Properties Development & Planning | Solved Paper | 2014 -2015 | 1st Sem M.Sc. HA

Q.1. Tourism helps in the growth of a location and it slowly makes that a destination. Describe the various factors which make a location – a tourism destination. (10)

Many factors will determine the development of tourist hotspots

1. Primary Resources

Primary tourism resources are the key attractions of an area. These attractions or resources will not usually have been created or built for tourists but usually be the main reasons for people to visit. We can divide them into categories including:
• Climate eg sunshine for beach style holidays
• Natural environment eg surf in Bali, mountains in Switzerland, beaches in California
• Built environment eg Eiffel Tower in Paris,  Petronas Towers in KL
• Historic sites eg Pyramids in Cairo, Borobodur near Yogjakarta, St Paul’s Cathedral in London
• Religious Centres eg Dome on the Rock in Jerusalem, Mecca, Knock in Ireland
• Indigenous Culture eg Toraja funeral ceremonies in Sulawesi, Hill tribes in northern Thailand
• Natural ecology eg Coral reefs in Raja Ampat, Rainforests in Brazil, Orangutans in Borneo/Sumatra.

2. Secondary Resources

Secondary tourism resources are those things which were built or developed specifically to meet the needs of tourists. These will include:
• Hotels/guesthouses/homestays
• Shopping facilities
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Transport
• Tourist information and guiding services
• Adventure activities
• Theme parks
• Entertainment

Or Discuss the various hospitality facilities required at a tourism destination. (10)

Hospitality facilities required at a tourism destination are

1. Accommodation

One of the main facilities that should be available at the tourist destination because whenever a tourist come to visit any place, the tourist need a place to rest.
Examples of Accommodation are- Hotels, Forest lodges, tented accommodation, tourist complexes / tourist lodges, wayside amenities, restaurants, tourist reception centers, pilgrim sheds / dormitories, etc. at pilgrimage centers.

2. Restaurants

At any tourist destination there should be facility of food and beverage also, Speciality Restaurant can also be there to provide the local speciality to the tourists.

3. Recreational facilities

To make a journey rememberable a tourist destination should also have some recreational facilities where the tourist can spend their time and make the journey memorable.
Eg- Theme Parks, Spa, etc

4. Shopping facilities

A tourist destination should also have a shopping facilities to buy something speciality of that destination and keep it as a sign of that place.

5. Tourist transport facilities

A transportation facilities is also required at a destination facilities so that the tourist can reach the destination easily.
Eg-  Airports, Railways, Roads, Waterways Mini-buses, jeeps, etc. for wild life viewing, cruise boats, ferry launchers, etc. for water transport, tourist coaches in selected circuits, special tourist trains.Other facilities required are power, telecommunication, water supply, roads and some production sectors like travel items, sports equipment, photographic materials, medicines and cosmetics.

Q.2. The hospitality industry has recognized MICE as huge segment for their business. MICE is key to success for some destination, whereas some hotels may not encourage this business at all. Discuss the various facilities required for a tourist Destination to develop as a MICE Destination. (10)

In view of the recorded and anticipated growth of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) there is some concern within the industry about the adequacy of MICE infrastructure, both now and in future.
However there is a major hindrance to knowing about the infrastructure because there is a lack of both record keeping and standardized definitions within the industry.

There are for example, no consistent definitions for occupancy rates of meeting rooms and exhibition halls. This infact prevents a proper assessment of venue use and adequacy to meet current and future demand. Further, few organizations and businesses are able to provide summary statistics supporting their claimed level of business. It is therefore difficult to support or refute industry claims and opinions on the levels of MICE activity and the adequacy of the current resources to cater to them.

Not only that, many organizations and businesses are unable to separately identify MICE business from other businesses and almost no organization is able to supply detailed data on the number of MICE events held, the number of attendees, or the origins of the attendees (that is local, intrastate, interstate or overseas). This is a significant obstacle to reliable forecasts and hence future course of action.

What is needed is a detailed report determining the adequacy of the existing infrastructure and support services to cater to the present and future needs of the MICE industry. Hence, there is need for:

• determining the adequacy of support services;
• identifying any hindrances to the growth of MICE.

One must remember here that major capital investments are needed for developing MICE infrastructure. Hence, it should also generate economic gains for the host society or else investments from the public sector would be difficult. This brings us to the issue of planning.

