Blog #4

1. Budapest, Hungary

http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/8830/Budapest-Hungary---Budapest-Hungria

2. Costa Rica [Official Promo ICT]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5hA-i-1Ssg

3. Aldealia, Rural Tourism in Spain

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/532437/aldealia_rural_tourism_in_spain/

4. The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D

http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v66378-Amsterdam-The_Dutch_Coffeeshop_Experience_with_Big_D-Video.html

5. Helicopter Tour: New York City

http://www.nyctourist.com/video-helicopter-new-york-at-night.htm

6. Hastily Made Tourism Video

http://www.positivelycleveland.com/hastilymade

7. Thailand Beaches

http://www.tourismthailand.org/movie-clip-video/clipvideo-detail-346.html

8. Experience Arizona

http://www.arizonaguide.com

9. Tourism Australia

http://www.media.australia.com/en-au/

10. Tianjin, China

http://www.cntovideo.org/detail.asp?Filmid=1

11. New Zealand- “The Youngest Country on Earth”

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/usa/usa_home.cfm

12. Brazil, A Lifestyle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7ORaBdC78

13. Antarctic Tourism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU1k3ZWrVqE

14. We Are Fiji

http://www.fijivideos.com/music/we-are-fiji

15. 24 Hours in Waikiki

http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=21&cid=2009r3stories_home01

Top 5 Tourism Videos:

1. We Are Fiji

http://www.fijivideos.com/music/we-are-fiji

2. The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D

http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v66378-Amsterdam-The_Dutch_Coffeeshop_Experience_with_Big_D-Video.html

3. Experience Arizona

http://www.arizonaguide.com

4. New Zealand- “The Youngest Country on Earth”

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/usa/usa_home.cfm

5. 24-Hours in Waikiki

http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/stories.html?video=21&cid=2009r3stories_home01

The selection of videos that stood out and were recruited to the top five spots ‘in no particular order’ were based on a variety of different aspects. First, let’s keep in mind that I made my best effort to create an unbiased selection of the 15 videos by viewing videos that ranged from countries official tourism website, to a Sony Handycam video that was edited with a Macbook. The first category that was judged to determine which videos were overall more enjoyable was the measure of updated information and perceptions of the video at hand. Let’s make note that if were watching a video that is tourism related, but dates to the 1980’s, I would have a funny feeling that the particular destination just lost a potential customer. All of the top 5 videos excelled in this category of containing updated material. The second category that I used to determine the top videos of the 15 reviewed was a strict combination of both creativity and unique characteristics. The top five videos selected all catered to this second category. For example, the video entitled, “We Are Fiji” gave an overview of Fiji through depicting various pictures and utilizing local musicians of the country to bring the video to life. The video entitled, “The Dutch Coffeeshop Experience with Big D” suggests that no further explanation of what the video contains however, the video provides an insiders perspective on the coffeeshops and other alike places to visit in Amsterdam that most likely won’t be shown on PBS anytime soon. The third and final category that I used to judge the videos to make my final selection of not only the top five videos but the one video that single handedly demolishes the competition was based on a combination of quality, engagement, and attractiveness. The one video that completely held my attention span throughout the duration of the 2:18 minute video was the video entitled, “New Zealand- The Youngest Country on Earth.” This video concisely depicts a combination of natural, cultural and food and beverage attractions while utilizing what seemed to be proprietary technology due to the fact that other official tourism websites did not deliver the same caliber of video in terms of quality. I feel that it was the accessibility of easily watching the video that was conveniently located on the main screen of the New Zealand Tourism Website, and the sights and sounds that tackled my senses and left me with an unquestioned winner. Now, let’s understand that the phase, “To each their own” stands true because each person has different standards and qualities that they look for when looking at a variety of different tourism websites but for me, it was this particular video that related quite directly to my interests which made it the winner.

Boy, That Was Some Good Green...

