers
      (#1 being the largest group and #5 the smallest):

               Under 20 years          ______
               21-35 years             ______
               36-50 years             ______
               51-65 years             ______
               over 65 years           ______



   2) Rank the income range of your customers
      (#1 being the largest group and #5 the smallest):

               Less than $30,000       ______
               $31,000 to $50,000      ______
               $51,000 to $80,000      ______
               $81,000 to $100,000     ______
               over $100,000           ______




   3) Identify the current percentage of your customers according to the following sources:

               ______ Local (from your municipality/region/county)
               ______ Neighbouring Cities/Regions (outside your own local area)
               ______ Neighbouring Provinces
               ______ Neighbouring States
               ______ Other Regions/States/Provinces
               ______ Europe
               ______ Asia
               ______ Other international locations




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            17
Section 4: (Continued)
CUSTOMER PROFILE


   4) What percentage of your customers are:

               Male            ______
               Female          ______



   5) What percentage of your customers are repeat customers? What makes them return?




   6) Rank the typical party composition of your visitors
      (#1 is most common, #6 is least common):

               ______ Single
               ______ Couple
               ______ Family
               ______ Young Adults/University Students
               ______ Corporate (business groups, associations, special meetings/events)
               ______ Organized Group Tours (booked through tour operator)



   7) Are you currently tracking information regarding your customer’s demographics, other
      interests, hobbies, occupation, lifestyle, etc.? How?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                           18
Section 4: (Continued)
  CUSTOMER PROFILE


   8) Do you currently track customer satisfaction and use of your products, services and
       programs? How?




   9) How are you staying informed of current and future customer trends and expectations?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                           19
Section 5:
CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE


IN THIS GLOBAL ECONOMY, TOURISM CUSTOMERS HAVE HIGHER SERVICE
AND PRODUCT DELIVERY EXPECTATIONS OF THE DESTINATIONS THEY FREQUENT,
REGARDLESS OF THEIR TRAVEL BUDGET. WHAT VALUE-ADDED SERVICES DO YOU CURRENTLY
OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS?

   1) How many washrooms do you have available for:

               Individual visitors       ______
               Groups of visitors        ______
               Disabled visitors         ______



   2) Are food services available:

               On site
               Within walking distance
               Convenient to site

   3) Are food service hours compatible with your site hours?




   4) Do you have a retail/gift shop onsite?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                         20
Section 5: (Continued)
  CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE


   5) Do you offer catalogue or on-line retail sales? Describe.




   6) Do you have public telephone/cell phone services/internet/wireless?




   7) Do you offer bilingual/multilingual services? Please specify.




   8) Do you offer special equipment for those with disabilities (hearing or sight impaired)?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                              21
Section 5: (Continued)
CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE


   9) Do you offer specialized interpretive guides for your operation? At all times or by
      appointment only – please specify?




   10) Do you lease your premises for special events? If so, do you provide any supplementary
       services to lessees (catering, AV equipment, staffing, etc.)?




   11) How do you currently track the performance success and customer feedback regarding
       services offered?




   12) Do your job descriptions and hiring practices reflect the needs of the customers
      you serve or want to attract (Languages, special services, certificates)?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                          22
Section 5: (Continued)
CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE



THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                  23
Section 6:
HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE


TOURISM IS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE                 – MAKING THEM WELCOME AND COMFORTABLE,
CREATING MEMORIES AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. GOOD PRODUCT AND SERVICE DELIVERY
IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF COMPETENT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. WHO’S
INVOLVED IN THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES?

   1) Define your current human resources (list numbers of personnel):

               Full-time ______        Permanent ______
               Part-time ______        Contract ______
               Seasonal ______
               Volunteer ______

   2) Do you have job descriptions and/or performance agreements for all staff and
      volunteers?




   3) Do your descriptions and hiring practices reflect the needs of the customers your
      currently serve or want to attract? (languages, special services, certificates)




   4) Is staff performance reviewed, discussed and necessary changes made on a regular
      basis? How often?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                        24
Section 6: (Continued)
HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE


   5) Does the organization have hiring/screening, staff development and termination policies
      for employees and volunteers?




   6) Is there someone responsible for human resource policy implementation and
      administration?




   7) Do you budget for staff/volunteer training annually?




   8) Do you currently provide training to staff members and volunteers? If not, what are the
      reasons?




   9) Do you provide professional and career development opportunities to staff and
      volunteers?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                              25
Section 6: (Continued)
  HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE


   10) Do you have specific service standards in place – provincial, state, national,
       international?




   11) How do you currently track staff performance, achievements and career satisfaction?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                           26
Section 7:
PARTNERSHIP PROFILE


WORKING         COLLABORATIVELY              WITH       OTHER         BUSINESSES             AND
ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR AREA CAN EXTEND YOUR MARKET REACH                                      AND
PROVIDE ADDED VALUE TO YOUR EXISTING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS TO THE
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. PARTNERSHIPS CAN INCLUDE SHARING RESOURCES, IDEAS AND
CUSTOMERS. WHO DO YOU CURRENTLY PARTNER WITH AND HOW?