MICE required facilities are-
• Entertainment and leisure
• Hotels
• Convention Centres
• Transport
• Conventions, Planners, etc
• Exhibition Grounds
• Food Services
• Human Resource
• Audi Video Facilities
• Information Technology
• Security Services

Or How can MICE enhance the business of a destination? (10)

MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. It is a type of tourism in which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought together for a particular purpose. MICE tourism consists of large groups attending conferences, conventions, seminars, workshops, meetings or exhibitions. Lately, there have been many names to refer to this niche market such as “meeting industry” “business tourism” or “events industry”.

This is a niche that catches most people’s attention, a fast-paced business that involves an exquisite client management which is also very rewarding, as results are visible right away. It also provides great opportunities to connect with other sectors, such as Pharmaceutical, Automobile, Financial, Insurance, Medical, etc., allowing to expand your level of knowledge and always keeping you up-to-date in the latest trends in market to cater to these specific clients.Financial benefits that meetings tourism can bring to a destination, are quite substantial.

Putting an end to the seasonal nature of a destinations is one of these. Normally meetings are organized outside of the holiday periods, this means that the financial benefits generated are spread over the year more uniformly and the jobs created by the tourism industry become more stable.

Another great advantage of meetings is that the average daily spend by a business traveller is double or triple that of a holiday traveller, and a high percentage of these business travellers will return to the destination at a later date for a leisure trip or even take the opportunity to extend their stay and discover more about the city or destination.

MICE business is here to stay, and it is also creating new ways of traveling, such as “bleisure” the combination of Business and Leisure which ultimately provides a higher revenue and impact for the destinations that we represent.

These facts reveal the importance that MICE tourism has for the destinations that encourage it. In order to position yourself as a destination for meetings and to compete at international level with other destinations, it is essential to have an action plan, create good infrastructures in travel connections, accommodation and event celebration as well as being able to provide other necessary services.

Q.3. Explain in short: (5×2=10)

a. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel, and usually Swimfins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort and to breathe while face-down at the surface.

Snorkeling is an activity in its own right, as well as an adjunct to other activities, such as breath-hold diving, spearfishing and scuba diving,and several competitive underwater sports, such as underwater hockey and fin swimming. In all cases, the use of a snorkel facilitates breathing while swimming at the surface and observing what is going on under the water.

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort locations. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving. It appeals to all ages because of how little effort there is, and without the exhaled bubbles of scuba-diving equipment. It is the basis of the two surface disciplines of the underwater sport of fin swimming.

Snorkeling is also used by scuba divers when on the surface, in underwater sports such as underwater hockey and underwater rugby, and as part of water-based searches conducted by search and rescue teams.

Essential equipment includes the snorkel for breathing, and a diving mask or swimming goggles for vision. Swimfins for more efficient propulsion are common. Environmental protection against cold, sunburn and marine stings and scratches is also regionally popular, and may be in the form of a wetsuit, diving skins, or rash vest. Some snorkellers rely on waterproof sunscreen lotions, but some of these are environmentally damaging. If necessary the snorkeller may wear a weight belt to facilitate freediving, or an inflatable snorkelling vest, a form of buoyancy aid, for safety.

b. Franchise hotels

A Franchise is the right to use the brand and the business model of a specific parent company for a prescribed period of time. It is a method for expanding a business and distributing products and services through a licensing relationship.

A Franchisor is a company that ‘gives’ the license to a third party for the conducting of a business under their trademark. They specify the products and services that should be offered.

A Franchisee is a company who ‘uses’ the license of the franchisor to do business under his trade name, according to terms and conditions of the contract.

In other words it means that the parent Hotel Franchise Company provides permission for the local owner to use the parent company’s name (brand) and products. A franchise can be owned as a corporation, sole proprietorship, limited liability company or other business structure.

In hospitality industry, a Hotel Franchise can be vaguely compared to a chain, since it is a management agreement, that provides certain services (brand, reservation system, support, etc.) in return to follow specific regulations and procedures. In other words the hotel brand is shared by other proprietors.

Beneficial is that the Franchisees can brand their hotel with a well-known and popular brand, while the franchise contract provides them with a powerful set of tools to drive new business. Franchisees operate business for themselves but not by themselves.

The advantages of a Hotel Franchise (for the Franchisees) are:
• strong brand portfolio
• specific set of tools
• strong approach to standards
• good reputation
• training programmes
• consultation and advice service
• marketing programmes

c. Travel safety

Unwary tourists can make easy targets for thieves because they stand out in a crowd, are unused to their surroundings, and are generally carrying money, credit cards and valuables like cameras. The tourist can reduce your risk of being mugged or robbed by taking a few simple precautions. It is a good idea to research the safety of your intended destination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This government department keeps an updated bulletin on travel destinations, covering factors such as political unrest or criminal activities that target tourists.

