No business operates in isolation. Take a moment to consider the operational environment you will be working in.

What are the mega-trends that are impacting our lives (e.g. the climate, the economy, the political environment)?

What is happening in the tourism sector that we should consider when developing our product (e.g. visitors are increasingly concerned about sustainability, those with accessibility needs are travelling more often and represent a unique opportunity)? 

Situational Analysis – How well do you understand the environment you will be operating in?

• • Conduct a ‘situational analysis’ to gain a proper understanding of your market, your customers, and the business environment. 

The Tourism Sector – How well do you understand the tourism industry?

• • Review the relevant national, state, regional, and local tourism strategies to understand where the sector is headed, what’s hot, and what’s not.