   1) List associations you currently belong to (organizations, alliances, consortiums and
      affiliations)




   2) Are you currently working with industry partners to add value to your current client
      experiences, tourism destination and improve your bottom line/economies of scale?
      Please specify.


       Within your sector:

       With other tourism sector partners:

       With non-tourism partners:




   3) How often do you refer visitors to other operators?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            27
Section 7: (Continued)
PARTNERSHIP PROFILE


   4) How willing are you to offer packages with partners/competing operators and assume the
      risk and responsibilities that come with this exercise? Describe.




   5) Are you willing to share information about your markets, prices, product lines and
      services? Give examples.




   6) Are you willing to become more knowledgeable about and cross-promote your partners
      businesses in order to jointly promote each other? Give examples.




   7) Are you willing to share control and decision-making concerning the development of new
      products/programs/services? Describe.




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                         28
Section 7: (Continued)
PARTNERSHIP PROFILE


   8) Are you willing to adapt your facilities/programs/operation to meet the needs of a
      partnership? Give examples.




   9) Are you willing to invest time, finances and human resources into a partnership?
      Describe.




   10) How do you currently track the performance of partnership programs you are involved in?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                          29
Section 8:
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE



TOURISM IS AN EXTREMELY COMPLEX INDUSTRY                           AND DIFFICULT FOR MOST
PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND. YOU CAN’T EXPECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW WHAT IT IS YOU
DO, AND WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU PROVIDE, IF YOU DON’T TELL THEM.
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IS ENSURING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THE BENEFITS
THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRY BRING TO THE COMMUNITY – THEY ARE YOUR FIRST
AMBASSADORS. WHAT’S THE MESSAGE YOU CURRENTLY DELIVER?

   1) How do you currently involve the community in your business/organization?




   2) Do you have local support (municipal, community, business, etc.) for your
      business/organization?




   3) Do you maintain contact with other private, non-profit and public sector organizations and
      stakeholders in your community? How?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            30
Section 8: (Continued)
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE

   4) Do you currently share information about your business/organization, products,
      programs, services, special events, staff? How, with whom?




   5) Can the community/customers’ access your business/organization by:

             Phone     ______
             Fax       ______
             Email     ______
             Mail      ______
             Website   ______



   6) Do you have a computer/internet access on site?




   7) Can customer information be provided/responded to within 24 hours? Is there a
      customer response process/standard in place?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                     31
Section 8: (Continued)
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE


   8) Do you update your website information on a regular basis? How often?




   9) How do you currently track the performance success of your communications and public
       relations?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                       32
Section 9:
  MARKETING PROFILE



TRAVELLERS ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW AND DIFFERENT
DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES.                 THE TOURISM INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BE BETTER
TUNED IN TO THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO
ATTRACT NEW AND RETAIN EXISTING AUDIENCES. WELL-PLANNED AND EXECUTED MARKETING
SHOULD DELIVER A REGULAR SOURCE OF VISITORS, TARGET NEW LEADS, AND PROVIDE
TOURISM OPERATORS WITH INSIGHT INTO THE CUSTOMERS WHO ARE RESPONDING TO THEIR
MARKETING. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT APPROACH TO MARKETING?


   1) Do you currently do research to determine your target markets? How?




   2) Do you have a current marketing plan?




   3) Does it identify:

               Target markets
               Competitive advantages for those markets
               Ways and means to reach the target markets and track them
               Compatibility between target markets (seniors/schools)
               Public relations
               Customer relationship development




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                 33
Section 9: (Continued)
  MARKETING PROFILE


   4) Do you have promotional materials that present the product, price, dates and key
      reason(s) for customers to visit your site? Circle those that are applicable.

               Brochures
               Profiles
               Point of Purchase Materials
               Promotional Rack Cards
               Presentation kits
               Direct Mail Pieces
               Inserts
               Traditional Print Advertising
               Email Newsletters
               CD/DVD/Videos/TV Commercials
               Active Web Promotions (Banners, Contests)
               Media Advertising
               Other (specify)



   5) Is there a person in your organization responsible for marketing?




   6) Do you have an annual and adaptable budget for marketing and advertising?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                       34
Section 9: (Continued)
  MARKETING PROFILE


   7) What percentage of your marketing annually is:
                    ______ Co-op
                       ______ Cash
                       ______ In-kind and bartered services

   8) Do you currently work with media (local, regional, national) for advertising and public
      relations? Describe.




   9) How do you currently track the performance of your marketing efforts to ensure return on
       investment?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                              35
Section 10:
PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE


TO ENSURE MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY, TOURISM OPERATORS MUST BE
ABLE TO PROVIDE PRICE POINTS AND PAYMENT OPTIONS                               REFLECTIVE OF
PRODUCT AND MARKET CONDITIONS. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM OF PRICING, TICKETING
AND CUSTOMER SALES?


   1) Do you have a price structure? How often is this reviewed and updated to reflect current
      market situations?




   2) Do you participate in price point packaging, allowing for commissions, net rates and other
      discounts?




   3) Can you set and confirm rates 6 months or more in advance?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            36
Section 10: (Continued)
  PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE


   4) Are you able to sell tickets/vouchers on-line and/or off-site? Do you have e-commerce
      capabilities?