Blog #3

Rancho Margot

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

It seems today in our world of tourism, we are fixated on the abundance of trends. Just like the latest fashions from Marc Jacobs or Mr. Ralph Lauren, it seems that the masterminds behind the latest trends in travel are becoming the fashion rockstars of the tourism industry. It is becoming more and more apparent that the word green is no longer a color, but could be argued as a belief, a lifestyle, a message, and to some extremists, even a religion! For the focus of this article, let’s just say green echoes the words sustainability, renewable resources, and conscious thinking. Never has a trio of these words defined so perfectly the trends that are occurring at the Hotel Rancho Margot, Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.

Over the past summer I had the chance to experience the sights, sounds, smells and culture of the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle in Costa Rica. Particularly, this trip included a three-night stay in the middle of the rainforest. No seriously, this hotel is completely off the grid and is so sustainable, even recycled newspaper tends to get a little jealous. One of the major aspects that make this hotel operation not only practical, but successful is the management team. Rancho Margot was first designed to be an organic farm, but after a few pitched tents from friendly expats and outdoorists alike, it quickly remodeled itself into becoming a fully sustainable ecolodge. I mean fully sustainable in every sense of the word. Practically everything that is utilized throughout the ecolodge is made onsite of the property or somewhere within the general region of Costa Rica. This is important to note since green tourism was made a national policy in Costa Rica. Everything from the bar soap, to the benches were made on property. All of the daily food for guests and workers are derived from Rancho Margot’s organic garden, cows, pigs, and chickens, which make’s way for the ultimate in healthy dining.

There have been many definitions to the concept of ecotourism, and many corporations and hotels alike have utilized this concept of not only ecotourism, but similar catch phrases like sustainability, and going green to jump on the green train. It is important to distinguish particular entities that simply claim they are sustainable, but simply lack in the actual substance otherwise known as “greenwashing.” Let it be known that Ranchot Margot clearly stands as a living and visual definition of what it means to be sustainable.

One key aspect to note about the background of Rancho Margot is that it is family owned and operated, which can ultimately ensure a stable work environment. Additionally, some of the philanthropy that Rancho Margot includes would be it’s reforestation, ranger station, animal rescue and reintegration center, and it’s future developments for a on site school for local persons of Costa Rica. Keeping in mind that there is no actual requirement for any of these good works to be in existence, but when talking to Frederick Sostheim who is the Director of Operations, he simply replied, “It’s the right thing to do.” Perhaps many lessons can be learned by taking one trip to this fabulous place. Lessons about sustainability and organic farming, or deeper lessons about one’s self and attaining or restoring that balance of harmony with nature. Not too many hotels and resorts with 1,000 count sheets and convey the magnitude of that message. It is important of visiting the property, to take a tour by Fredrick of the Ranch to fully understand and appreciate all the innovative technologies and projects that are occurring and in progress at Rancho Margot.

Resource:

Sostheim, F. (2006). Rancho margot. Retrieved from http://ranchomargot.org/

Book Review on Management !

Blog #2 Assignment:

On Becoming A Leader

By, Warren Bennis

The author of this book is a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Southern California as well as a consultant to a variety of multinational companies and governments that span the globe. In addition, Warren also sits as chairman of the board of the Kennedy School’s Center for Public leadership at Harvard University. Through this article, we will discuss the major hotspots of his book, which include the characteristics of a manager vs. a leader and what differentiates the two. What is often missing or overlooked in the common workplace is the managers art of leadership. Aside from the “corporate clichés” of management that echo words such as micromanagement, promoting synergy, and scheduling, it is the ‘how’ that plays a big role that ultimately brings out the x-factor of leadership among management. The overall objective of this review is to provide a guiding light and relight the match of leadership and let it burn the candle of management to provide for a more successful and balanced manager.