Travel safety Suggestions include:

• Keep your travel plans, including accommodation details, to yourself.
• Don’t hitch hike.
• Try not to travel at night.
• Avoid ‘seedier’ areas of the cities you visit, especially at night.
• Ask hotel manager for advice on ‘safe’ versus ‘unsafe’ local areas.
• As a general rule, city streets that include children and women suggest the area is safe for families.
• Carry with you at all times the contact details of the country’s embassy. If your city doesn’t have an your country’s embassy, find out which other country’s embassy is available to help you, such as the British embassy.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
• Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around.
• Try to rely more on credit cards and travellers cheques than cash.
• Avoid incidents such as fights, riots or civil disturbances at all times.

d. Night Clubs

A nightclub, music club, or club, is an entertainment venue and bar that usually operates late into the night. A nightclub is generally distinguished from regular bars, pubs, or taverns by the inclusion of a stage for live music, one or more dance floor areas and a DJ booth, where a DJ plays recorded music.

The upmarket nature of nightclubs can be seen in the inclusion of VIP areas in some nightclubs, for celebrities and their guests.
Nightclubs are much more likely than pubs or sports bars to use bouncers to screen prospective clubgoers for entry. Some nightclub bouncers do not admit people with informal clothing or gang apparel as part of a dress code.

The busiest nights for a nightclub are Friday and Saturday night. Most clubs or club nights cater to certain music genres, such as house music or hip hop. Many clubs have recurring club nights on different days of the week. Most club nights focus on a particular genre or sound for branding effects.

Many nightclubs use bouncers to choose who can enter the club, or specific lounges or VIP areas. Some nightclubs have one group of bouncers to screen clients for entry at the main door, and then other bouncers to screen for entry to other dance floors, lounges, or VIP areas. For legal reasons, in most jurisdictions, the bouncers have to check ID to ensure that prospective patrons are of legal drinking age and that they are not intoxicated already. However, in some nightclubs, bouncers may screen patrons using criteria other than just age and intoxication status, such as dress code, guest list inclusion, and physical appearance.

The 2020s started with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which closed nightclubs worldwide – the first ever synchronized, global shutdown of nightlife. In response, online “virtual nightclubs” developed, hosted on video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom.

e. Sources of funds

Business simply cannot function without money, and the money required to make a business function is known as business funds. Throughout the life of business, money is required continuously. Sources of funds are used in activities of the business.Classification Chart

They are classified based on time period, ownership and control, and their source of generation.

1. Period Basis Sources

On the basis of the period, the different sources of funds can be classified into three parts

a. Long-term sources fulfil the financial requirements of a business for a period more than 5 years. It includes various other sources such as shares and debentures, long-term borrowings and loans from financial institutions. Such financing is generally required for the procurement of fixed assets such as plant, equipment, machinery etc.

b. Medium-term sources are the sources where the funds are required for a period of more than one year but less than five years. The sources of the medium term include borrowings from commercial banks, public deposits, lease financing and loans from financial institutions.

c. Short-term sources: Funds which are required for a period not exceeding one year are called short-term sources. Trade credit, loans from commercial banks and commercial papers are the examples of the sources that provide funds for short duration.

2. Ownership Basis Sources

On the basis of ownership, the sources can be classified into Owner’s funds and Borrowed funds.

a. Owner’s funds mean funds which are procured by the owners of a business, which may be a sole entrepreneur or partners or shareholders of a business. It also includes profits which are reinvested in the business. The owner’s capital remains invested in the business for a longer duration and is not required to be refunded during the life period of the business.

b. Borrowed funds refer to the funds raised with the help of loans or borrowings. This is the most common type of source of funds and is used the majority of the time. The sources for raising borrowed funds include loans from commercial banks, loans from financial institutions, issue of debentures, public deposits and trade credit.

3. Generation Basis Sources

The way of classifying the sources of funds is whether the funds are generated from within the organization or from external sources of the organization.

a. Internal sources of funds are those that are generated inside the business. A business, for example, can generate funds internally by speeding collection of receivables, disposing of surplus inventories and increasing its profit. The internal sources of funds can fulfil only limited needs of the business.

b. External sources of funds are the sources that lie outside an organization, such as suppliers, lenders, and investors. When a large amount of money is needed to be raised, it is generally done through the external sources. External funds may be costly as compared to those raised through internal sources.