   5) Are you able to accept block bookings by groups or tour operators?




   6) Do you price in other foreign currencies (U.S., Canadian, Euro)?




   7) Do you accept credit and debit cards? Which ones?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            37
Section 10: (Continued)
PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE


   8) How do you currently track the performance of your pricing system and ticket sales?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                          38
Section 11:
HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE



DUE TO CHANGING SOCIAL ISSUES AND AN AGING TRAVEL POPULATION,
THE TOURISM INDUSTRY MUST BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE IN PLANNING FOR AND DELIVERING
TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. WHAT CURRENT LEVEL OF HEALTH
AND SAFETY MEASURES DOES YOUR SITE/OPERATION FOLLOW?

   1) Does your site comply with all local/regional health/safety and sanitation standards?
      Who is responsible for implementation and administration at your operation?




   2) Is your site kept clean on a daily basis (inside and outside)?




   3) Do you have suitable business and liability insurance coverage? How often is this
      reviewed?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                            39
Section 11: (Continued)
HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE



   4) Are you prepared for accidents by:

                        Having a well-stocked first-aid kit
                        Having sufficient staff trained in first-aid and accident procedures

   5) Are there emergency procedures and staff training in place to cover:

           ______Robberies                       ______ Bomb Threats
           ______Fire                            ______Acts of Violence/Aggression
           ______Electrical Outages              ______Terrorists
           ______Flood                            ______Accidents
           ______Lost Children/Visitors




   6) Do you review and update accident/emergency procedures and reporting requirements?
      How often?




   7) Do you have a crisis communications plan?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                             40
Section 11: (Continued)
HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE


   8) How do you currently track the performance of your health and safety procedures?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                       41
Section 12:
TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE



ONCE YOU’VE DEVELOPED A GREAT PRODUCT AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET IT TO
MARKET, IT’S CRITICAL THAT CUSTOMERS KNOW HOW TO GET TO AND ACCESS YOUR
OFFERINGS IN THE SIMPLEST AND MOST DIRECT MANNER POSSIBLE. HOW DO CUSTOMERS
CURRENTLY TRAVEL TO AND MANEUVER WITHIN AND AROUND YOUR OPERATION?

   1) Is your site/operation easy to access by:

                       Road
                       Air
                       Water
                       Rail
                       Public Transit




   2) Are there readily accessible maps to get visitors to your site?

                                        YOUR OWN          REGIONAL


               Website (on-line)
               Print
               Distribution
               GPS



   3) Is your site accessible by those with disabilities, and according to
      municipal/provincial/state/federal guidelines?

                       Fully
                       Partially




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                           42
Section 12: (Continued)
TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE


   4) Are there directional signs (provincial, state, regional, municipal, international) helping
      people find your site/operation?




       Are they effective?




       Are there other way finding methods to your site?

                        ______ Radio
                        ______ Television
                        ______ GPS




   5) Are there transportation options available for people who don’t have cars or have special
      needs? Describe.




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                                  43
Section 12: (Continued)
  TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE


   6) Is there sufficient parking for:

                        Cars
                        Buses
                        Recreational Vehicles
                        Other Modes of Transport (Planes, Boats, Bikes, Snowmobiles)




   7) Is your location convenient to other tourist attractions/services/amenities?




   8) Are there seasonal issues/regional servicing issues that impact your site access? Please
      describe (i.e. snow, ice, flooding, etc.).




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                          44
Section 12: (Continued)
TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE


   9) How do you currently track the performance success of your transportation, signage and
       accessibility servicing offerings?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                         45
Section 13:
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT


TRACKING ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR OPERATION                        WILL DETERMINE EFFICIENCIES
AND AREAS IN WHICH ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE MADE TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE. HOW
ARE YOU CURRENTLY MEASURING YOUR PERFORMANCE AND SUCCESSES?

   1) Do you currently track (check all that apply):

               Visitors
               Repeat Visitation
               Bookings
               Sales
               Revenues
               Return on Investment – Capital Costs
               Maintenance and Improvements to Property, Programs and Services
               Marketing Results – Your Own as well as Partner Efforts
               Communications and Public Relations
               Media Relations and Coverage
               Customer Inquiries
               Customer Complaints
               Program/Event Success
               Sponsor Benefits
               Training and Staff Development
               Community Relations
               Industry Relations
               Employee/Volunteer Retention
               Partnership Development
               Economic Impact

   2) What tracking methods are currently used?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                     46
Section 13: (Continued)
  PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT


   3) How often do you review overall business, as well as, tourism performance?




   4) Who is involved in these reviews?




   5) What actions are taken to remedy shortfalls to plans and in what timeframe?




   6) Do you maintain a membership list/customer database? What do you use this database
      for and how often?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                     47
Section 13: (Continued)
    PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT


   7) Are you aware of the updated current legislated customer information and privacy
       guidelines – businesses are expected to follow?




THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT!
What actions can I take?