In chapter 2 of Bennis On Becoming A Leader, the majority of the chapter deals with a manager vs. leader and the distinct differences between the two. Bennis describes the importance to develop and implement leaders, not managers. Personally, the way I distinct managers from leaders is that manager’s ideas tend to be scripted over rehearsed, and monotone compared to that of a leader who’s ideas and tendencies are fresh, innovative and based off inspiration and motivation catered through this idea of a guiding light. Through the areas of the manager, the leader, and the intervention between the two, let us begin to understand what makes these certain ideas tick.

Among the list of what differentiates a manager from a leader on page 39 of the textbook, I’ve decided to choose three that stuck with me the most. First one being “The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader’s eye is on the horizon.” The second is, “The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.” The third and final is, “The manager maintains, the leader develops. It is these three ideologies that differentiate a manager from a leader. The manager’s tendencies tend to be structured and read from a book. Oftentimes throughout the jobs I’ve had in the past, the managers words were not heartfelt, they’ve always seemed as if it followed a structure from a corporate policy rather than an actual meaningful, insightful and developmental methods. According to the international journal of project management, “Today’s project managers may not be equipped or trained adequately to handle complex projects even though significant efforts have been put into professionalizing project management and providing an ever growing number of project management education courses based on the traditional project management tools and techniques.” (Mengel 2008) This shows how the majority of managers are missing this “x” factor and to me I believe that is where self-reflection, inner-voice and independence come into play once again.

A leader already has these qualities, I believe a leader contains all the aspects of a great manager but has that x-factor that brings inspiration and progress to the table. Granted managers and leaders can both be successfully applicable pending on the type of work. For example, a General Manager for a winning professional baseball team, we would aim for consistency and sticking to the script so the qualities for the manager would be most applicable here. However a General Manager for a marketing firm, one would search for a leader with management qualities, keeping your head on the horizon and adapting effortlessly to change in trends.

I believe the main factor that differentiates a manager and a leader is experience within diversity, experience within adversity, and learning from experiences to fuel independence and self governed thoughts while maintaining this guiding vision. Anyone has the ability to become a manager or a leader. Same goes with the fact that a manager can become a leader, it just takes experience within these three criteria and reflection upon them.

Let’s not think that a manager is lets say, “better off” than a leader, or vise versa, but rather think if a having both management and leadership skills coupled together is the importance of management in a profession. Warren Bennis book opens new light to the term manager, and should be on the shelf of any aspiring, existing, future leaders and managers for tomorrow.

Works Cited:

Mengel, T (2008). Preparing Project Managers to Deal With Complexity-Advanced Project Management Education. International Journal of Project Management, 26, Retrieved October 9th, 2009, from http://www.sciencedirect.com

Bennis, W (2003). On Becoming A Leader. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books

SWOT Analysis of 5 Tourism Websites

Blog #1 Assignment

EXAMPLES OF STRENGTH:

1.) The Official Website of Costa Rica

a.) Strengths- A very ‘user friendly’ website that gives ten different categories of types of traveling that are available at the bottom of the welcome screen. The technology that is utilized is not only up to date but is conveniently interactive to link the welcome screen to a variety of different sectors of tourism. “Accommodations, Transportation, Food and Beverage, etc.” Offers easy vacation planning opportunities. Offers vivid pictures of locations around Costa Rica.

b.) Weaknesses- Although the technology is up to date, the overall format that is used to transfer from site to site within the main welcome screen could be to basic and does not tackle enough visual senses quickly enough. Even though galleries, and videos are available, it takes to many clicks to view them. Too much simplicity of the website. Shows small tagline of country, “No Artificial Ingredients.”

c.) Opportunities- Since Costa Rica is already known for it’s natural attractions, there is a great opportunity to expand it’s market towards other types of travelers in the areas of shopping, heritage, and agricultural tourism. Expand further on existing green tourism practices. Continue to drive tourism numbers through innovation. Over a larger variety of vacation package to tailor different target markets.

d.) Threats- Other central American countries who have seen the positive economic impact of Costa Rica while containing the same, of not more natural resources can utilize this model from Costa Rica to compete in the market share from a tourism standpoint. Current state of the economy can deter potential travelers. Influx of increasing tourism arrivals can reduce the demand and authenticity of Costa Rica.