Q.4. Kitchen planning is a key area for the success of a hotel. Draw a kitchen layout of a multi-cuisine restaurant with name of the equipment. (10)

Layout of Multi-cuisine Restaurant’s Kitchen

Kitchen’s Layout

Equipments in the kitchen

1. Refrigerator and freezer
2. Slicers
3. Ovens
4. Ranges/Cooking Lines
5. Mixers
6. Sinks
7. Shelves
8.  Kitchen Cooking Utensils

a. Utensils Required for Food Preparation
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting board
• Can Opener
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• Colander
• Vegetable Peeler
• Potato Masher
• Whisk Salad
• Spinner
• Grater
• Paring Knife
• Bread Knife
• Honing Steel
• Food Processor

b. Utensils Required for Cooking
• Spatula
• Stirring
• Spoon
• Tongs
• Ladle
• Oven Mitts
• Trivet
• Splatter Guard
• Thermometer

c. Utensils Required for Cookware & Bakeware purpose
• Stainless Steel
• Skillet
• Sauté Pan
• Small Saucepan
• Medium Saucepan
• Large Pot
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Grill Pan
• Baking Sheet Pan
• Casserole Dish
• Broiler Pan
• Stockpot

d. Other Miscellaneous Utensils
• Food Storage
• Containers
• Aluminium Foil
• Towels Sponges
• Heavy Sponges
• Dish Rack
• Ice Cube Tray
• Small Trash Bags
• Large Trash Bags
• Small Trash Bin
• Large Trash Bin

Q.5. You are given a task of planning the opening of a grand launch party of a 4-star hotel in a metro city. As an Event Manager, plan a suitable event. (10)

For planning of the event, the points that should be considered first are –
1. Targeting The Right Audience
2. Inviting The Right Guests
3. Engaging The Right Event Company
4. Engaging The Right Social Media Marketing Company
5. Engaging Professional Photographers and Videographers

Event for the grand launch party of a Hotel-

Date – March 11
Timings- 6PM -2AM
Place- The Venue, Bangalore

Program-
6 PM – Door Open

6-7 PM – Live Music (By BTS band) & light snacks

7-8:30 PM- Panel, Clips & Discussion

8:30- 9:30 PM – Hotel tours for the guests

9:30 PM – 10 PM – MD’s speech, GM’s speech & Announcement for the opening of the hotel for the guests

10 PM – 11 PM – Dinner

Music & Dance –

10 PM – 11:30 PM – Music by DJ Chetas

11 PM – 12AM – Music by DJ Nucleya

12AM – 1/2AM – Music by DJ NYK

Q.6. ABC Ltd. has planned a five star hotel property in a Metro city. Enlist the various licenses and permissions with the name of issuing authority, the company has to get for smooth opening of the hotel. (10)

Licenses needed to open a new hotel in India

Some are absolutely mandatory while others are optional in some states. Some license need to be procured even before starting construction so do begin early and keep in mind sometimes it takes time to get them. India has many states and many regulations so you might have to check with a law firm or lawyer specializing in hotels on all the legal requirement.

1. Fire Security Certificate

It is as of the date the most important of all the license. Without Fire NOC it is very difficult to get any other permission. It is mandatory to follow all fire safety guidelines and have proper fire security arrangements. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) has to be obtained from the Fire Department. Post your application, the inspection would be carried out and the decision will be taken by the officials of the Fire Department for the grant of the NOC.

2. Food Safety License

This is given by the Food Safety and Standards Association of India administrated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This act was established in 2006 and lays downs standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. The FSSAI is a single point contact for all matters relating to food safety and standards. Please refer to the FSSAI Act to view the details of this act.

3. Health Trade License

This is issued by the Municipal Corporation or Health Department of the concerned state. The license gives permission to perform trade and business in items that have a direct effect on public health. By issuing this license the Municipal corporation certifies that your establishment complies with the hygiene and security standards essential for public health.

4. Eating House License

Eating House refers to any place to which the public are admitted, and where any kind of food or drink is supplied for consumption in the premises. This is provided by Licensing Police Commissioner of that city. You will have to refer to the Licensing Police Commissioner of that city to get specific details.

5. Liquor or Bar License

If you are planning to serve liquor then you must have this license. This can be obtained from the local Excise Commissioner of your city or region.