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                       48
Section 14:
     A RECAP OF MY CHECKLIST
     (IDENTIFYING THE AREAS THAT YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING)




        BUSINESS SECTION                 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

                                         LOW    MED    HIGH         COMMENTS

1. MOTIVATION


2. PRODUCT/SERVICE


3. BUSINESS


4. CUSTOMER


5. CUSTOMER SERVICES


6. HUMAN RESOURCES


7. PARTNERSHIPS


8. COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC
RELATIONS


9. MARKETING


10. PRICING & TICKET SALES


11. HEALTH & SAFETY

12. TRANSPORTATION &
ACCESSIBILITY

13. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT




    TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                    49
Section 14: (Continued)
A RECAP OF MY CHECKLIST
(IDENTIFYING THE AREAS THAT YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING)


Summary of My Tourism Business Priorities (from the sections above):

1)

2)

3)

4)




Next Steps/Actions:
       Short Term (next 6 to 12 months)

1)

2)

3)




       Longer Term (12 to 24 months)
1)

2)

3)




NAME: _______________________________________

DATE: _______________________________________




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                     50
Section 15:
CONTACT & RESOURCES


ADDITIONAL CONTACTS AND RESOURCES:

Ontario Ministry of Tourism
Your Regional Services Tourism Consultant:___________________________________________
Your Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Tourism Advisor: ________________________


WEBSITES:
Ministry of Tourism                            www.tourism.gov.on.ca
Ministry of Tourism Consumer                   www.ontariotravel.net
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership          www.tourismpartners.com
World Tourism Organization (WTO)               www.world-tourism.org
Tourism Industry of Canada (TIAC)              www.tiac-aitc.ca
Canadian Tourism Commission                    www.canadatourism.com



Other Ontario Ministry of Tourism Contacts:




Local/Regional/Provincial/National Tourism Contact Organizations:




Tourism Business Contacts I’ve Met Today:




TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST                                                     51

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Tour market readiness_self_assessment_checklist

