Unit III Web Assignment
1. Using the internet, visit the tourism website of a state of your choice. Describe the best target market of the state. Discuss your analysis. It should be based on Table 8-1 in your textbook. Analyze any travel data or information provided by the website regarding traveler attitudes or trends in traveling. Provide discussion of the target market, and support your choice based upon the text and research data from the website.
2. Discuss how this organization has positioned itself based upon its branding. Do not forget to look at photos, text, and other clues.
Your assignment should be at least one page in length. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited and referenced according to APA style. Additionally, remember to reference the tourism website of the state selected.
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Sample Answer Guide:
Massachusetts Amusement Parks and Games Analysis
There are numerous tourism websites in the United States. I narrowed down to the Massachusetts state and chose the Amusement Parks and Games for the discussion. The interest on this tourism website came as a result of the good ratings from all sides. For example, according Woodside (2010), the tourism received the highest rating of an average of 3.5. The updates on the website thus have sufficient proof.
Massachusetts Amusement Parks and Games (2016), states that the park is a good place for family specifically during summer. From this statement it is with enough clarity to deduce that the target market is families and children. The available games suit the children in many ways. One of the current games offered in the park is the Six Flags New England which has boosted the attitude of travels to a high degree level. Woodside and Martin (2008), roller coaster is the most favorite ride supported by a statistics value of 46% of patrons. The first photo presented in the website is a photo of a Six Flags New England which is the new development in the roller coaster. The website is awesome, it has provided the video links which can entice a person to physically visit the park and enjoy the services offered.
The market position has been ranked high due to the various brands it offers. Woodside (2010) states that the site scores of 3.9 of Massachusetts on the appearance and the usability, places it in position after Maine. The site excels in brands such as strong imagery, colors and screaming on a roller coaster ride. The lowest performance is registered on the animation, and probably has placed the site in second position. Hence, improvement in the animation will make the site to progress further.
References
Massachusetts Amusement Parks and Games, (2010). Amusement Parks and Games. Retrieved from http://www.massvacation.com/explore/bring-the-kids/amusement-parks/
Woodside, A. G. (2010). Advances in culture, tourism and hospitality research: Volume 4. Bingley: Emerald.
Woodside, A. G., & Martin, D. (2008). Tourism management: Analysis, behaviour and strategy. Wallingford, UK: CABI Pub.
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I analyzed the tourism website of California, USA (www.visitcalifornia.com). The target market of California, based on Table 8-1 in the textbook, appears to be a mixture of adventure seekers and luxury travelers. The website showcases the state’s diverse landscape, including mountains, beaches, and deserts, which appeals to adventure seekers looking for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and camping. On the other hand, the website also highlights the state’s luxury offerings, such as high-end hotels, spas, and fine dining restaurants, which cater to luxury travelers.
The website provides data on traveler attitudes and trends in traveling. For example, the website highlights that “California is the #1 domestic travel destination for U.S. residents” and that “California has seen a year-over-year growth in international visitors since 2016.” This information supports the conclusion that the target market for California is broad and includes both domestic and international travelers.
Based on this analysis, the best target market for California is likely a mix of adventure seekers and luxury travelers. The state’s diverse offerings and popularity among both domestic and international travelers support this conclusion.
California has positioned itself as a diverse, premium destination through its branding. The website’s tagline is “Find Your California,” which emphasizes the state’s diverse offerings and encourages travelers to find their own unique experience. The website prominently features stunning photography of the state’s natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and vibrant cities, further reinforcing the state’s premium image. The use of color, font, and overall design of the website all contribute to a polished and professional brand image, emphasizing the state’s luxury offerings.
In conclusion, California has positioned itself as a diverse, premium destination through its branding and website design, targeting a mix of adventure seekers and luxury travelers.