6. Lift Clearance

If your hotel is multi-storeyed and you will be operating a lift, you will have to get clearance for operating the elevator. Sometimes the permission has to be from the electrical inspector or the office of the Labour Commissioner of the city, to ensure that the lift operations comply with the safety norms.

7. Music License

If your outlet will be playing any recorded music or video, you will have to obtain a license in compliance to the Copyright Act of 1957 issued from Phonographic Performance Limited or Indian performing Right Society. Both PPL and IPRS are separate organizations who license different sets of rights in the use of music. You may need a license from both organizations. PPL works for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers, whilst IPRS works towards musical composition and lyrics on behalf of authors, songwriters, composers, and publishers. Please refer to PPL India and IPRS for further details.

8. Signage License

This license will be issued by the local civic body like the Municipal Corporation of your city.

9. Pollution Certificate

Pollution Control Committee of your city or region will be responsible for providing this license or NOC to ensuring that the establishment does not violate pollution norms. These rules have become very stringent and are very tough to get if your site is not following the standards as laid down in the guidebook. Make sure to integrate the recommendations at a design stage itself.

10. Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC)

This is a permit required as a part of the Environmental Management Act under the Ministry of Environment and Forests for certain type of projects. An assessment is done to rule out any negative impact on the environment by the CEC authority post filling a questionnaire.

11. Shop and Establishment Act

The Shop and Establishment Act is regulated by the Department of Labour and regulates premises wherein any trade, business or profession is carried out. This act regulates areas such as working hours, rest interval for employees, opening and closing hours, closed days, national and religious holidays, overtime work, rules for employment of children, annual leave, maternity leave, sickness, and casual leave, etc. Shop & Establishment License can be obtained by applying to the State Chief Inspector of the Department of Labour.

12. Approval from the Weights & Measures Department

As per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, you have to get models of weighing & measuring instruments approved from the Weights & Measures Department.

13. GST registration

The recent amendment to the GST has made it compulsory to apply for GST registration and to follow the process laid down to collect the tax. Registration is simple and online and there are many firms specializing in helping you to register for the same.

14. Trademark Registration

If you are planning to open a chain and are going to be investing a large amount of time and money into branding, it is advisable to obtain a trademark registration. Trademark registration provides ownership over the intellectual property created and helps in avoiding anybody copying the branding.

15. Boarding and Lodging License

16. Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

17. Hotel Classification

18. Sales Tax Registration

19. Property Tax Certificate

20. Sanitary License

Or Feasibility report plays a very important role in the success of a project. Explain in short the points to be covered in this report. (10)

In its simplest form, a Feasibility Study represents a definition of a problem or opportunity to be studied, an analysis of the current mode of operation, a definition of requirements, an evaluation of alternatives, and an agreed upon course of action. As such, the activities for preparing a Feasibility Study are generic in nature and can be applied to any type of project, be it for systems and software development, making an acquisition, or any other project.

There are basically six parts to any effective Feasibility Study:

1. The Project Scope

which is used to define the business problem and/or opportunity to be addressed. The old adage, “The problem well stated is half solved,” is very apropos. The scope should be definitive and to the point; rambling narrative serves no purpose and can actually confuse project participants. It is also necessary to define the parts of the business affected either directly or indirectly, including project participants and end-user areas affected by the project. The project sponsor should be identified, particularly if he/she is footing the bill.

2. The Current Analysis

is used to define and understand the current method of implementation, such as a system, a product, etc. From this analysis, it is not uncommon to discover there is actually nothing wrong with the current system or product other than some misunderstandings regarding it or perhaps it needs some simple modifications as opposed to a major overhaul. Also, the strengths and weaknesses of the current approach are identified (pros and cons). In addition, there may very well be elements of the current system or product that may be used in its successor thus saving time and money later on. Without such analysis, this may never be discovered.

3. Requirements and how

Requirements are defined depends on the object of the project’s attention. For example, how requirements are specified for a product are substantially different than requirements for an edifice, a bridge, or an information system. Each exhibits totally different properties and, as such, are defined differently. How you define requirements for software is also substantially different than how you define them for systems.

4. The Approach

represents the recommended solution or course of action to satisfy the requirements. Here, various alternatives are considered along with an explanation as to why the preferred solution was selected. In terms of design related projects, it is here where whole rough designs (e.g., “renderings”) are developed in order to determine viability. It is also at this point where the use of existing structures and commercial alternatives are considered (e.g., “build versus buy” decisions).