  • 1. TOURISM, INC. MARKET- READINESS SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL Ontario Ministry of Tourism
  • 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS What You Will Get From This Session page 3 Introduction page 4 Section 1. What’s Your Motivation? page 6 Section 2. Product/Service Profile page 8 Section 3. Business Profile page 11 Section 4. Customer Profile page 17 Section 5. Customer Services Profile page 20 Section 6. Human Resource Profile page 24 Section 7. Partnership Profile page 27 Section 8. Communications & Public Relations Profile page 30 Section 9. Marketing Profile page 33 Section 10. Pricing & Ticket Sales Profile page 36 Section 11. Health & Safety Profile page 39 Section 12. Transportation & Accessibility Profile page 42 Section 13. Performance Measurement page 46 Section 14. A Recap of My Checklist page 49 Section 15. Contacts & Resources page 51 TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 2
  • 3. WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM THIS SESSION 1. Detailed snapshot of critical business and tourism skill sets and requirements in a question/answer and discussion format. 2. Identification of areas of your business requiring improvement or changes. 3. Potential resources and next steps in making these improvements or changes 4. Information and ideas from local, regional, national and international sources that can assist with your tourism business development needs 5. Local network of contacts to refer to when you need immediate or project specific assistance 6. A permanent resource tool to use to monitor your annual progress and performance. Developed by the Regional Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Investment & Development Office, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and many tourism industry operators and organizations. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission in writing from Ministry of Tourism, Regional Services Branch. Printed in Canada. Regional Services 1-877-395-4105 TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 3
  • 4. INTRODUCTION TOURISM IS… the fastest growing industry globally o About people, places and things – the experience a traveller has while in a destination o A complex industry because of the diversity of businesses involved in the sector – accommodations, food & drink, entertainment, attractions, transportation, services, festivals and events, culture and heritage, outdoors & sports o Constantly changing – savvy consumers and improved transportation mean the world is now available to everyone o An important economic sector – generates new business and revenues, as well as social and lifestyle benefits, to communities o Dependent upon strong businesses and supportive infrastructure to be successful – skills, products, services, financing, training, communications, links o An enhancement to your current core business – get it right locally (domestic market) and you can grow it globally (export market) TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 4
  • 5. TOURISM, INC. TRAINING SERIES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO: o Assist those already in the business o Assist those interested in moving into the business o Help you understand what is required to be in the business o Help determine your current level of business skill and capacity o Help determine your current level of tourism readiness o Clearly identify “next steps” required in tourism business development o Provide you with a variety of resources to assist with this development o Be immediately applicable to user needs – “just-in-time” modular training format STARTING FROM WHERE YOU ARE TODAY: o Why are you interested in tourism and does it fit your current business plan? o Have you assessed your current business strengths and weaknesses? o Have you assessed your current tourism readiness level? SO LET’S BEGIN. TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 5
  • 6. Section 1: WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION? TOURISM IS AN ECONOMIC SECTOR THAT TAKES EXISTING BUSINESSES FROM MANY DIVERSE SECTORS AND SHIFTS THEM INTO NEW EXTERNAL MARKETS. WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE THAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU’RE READY FOR TOURISM? 1) Why do you want to work in the tourism industry? Why are you working or do you want to work in the tourism industry? 2) Is attracting and serving visitors consistent with your organizational/business goals? 3) Does your organization view increased tourism as a positive opportunity for your site? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 6
  • 7. Section 1: (Continued) WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION? 4) Is your community interested in developing tourism as an economic driver? Is there an organization spearheading tourism in your community? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 7
  • 8. Section 2: PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE AN IMPORTANT PART OF TOURISM MARKET READINESS IS CLEARLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU OFFER AND HOW IT DIFFERS FROM THE COMPETITION, AS WELL AS HOW YOU MAY WANT TO DIVERSIFY BASED UPON THE CONSTRAINTS OF YOUR FACILITY AND RESOURCES. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERING? 1) Do you currently offer products/programs/services at your site? Please describe. 2) Do you currently set business goals and have a method of tracking success and customer satisfaction with the products/programs/services offered? How? How often? 3) Does your product/service offer a quality experience to visitors? How do you know? 4) Does your product/service offer something unique? What is it and how do you know it’s unique? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 8
  • 9. Section 2: (Continued) PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE 5) Is your product/service recognized locally, regionally, nationally, internationally? 6) Do you update existing products/programs/services and develop new offerings? How frequently and what drives these updates/new developments? 7) Are you aware of who your competition is, how they operate and their unique advantages? 8) Have you worked collaboratively with other product partners in your area? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 9
  • 10. Section 2: (Continued) PRODUCT/SERVICE PROFILE 9) Are you looking for opportunities to develop additional products, programs or services? Why? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 10
  • 11. Section 3: BUSINESS PROFILE IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A SUCCESSFUL TOURISM OPERATION, IT’S IMPORTANT TO ENSURE YOUR CORE BUSINESS/PRODUCT IS PROFITABLE, AND THAT YOU ARE IN THE APPROPRIATE POSITION TO DIVERSIFY YOUR OFFERING. WHAT BUSINESS ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN? 1) What business are you in? (What pays the bills?) 2) What are your hours of business, days of operation, and in what seasons do you currently operate? 3) What is your current operating capacity? (Use percentages) Circle the periods where you’d like to see increased capacity. SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER WEEKEND MIDWEEK 4) Do you have a documented vision or mission statement, a business plan that includes business objectives, operations plan, brand/identity, philosophy and values? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 11