2.) The Official Website of New Zealand

a.) Strengths- A large portion of the home screen reveals an option to watch a welcome video of New Zealand which has great visual effects and shows the history of New Zealand and how it is the youngest country on earth. The website also reveals beautiful pictures of the natural landscape. Easy to use and extremely organized. Offers current news lines to give up to date information of NZ.

b.) Weaknesses- Even though the welcome video portrays great visual effects and images of New Zealand, the people portrayed in the video was a specific demographic of a middle aged, upper-class, and well educated outdoor enthusiast. There was a lack of photos for the accommodations portion of the website.

c.) Opportunities- There is a large opportunity to expand the market share of tourists that visit by creating more upscale lodging opportunities for that particular demographic. Have a comment section on the welcome screen to show true-life visitor experiences and recommendations. Offer 360 view panorama focusing on the natural landscape of NZ.

d.) Threats- The fact that travel New Zealand is relatively expensive from other countries, there is a threat that travel will decrease. Another threat is competition of the market from it’s nearby neighbor Australia. Seasonality of tourism and motivations to travel is another threat.

4. The Official Website of Singapore

a.) Strengths- Offers an option of twelve different language to suit interested travelers from around the world. Incredible welcome screen with enticing music to interest the traveler. Convenient website that allows easily accessibility to a variety of topics regarding travel to Singapore and upcoming events. Offers a newsletter for the latest information regarding travel. Offers an on site currency converter. 2006 Official Honoree for website layout. Voted #1 Website in 2008 from July to September by Hitwise Corp.

b.) Weaknesses- Does not readily offer natural attractions. Singapore’s welcome screen only depicts the upcoming Formula 1 race. Aside from these two aspects, this is a flawless website.

c.) Opportunities- Adopt the United States current trend of a ‘staycation’ that allows travelers from Singapore to utilize the services and amenities that it has to offer. Focus on current environmental trends and perhaps adopt renewable resources and green tourism as a national policy.

d. Threats- A lack of knowledge of attractions and activities of Singapore can deter potential travelers. Language barrier of Singapore can also deter potential travelers. Long distance travel from other countries.

5. The Official Website of Jordan

a.) Strengths- The cultural/Biblical significance of the country alone makes Jordan readily marketable. Reveals a variety of pictures on the homepage of natural, cultural, and archeological aspects of Jordan.

b.) Weaknesses- Seems to only cater to the outdoor enthusiast or person interested in a cultural/historical trip. This seems to be the only weakness of the website.

c.) Opportunities- Expand existing market to surrounding countries through the option of a staycation. Offer other types of reasons to travel to Jordan aside from cultural and natural attractions. Ensure, or show statistical evidence of safety throughout the country.

d.) Threats- Since Jordan is located in the middle east, this can cause potential tourists to travel elsewhere because of political and religious conflicts. Language barrier would also stand as a large deterrent of Jordan.

EXAMPLE OF OVERALL WEAKNESS:

3. The Official Website of Tanzania

a.) Strengths- Offers a conveniently located tourism directory that entails a variety of activities, accommodations, transportation, and tour operators within Tanzania. Reveals easy access to game reserves and national parks, and the top dive sites off the Swahili Coast.

b.) Weaknesses- Lack of technology and innovation for the website itself. Uses a youtube video to showcase a featured destination of Tanzania, rather than a self-produced video. The descriptions of the accommodations are poorly worded. Lack of visual components to interest a potential traveler. Overall, a poorly constructed website.

c.) Opportunities- A large opportunity to improve the overall maintenance and quality of the Tanzania website. Create a larger awareness of potential travelers to Tanzania through other mediums, i.e. “Facebook, Twitter, word of mouth, etc.”

t.) Threats- Consistent news of other African countries such as Rwanda and Somalia and the ongoing problems of stability they face can deter travelers. Long distance travel could be postponed because the state of our economy. More developed African countries can have a better chance for tourist arrivals.