5. Evaluation

examines the cost effectiveness of the approach selected. This begins with an analysis of the estimated total cost of the project. In addition to the recommended solution, other alternatives are estimated in order to offer an economic comparison. For development projects, an estimate of labour and out-of-pocket expenses is assembled along with a project schedule showing the project path and start-and-end dates.

After the total cost of the project has been calculated, a cost and evaluation summary is prepared which includes such things as a cost/benefit analysis, return on investment, etc.

6. Review

that all of the preceding elements are then assembled into a Feasibility Study and a formal review is conducted with all parties involved. The review serves two purposes: to substantiate the thoroughness and accuracy of the Feasibility Study, and to make a project decision; either approve it, reject it, or ask that it be revised before making a final decision. If approved, it is very important that all parties sign the document which expresses their acceptance and commitment to it; it may be a seemingly small gesture, but signatures carry a lot of weight later on as the project progresses. If the Feasibility Study is rejected, the reasons for its rejection should be explained and attached to the document.

Feasibility Studies represent a common sense approach to planning. Frankly, it is just plain good business to conduct them. However, I have read where some people in the IT field, such as the “Agile” methodology proponents, consider Feasibility Studies to be a colossal waste of time. If this is true, I’ve got a good used car I want to sell them.

Here is an outline for the nine parts of a feasibility report:

• Executive summary
• Description of product/service
• Technology considerations
• Product/service marketplace
• Marketing strategy
• Organization/staffing
• Schedule
• Financial projections
• Findings and recommendations

Q.7. Holiday Packages are a strong instrument for Marketing a Resort. Plan a seasonal and off-season package for a beach resort with costing. (10)

Venue – Goa

Seasonal Package

The best season for the beach resort can be in between Dec 20 and Jan 10.

Package-

JW Marriott Resort, Goa

The hotel’s Weekend Package includes stay in Deluxe Room, breakfast for two adults,

Entry to Miami and one round of house drink for two guests,

Morning amenity for children,

One kid’s activity per weekend,

15% off on food and soft beverages and

20% off on transportation services.

Book 2N, and you also get to choose from one of these offers:

a) Flat 50% discount on the second-night tariff OR

b) Credit worth Rs1,000 redeemable against hotel services.

Min Bookings- 2 Nights

Off- season Package

The off season package for the beach resort can be the summer season i.e. April- June

Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Goa.

Book 2N at this beach resort and you can ask for a complimentary third night.

The Indulge – Pay 2 Stay 3 offer covers accommodation in a Garden View Cottage,

Breakfast for two,

20% discount on spa services and other meals, and complimentary upgrade to a higher room category (subject to availability).

Validity: Till 30 September 2020.

Or Make a Marketing plan for a Hill Resort for a year round good occupancy in the resort. (10)

A marketing plan is an important part of the growth and development of a company, since it defines the key marketing elements of the company and clarifies the objectives and directions for the company and the employees.

Marketing plan is a document describing a company’s advertising and marketing plans for the upcoming years. It can include a company’s marketing situation, positioning, target markets and activities to achieve marketing objectives.

The main idea of a marketing plan is to identify and create a competitive advantage . A marketing plan has usually a number of different parts. The number depends on how detailed the company’s top management wants the marketing plan to be.

Marketing Plan for the Resort

1. Develop the unique selling proposition, which identifies the qualities of the product that sets you apart from the competition.

So the USP of this is that it a Hill Resort Located at a beautiful location, the best place to spend the time .

2. Turn the business features into benefits. Customer don’t buy the product, and then buy what your product will do for them. When creating your marketing plan, you want to focus on the customers’ benefits, not on what your product offers.
So, the Hill Resort is on the top of the hill with 24hr transportation facilities.

3. Identify your target market, which is the group of people who want or need what you’re selling.

Target Market for the Hill Resort-

• Couples
• Families
• Groups
• Young travellers
• Bagpackers
• Mostly the people between 25-45 age

4. Determine the places your target market visits and the media outlets they read or watch. When it comes time to promote your business, you’ll want to put your promotional materials directly in front of your market.
Advertising will be done on Social Media Sites, E- newspaper, websites, etc.


5. Create marketing materials that speak to your target audience. If you have more than one target group, tailor your materials to fit each of them.

Ads will be displayed on Social Media, YouTube, etc

6. Create a plan to position your marketing materials where your market will see them. Run ads or submit paid articles in the magazines or websites members of your target market visit.

Put business cards or fliers in locations your potential customers frequent. Create a website or blog that provides current news and information your market will want to stay informed about. The strategies you use should focus on your customer–where they are and what types of marketing to which they respond.