  • 12. Section 3: (Continued) BUSINESS PROFILE 5) How well do your business/organization objectives reflect the reality of your business? When was the last time you evaluated your objectives? 6) Are you part of a quality service or training initiative? (Please specify i.e. ISO, Ambassador Program, Customer Service Excellence, etc.) 7) How many people in your business/organization know and understand your business/organization objectives? 8) How involved are staff/volunteers in the development and evaluation of your business/organization objectives? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 12
  • 13. Section 3: (Continued) BUSINESS PROFILE 9) At what stage of development is your business/organization? Start up (5 years or less) Developing Expansion Retiring/winding down in the next 5 years Does your business plan include succession planning? Please specify. 10) Do you know the jurisdictional local, provincial, state, federal “Bylaws and Regulations” related to your business/organization? (Current land, water, utility, municipal, economic, industry sector, community or social issues.) 11) Do you have an up-to-date government license(s) to operate? 12) What professional support do you use in your business/organizational planning (bank, lawyer, accountant, consultants, industry or educational institutions, planning, zoning, economic development, etc.) List all below. TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 13
  • 14. Section 3: (Continued) BUSINESS PROFILE 13) How often do you update legal documents such as bylaws, partnership agreements, wills, insurance, etc. to meet current market and economic conditions, technological and privacy changes? 14) Do you understand the capitalization/funding needs of your business/organization? 15) Do you know the value (monetary, or otherwise) of your business, organization, in the current marketplace? 16) Do you have a working relationship with a bank or financial institution? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 14
  • 15. Section 3: (Continued) BUSINESS PROFILE 17) Do you prepare an annual operating budget? How often do you review your operating budget? 18) Do you have sufficient access to capital, as well as sufficient cash flow to operate? 19) How long have you operated your business in its current location? Do you own or lease your site? 20) What are the greatest threats to your business? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 15
  • 16. Section 3: (Continued) BUSINESS PROFILE 21) How do you currently track the success of your business? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 16
  • 17. Section 4: CUSTOMER PROFILE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOURISM BUSINESS, IT’S CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND WHO YOU ARE CURRENTLY SELLING YOUR PRODUCTS AND PROVIDING SERVICES TO, AS WELL AS WHO YOU COULD BE TARGETTING. DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE? 1) Rank the current age demographic of your customers (#1 being the largest group and #5 the smallest): Under 20 years ______ 21-35 years ______ 36-50 years ______ 51-65 years ______ over 65 years ______ 2) Rank the income range of your customers (#1 being the largest group and #5 the smallest): Less than $30,000 ______ $31,000 to $50,000 ______ $51,000 to $80,000 ______ $81,000 to $100,000 ______ over $100,000 ______ 3) Identify the current percentage of your customers according to the following sources: ______ Local (from your municipality/region/county) ______ Neighbouring Cities/Regions (outside your own local area) ______ Neighbouring Provinces ______ Neighbouring States ______ Other Regions/States/Provinces ______ Europe ______ Asia ______ Other international locations TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 17
  • 18. Section 4: (Continued) CUSTOMER PROFILE 4) What percentage of your customers are: Male ______ Female ______ 5) What percentage of your customers are repeat customers? What makes them return? 6) Rank the typical party composition of your visitors (#1 is most common, #6 is least common): ______ Single ______ Couple ______ Family ______ Young Adults/University Students ______ Corporate (business groups, associations, special meetings/events) ______ Organized Group Tours (booked through tour operator) 7) Are you currently tracking information regarding your customer’s demographics, other interests, hobbies, occupation, lifestyle, etc.? How? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 18
  • 19. Section 4: (Continued) CUSTOMER PROFILE 8) Do you currently track customer satisfaction and use of your products, services and programs? How? 9) How are you staying informed of current and future customer trends and expectations? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 19
  • 20. Section 5: CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE IN THIS GLOBAL ECONOMY, TOURISM CUSTOMERS HAVE HIGHER SERVICE AND PRODUCT DELIVERY EXPECTATIONS OF THE DESTINATIONS THEY FREQUENT, REGARDLESS OF THEIR TRAVEL BUDGET. WHAT VALUE-ADDED SERVICES DO YOU CURRENTLY OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS? 1) How many washrooms do you have available for: Individual visitors ______ Groups of visitors ______ Disabled visitors ______ 2) Are food services available: On site Within walking distance Convenient to site 3) Are food service hours compatible with your site hours? 4) Do you have a retail/gift shop onsite? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 20
  • 21. Section 5: (Continued) CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE 5) Do you offer catalogue or on-line retail sales? Describe. 6) Do you have public telephone/cell phone services/internet/wireless? 7) Do you offer bilingual/multilingual services? Please specify. 8) Do you offer special equipment for those with disabilities (hearing or sight impaired)? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 21
  • 22. Section 5: (Continued) CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE 9) Do you offer specialized interpretive guides for your operation? At all times or by appointment only – please specify? 10) Do you lease your premises for special events? If so, do you provide any supplementary services to lessees (catering, AV equipment, staffing, etc.)? 11) How do you currently track the performance success and customer feedback regarding services offered? 12) Do your job descriptions and hiring practices reflect the needs of the customers you serve or want to attract (Languages, special services, certificates)? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 22
  • 23. Section 5: (Continued) CUSTOMER SERVICES PROFILE THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 23
  • 24. Section 6: HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE TOURISM IS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE – MAKING THEM WELCOME AND COMFORTABLE, CREATING MEMORIES AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. GOOD PRODUCT AND SERVICE DELIVERY IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF COMPETENT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. WHO’S INVOLVED IN THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES? 1) Define your current human resources (list numbers of personnel): Full-time ______ Permanent ______ Part-time ______ Contract ______ Seasonal ______ Volunteer ______ 2) Do you have job descriptions and/or performance agreements for all staff and volunteers? 3) Do your descriptions and hiring practices reflect the needs of the customers your currently serve or want to attract? (languages, special services, certificates) 4) Is staff performance reviewed, discussed and necessary changes made on a regular basis? How often? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 24