There were a variety of factors as to why The Official Website of Singapore stood past the other four country oriented tourism websites and will proportionately improve tourism spending to the entity featured. The first type of criteria that was judged was my initial reaction to the content layout and convenience of use. As I compared all five websites, the Singapore layout was not only convenient; it was the most advanced in terms of graphics and technology. It was simply effortless to move from various categories of where to stay, where to eat, and what to do, the very essence of why one would explore a countries tourism website.

The second reason why I feel Singapore’s Official Website will continue to proportionately improve tourism spending to this entity is because of the variety of world renown events that are in the near future. The first thing that is depicted on the welcome screen is a promotion for Singapore’s first Formula 1 race, which will be taken place throughout the normally busy streets filled with skyscrapers that will bring a huge economic growth to the local economy and local businesses. Singapore will also play host to the 2010 World Expo, which draws international attention that will also drive tourist arrivals, create an increase in foreign exchange, and draw high volumes for a variety of tourism related enterprises. No other website that I analyzed carried the same magnitude or significance for upcoming events like Singapore’s website. In addition, with the changing market of the United States tourism industry and baby boomers becoming the leading force, I feel that there will be a change in demand from visiting European countries, to explore places less travelled such as Singapore. According to Channelnewsasia.com, Singapore missed it’s target goal for tourism receipts for 2008, with 10 billion US dollars, from a projected 15.5 billion dollars. (Channelnewsasia.com)

One final reason why Singapore’s Official Website distinguishes itself from the other four websites would be it’s amount of resources and links to other information that is conveniently and readily available by the click of a mouse. No other website that I analyzed has the same amount of resources readily available like Singapore’s website. The tagline itself gives a good description of what is at hand, “Uniquely Singapore.” This is exactly what the website stands for, to separate itself from the rest and be a unique tourism product. One important fact to keep in mind is the potential for growth that Singapore has compared to the other four websites. I feel that It is a combination of these three main components that will give Singapore’s website and overall tourism product that will distinguish itself from the rest. According to Business.gov, Singapore’s main tourism arrivals were from regional countries with 1.73 million visitors arriving from Indonesia. (Busines.gov) This shows huge potential for Singapore to grasp the United States market.

Resource(s) Cited:

. (n.d.). Singapore News. Channelnewsasia. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/401557/1/.html

. (n.d.). Singapore’s Tourist Arrivals Dip 2% In 2008. Enterprise One. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.business.gov.sg/EN/News/Jan2009/20090113singapor.htm

. (n.d.). Welcome to the Offical site of Costa Rica. Costa Rica Tourism Board. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.microsites.visitcostarica.com

. (n.d.). Welcome to the Youngest Country on Earth. Tourism New Zealand. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.newzealand.com/travel/

. (n.d.). Welcome to the Wonderful Country- Tanzania. Tanzania Tourism Board. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com/

. (n.d.). 2009 Reasons to Visit Singapore. Singapore Tourism Board. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home.htm

. (n.d.). The Official Website of Jordan Tourism Board. Jordan Tourism Board. Retrieved (September, 8th 2009) from http://na2.visitjordan.com/Default.aspx

Hola TDM 401! So I am still new to this world of blogging so bear with me! Aside from that, I am here at the Downtown Phoenix Campus at the moment on this lovely tuesday afternoon pretending that I see clouds outside and that it's raining with a temperature of 50 degrees. Reality just hit me and realized I can make a nice three egg omelet on the sidewalk of Van Buren and Central! Oh well, that's life right!? Anyway, I think im gonna continue to figure out how to make my profile all 'decked out,' so stay tuned!