Q.8. Explain in detail the pros and cons of running a : (5+5=10)

(i) Spa

Spas are a great business to own as they provide both services and products that many people rely on. Spas can be found in any state due to their popularity. While you can choose to own your own spa, you also have the ability to work in them as an employee as well.

Some advantages and disadvantages to consider first:

1. Purchasing Your Own Equipment

When choosing to own a business, you are responsible for purchasing the equipment your salon needs.  Not only do you have to purchase the equipment, you must also maintain the equipment to ensure that it works properly.

2. Scheduling Hours

As a spa owner, you have the responsibility of setting the hours for the salon and for your employees. This can be difficult when you have so many other responsibilities. As the owner, you also have the ability to delegate the scheduling task to someone else if you cannot get it done. This helps relieve some of the pressure off of you.

Being your own boss also allows you to more easily go on trips and be there for your family when you need to be by having staff doing the actual work on the floor. However, no business owner is ever truly “away”; if an emergency arises, your advice and assistance may be needed no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

3. Personal Fulfillment

Everyone has a dream of doing something and for many people that is owning a business. When you work for someone else, you have to constantly answer to others. Owning a business helps contribute to the economy and allows you to provide jobs to others. Being able to live out a dream can provide you personal fulfillment that working an average job is unlikely to ever do for you.

There is a lot to consider before opening up your own spa. While it takes a lot of work and determination, you can reap many benefits from doing so. You should always weigh out the pros and cons before jumping in and starting a business. Many businesses fail each day due to lack of money and effort by the business owner. To overcome this statistic, you want to make sure you have thought out every scenario so you are well prepared.

4. Startup Costs

Costs, along with the equipment required to provide spa services, may represent a disadvantage if money is hard to come by or you need to invest time securing financing. If you need to make additional construction changes to better fit your clients’ needs, this adds to the cost. On the other hand, the high cost represents an advantage, since others thinking of entering the spa industry after you do must decide whether the cost and competition is worth opening their doors.

5. Offering Numerous Services

Providing a wide variety of services to encourage customers to book time at your spa is necessary to meeting your clients’ needs. But when it comes to maintaining the entire complex, offering numerous services may spell trouble if you do not have the resources to maintain everything at the same time. For instance, hotels may keep a spa complex onsite and operate it at a loss since other aspects of their business make up for the shortfall. But small spa owners don’t have this option, so offering limited services makes more sense when you first start out.

6. Reliance on Staff

In a spa complex, you must rely on employees to provide excellent customer service for each type of treatment you offer, a disadvantage if you don’t have strong management skills. Spend the time, money and resources to find, hire and train experienced staff. Once you’ve trained your staff in the way you want, you gain the upper hand and this becomes an advantage when you start getting referrals from satisfied clients.

(ii) Ecotels

Pro: Ecotels Are Somewhat Crisis-Proof

While the housing market fluctuates depending on the stability of the economy, short-term rentals have more flexibility. Ecotels have been able to withstand economic changes by adapting to the climate, which means that depending on the demand of their guests, they can adjust pricing, renovate, and change to better suit them. This isn’t something that typical landlords can do as easily. Read this guide for a better understanding of investing in hotel REITs

Con: That’s a Whole Lot of Upkeep and Spending

While investing simply in a building will mean paying taxes for upkeep and certain general expenditures, there are less costs that add up over time, in comparison to a hotel.Ecotels, their rooms, and their amenities need updating, daily cleaning, and restocking. This means that a significant amount of money will need to be spent on products and aesthetics. While you may choose the quality over quantity approach, it doesn’t matter which, as long as your guests are happy and the brand is invested in their happiness, too.

Con: Unhappy Guests and Reviews

Ecotel guests now have quite a lot of control over a hotel’s online reputation. Websites like Yelp allow them to sound off when they’ve had a bad experience. Keeping guests happy and keeping up with their needs are essential to surviving as a hotel investor. The same goes for the management – knowing your team is the best way to increase the likelihood of a good reputation and subsequent profits. While investors won’t be to blame for bad reviews, investing with a company with a shaky reputation could mean that the whole project could be doomed if mismanaged.

Pro: Vacancy Won’t Be a Problem

In comparison to commercial properties and buy-to-let, a ecotel investment means there will likely be very few vacancies and almost no delinquencies. Because hotel guests have to pay upfront, there won’t be issues with unpaid bills.As long as there’s a suitable and popular brand behind the hotel, and the space itself is in an area that will ensure tourists and high traffic, a hotel will be an investment that keeps on profiting.