  • 25. Section 6: (Continued) HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE 5) Does the organization have hiring/screening, staff development and termination policies for employees and volunteers? 6) Is there someone responsible for human resource policy implementation and administration? 7) Do you budget for staff/volunteer training annually? 8) Do you currently provide training to staff members and volunteers? If not, what are the reasons? 9) Do you provide professional and career development opportunities to staff and volunteers? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 25
  • 26. Section 6: (Continued) HUMAN RESOURCE PROFILE 10) Do you have specific service standards in place – provincial, state, national, international? 11) How do you currently track staff performance, achievements and career satisfaction? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 26
  • 27. Section 7: PARTNERSHIP PROFILE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR AREA CAN EXTEND YOUR MARKET REACH AND PROVIDE ADDED VALUE TO YOUR EXISTING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS TO THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. PARTNERSHIPS CAN INCLUDE SHARING RESOURCES, IDEAS AND CUSTOMERS. WHO DO YOU CURRENTLY PARTNER WITH AND HOW? 1) List associations you currently belong to (organizations, alliances, consortiums and affiliations) 2) Are you currently working with industry partners to add value to your current client experiences, tourism destination and improve your bottom line/economies of scale? Please specify. Within your sector: With other tourism sector partners: With non-tourism partners: 3) How often do you refer visitors to other operators? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 27
  • 28. Section 7: (Continued) PARTNERSHIP PROFILE 4) How willing are you to offer packages with partners/competing operators and assume the risk and responsibilities that come with this exercise? Describe. 5) Are you willing to share information about your markets, prices, product lines and services? Give examples. 6) Are you willing to become more knowledgeable about and cross-promote your partners businesses in order to jointly promote each other? Give examples. 7) Are you willing to share control and decision-making concerning the development of new products/programs/services? Describe. TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 28
  • 29. Section 7: (Continued) PARTNERSHIP PROFILE 8) Are you willing to adapt your facilities/programs/operation to meet the needs of a partnership? Give examples. 9) Are you willing to invest time, finances and human resources into a partnership? Describe. 10) How do you currently track the performance of partnership programs you are involved in? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 29
  • 30. Section 8: COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE TOURISM IS AN EXTREMELY COMPLEX INDUSTRY AND DIFFICULT FOR MOST PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND. YOU CAN’T EXPECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOW WHAT IT IS YOU DO, AND WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU PROVIDE, IF YOU DON’T TELL THEM. ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IS ENSURING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THE BENEFITS THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRY BRING TO THE COMMUNITY – THEY ARE YOUR FIRST AMBASSADORS. WHAT’S THE MESSAGE YOU CURRENTLY DELIVER? 1) How do you currently involve the community in your business/organization? 2) Do you have local support (municipal, community, business, etc.) for your business/organization? 3) Do you maintain contact with other private, non-profit and public sector organizations and stakeholders in your community? How? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 30
  • 31. Section 8: (Continued) COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE 4) Do you currently share information about your business/organization, products, programs, services, special events, staff? How, with whom? 5) Can the community/customers’ access your business/organization by: Phone ______ Fax ______ Email ______ Mail ______ Website ______ 6) Do you have a computer/internet access on site? 7) Can customer information be provided/responded to within 24 hours? Is there a customer response process/standard in place? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 31
  • 32. Section 8: (Continued) COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFILE 8) Do you update your website information on a regular basis? How often? 9) How do you currently track the performance success of your communications and public relations? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 32
  • 33. Section 9: MARKETING PROFILE TRAVELLERS ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW AND DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES. THE TOURISM INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BE BETTER TUNED IN TO THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO ATTRACT NEW AND RETAIN EXISTING AUDIENCES. WELL-PLANNED AND EXECUTED MARKETING SHOULD DELIVER A REGULAR SOURCE OF VISITORS, TARGET NEW LEADS, AND PROVIDE TOURISM OPERATORS WITH INSIGHT INTO THE CUSTOMERS WHO ARE RESPONDING TO THEIR MARKETING. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT APPROACH TO MARKETING? 1) Do you currently do research to determine your target markets? How? 2) Do you have a current marketing plan? 3) Does it identify: Target markets Competitive advantages for those markets Ways and means to reach the target markets and track them Compatibility between target markets (seniors/schools) Public relations Customer relationship development TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 33
  • 34. Section 9: (Continued) MARKETING PROFILE 4) Do you have promotional materials that present the product, price, dates and key reason(s) for customers to visit your site? Circle those that are applicable. Brochures Profiles Point of Purchase Materials Promotional Rack Cards Presentation kits Direct Mail Pieces Inserts Traditional Print Advertising Email Newsletters CD/DVD/Videos/TV Commercials Active Web Promotions (Banners, Contests) Media Advertising Other (specify) 5) Is there a person in your organization responsible for marketing? 6) Do you have an annual and adaptable budget for marketing and advertising? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 34
  • 35. Section 9: (Continued) MARKETING PROFILE 7) What percentage of your marketing annually is: ______ Co-op ______ Cash ______ In-kind and bartered services 8) Do you currently work with media (local, regional, national) for advertising and public relations? Describe. 9) How do you currently track the performance of your marketing efforts to ensure return on investment? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 35
  • 36. Section 10: PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE TO ENSURE MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY, TOURISM OPERATORS MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE PRICE POINTS AND PAYMENT OPTIONS REFLECTIVE OF PRODUCT AND MARKET CONDITIONS. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM OF PRICING, TICKETING AND CUSTOMER SALES? 1) Do you have a price structure? How often is this reviewed and updated to reflect current market situations? 2) Do you participate in price point packaging, allowing for commissions, net rates and other discounts? 3) Can you set and confirm rates 6 months or more in advance? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 36
  • 37. Section 10: (Continued) PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE 4) Are you able to sell tickets/vouchers on-line and/or off-site? Do you have e-commerce capabilities? 5) Are you able to accept block bookings by groups or tour operators? 6) Do you price in other foreign currencies (U.S., Canadian, Euro)? 7) Do you accept credit and debit cards? Which ones? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 37
  • 38. Section 10: (Continued) PRICING & TICKET SALES PROFILE 8) How do you currently track the performance of your pricing system and ticket sales? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 38
  • 39. Section 11: HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE DUE TO CHANGING SOCIAL ISSUES AND AN AGING TRAVEL POPULATION, THE TOURISM INDUSTRY MUST BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE IN PLANNING FOR AND DELIVERING TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. WHAT CURRENT LEVEL OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES DOES YOUR SITE/OPERATION FOLLOW? 1) Does your site comply with all local/regional health/safety and sanitation standards? Who is responsible for implementation and administration at your operation? 2) Is your site kept clean on a daily basis (inside and outside)? 3) Do you have suitable business and liability insurance coverage? How often is this reviewed? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 39
  • 40. Section 11: (Continued) HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE 4) Are you prepared for accidents by: Having a well-stocked first-aid kit Having sufficient staff trained in first-aid and accident procedures 5) Are there emergency procedures and staff training in place to cover: ______Robberies ______ Bomb Threats ______Fire ______Acts of Violence/Aggression ______Electrical Outages ______Terrorists ______Flood ______Accidents ______Lost Children/Visitors 6) Do you review and update accident/emergency procedures and reporting requirements? How often? 7) Do you have a crisis communications plan? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 40
  • 41. Section 11: (Continued) HEALTH & SAFETY PROFILE 8) How do you currently track the performance of your health and safety procedures? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 41
  • 42. Section 12: TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE ONCE YOU’VE DEVELOPED A GREAT PRODUCT AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET IT TO MARKET, IT’S CRITICAL THAT CUSTOMERS KNOW HOW TO GET TO AND ACCESS YOUR OFFERINGS IN THE SIMPLEST AND MOST DIRECT MANNER POSSIBLE. HOW DO CUSTOMERS CURRENTLY TRAVEL TO AND MANEUVER WITHIN AND AROUND YOUR OPERATION? 1) Is your site/operation easy to access by: Road Air Water Rail Public Transit 2) Are there readily accessible maps to get visitors to your site? YOUR OWN REGIONAL Website (on-line) Print Distribution GPS 3) Is your site accessible by those with disabilities, and according to municipal/provincial/state/federal guidelines? Fully Partially TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 42
  • 43. Section 12: (Continued) TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE 4) Are there directional signs (provincial, state, regional, municipal, international) helping people find your site/operation? Are they effective? Are there other way finding methods to your site? ______ Radio ______ Television ______ GPS 5) Are there transportation options available for people who don’t have cars or have special needs? Describe. TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 43
  • 44. Section 12: (Continued) TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE 6) Is there sufficient parking for: Cars Buses Recreational Vehicles Other Modes of Transport (Planes, Boats, Bikes, Snowmobiles) 7) Is your location convenient to other tourist attractions/services/amenities? 8) Are there seasonal issues/regional servicing issues that impact your site access? Please describe (i.e. snow, ice, flooding, etc.). TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 44
  • 45. Section 12: (Continued) TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY PROFILE 9) How do you currently track the performance success of your transportation, signage and accessibility servicing offerings? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 45
  • 46. Section 13: PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT TRACKING ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR OPERATION WILL DETERMINE EFFICIENCIES AND AREAS IN WHICH ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE MADE TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE. HOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY MEASURING YOUR PERFORMANCE AND SUCCESSES? 1) Do you currently track (check all that apply): Visitors Repeat Visitation Bookings Sales Revenues Return on Investment – Capital Costs Maintenance and Improvements to Property, Programs and Services Marketing Results – Your Own as well as Partner Efforts Communications and Public Relations Media Relations and Coverage Customer Inquiries Customer Complaints Program/Event Success Sponsor Benefits Training and Staff Development Community Relations Industry Relations Employee/Volunteer Retention Partnership Development Economic Impact 2) What tracking methods are currently used? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 46
  • 47. Section 13: (Continued) PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT 3) How often do you review overall business, as well as, tourism performance? 4) Who is involved in these reviews? 5) What actions are taken to remedy shortfalls to plans and in what timeframe? 6) Do you maintain a membership list/customer database? What do you use this database for and how often? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 47
  • 48. Section 13: (Continued) PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT 7) Are you aware of the updated current legislated customer information and privacy guidelines – businesses are expected to follow? THOUGHTS/COMMENTS THESE QUESTIONS HAVE RAISED – YOUR PARKING LOT! What actions can I take? TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 48
  • 49. Section 14: A RECAP OF MY CHECKLIST (IDENTIFYING THE AREAS THAT YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING) BUSINESS SECTION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES LOW MED HIGH COMMENTS 1. MOTIVATION 2. PRODUCT/SERVICE 3. BUSINESS 4. CUSTOMER 5. CUSTOMER SERVICES 6. HUMAN RESOURCES 7. PARTNERSHIPS 8. COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS 9. MARKETING 10. PRICING & TICKET SALES 11. HEALTH & SAFETY 12. TRANSPORTATION & ACCESSIBILITY 13. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 49
  • 50. Section 14: (Continued) A RECAP OF MY CHECKLIST (IDENTIFYING THE AREAS THAT YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING) Summary of My Tourism Business Priorities (from the sections above): 1) 2) 3) 4) Next Steps/Actions: Short Term (next 6 to 12 months) 1) 2) 3) Longer Term (12 to 24 months) 1) 2) 3) NAME: _______________________________________ DATE: _______________________________________ TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 50
  • 51. Section 15: CONTACT & RESOURCES ADDITIONAL CONTACTS AND RESOURCES: Ontario Ministry of Tourism Your Regional Services Tourism Consultant:___________________________________________ Your Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Tourism Advisor: ________________________ WEBSITES: Ministry of Tourism www.tourism.gov.on.ca Ministry of Tourism Consumer www.ontariotravel.net Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership www.tourismpartners.com World Tourism Organization (WTO) www.world-tourism.org Tourism Industry of Canada (TIAC) www.tiac-aitc.ca Canadian Tourism Commission www.canadatourism.com Other Ontario Ministry of Tourism Contacts: Local/Regional/Provincial/National Tourism Contact Organizations: Tourism Business Contacts I’ve Met Today: TOURISM MARKET-READINESS CHECKLIST 51