Q.9. India has been steadily growing in popularity as a medical tourist destination.  Discuss why? (10)

The word ‘tourism’ adds a new dimension to the concept of ‘Wellness’, where medical value is added to the travel of tourists seeking healthcare beyond borders. It is this value of service for which patients prefer to undertake travel rather than using medical services available in their own country.

According to a Grant Thornton study, Medical tourism in India is set to touch US$ 8 billion by 2020. Amongst the several global medical tourism corridors, India has the largest number of accredited facilities, second only to Thailand. Offering a rare confluence of warm ‘hospitality’ and advanced ‘specialty hospitals’, India is a preferred medical tourism destination followed by Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Increasing Popularity of Medical Tourism in India

A substantial number of patients prefer developing nations for healthcare and India is the most referred destination with the number of medical tourists rising tremendously. With 1.2 million patients visiting India for healthcare services in 2014, the figure is projected to rise to 4.9 million tourists by 2025.

Columbia Asia Hospitals, India have received more than 7000 international patients in FY 15-16, which is almost 20 per cent higher than FY 2014-15. While an increasing number of patients from Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Maldives, Oman, Tanzania and Bangladesh are opting for healthcare services, in India, patients from US and Europe also prefer India instead of other medical tourism destinations.

Reasons for Increasing Popularity of Medical Tourism in India

Some of the factors that are responsible for the increasing popularity of medical tourism in India include:

1. Economic considerations

India, being a developing country, offers a wide variety of medical services at par to that of many developed countries which is the driving force for medical tourism. Therefore, an increasing number of people in developed countries are opting for medical services in India available at affordable costs.

2. Influence of technology

With increasing impact of technology, people find it easy to avail healthcare services in any part of the world. With Modern technology enabling potential medical tourists to investigate and enquire about healthcare services available in India, medical tourism is all set to take gigantic leaps.

3. High cost of health insurance

Health insurance in many developed countries is out of the reach of middle income population. Therefore, a majority of patients from developed nations are attracted by the low cost yet highly efficient services provided in the Indian market. These people find it feasible to invest in low cost medical tourism destinations than to avail services in their own market.

4. Limited scope of health insurance

A majority of patients pursue medical tourism to seek treatments that are not included in health insurance. These services include cosmetic surgery, dental reconstruction, fertility treatment and others.

5. To avoid healthcare delays

In countries where governmental system controls access to healthcare services, patients prefer offshore medical care to avoid delays associated with long waiting lists. Therefore, patients with complex and serious medical conditions find it feasible to travel to medical tourism destinations where they can get immediate medical services.

6. Confidentiality

Many patients prefer medical tourism destinations to protect their privacy and confidentiality. This happens mostly in cases where patients undergo plastic surgery, drug rehabilitation or gender change procedures.

7. Dominance of private players

The Indian healthcare industry is mainly dominated by private players, where each one is trying to excel and provide advanced medical treatment options. With many well-known service providers making available best of the medical treatments with latest medical advancements in Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and New-Delhi, India is attaining the attention of medical tourists.

8. Mass use of English language

With the mass use of English in Indian private hospitals, foreign tourists find it easy to communicate and understand.

Q.10. What factors would you keep in mind while selecting a city to host an International Convention? Who would be the key players responsible for management of such a convention? (10)

Factors that should be  keep in mind while selecting the city, to host an international convention are –
1. Cost or budget
2. Weather in the city
3. Ambiance and mood of the city
4. Capacity and size of the hotels in the city
5. Abundant technology
6. Parking facility in the city near venue
7. Acoustics
8. Location of the city from the countries Metro cities
9. Availability of Technology
10. Transportation facilities in the city
11. Distance of the venue from the nearest airport or railway station
12. Availability of the venue according to the date
13. City’s crime record
14. Health facilities in the city
15. Fooding & Lodging facilities in the city
16. Legal formalities/permission required to organise a event in the city
17. Safety facilities in the city
18. Political stability in the city
19. Cities rules and regulations
20. Environmental conditions of the city

Key persons responsible for the management of the convention will be –

1. Organizer

• Event Management Company
• Event Manager
• Event Management Team
• Supervisors

2. Central Govt.
To grant various permission required to allowing foreign in the country

3. Local Govt.
i.e. City’s Administration Team to grant various permission required such as sound permission, environmental permission, etc.