What do you mean by product in Tourism? What are the five major characteristics of service product?

 In tourism, a product refers to a package or combination of different tourism services, such as transportation, accommodation, attractions, activities, and other services, which are marketed to meet the needs and wants of the tourists. In other words, a tourism product is an intangible experience that is created by the interaction of various services and is sold to the customers. For example, a tourism product can be a package tour that includes airfare, hotel accommodations, local transportation, sightseeing tours, and meals.

The characteristics of a service product are different from those of a tangible product, such as a car or a smartphone. Here are the five major characteristics of a service product:

1. Intangibility: Services cannot be seen, touched, or tasted before the purchase. This means that the customers cannot experience the service product until they consume it. In tourism, the intangibility of the product makes it difficult for the customers to evaluate the quality of the service before they purchase it. This is why tourism service providers need to use marketing and branding strategies to communicate the value and benefits of their service products to the customers.

2. Inseparability: Services are produced and consumed at the same time. This means that the customers are part of the production process and they interact with the service providers to create the service experience. In tourism, the interaction between the tourists and the service providers is a crucial aspect of the service product. This is why tourism service providers need to focus on creating positive customer experiences that meet or exceed the expectations of the tourists.

3. Perishability: Services cannot be stored or inventoried. This means that the supply of the service product is limited by the capacity of the service provider. In tourism, the perishability of the product creates challenges for the service providers, as they need to manage their capacity and resources to meet the demand of the customers. This is why tourism service providers need to use pricing and yield management strategies to optimize their revenue and profitability.

4. Variability: Services are heterogeneous and can vary from one service encounter to another. This means that the quality of the service product can vary depending on the skills and attitudes of the service providers, as well as the expectations and perceptions of the customers. In tourism, the variability of the product creates challenges for the service providers, as they need to ensure consistency and quality across different service encounters. This is why tourism service providers need to use service standards and training programs to improve the skills and attitudes of their employees.

5. Involvement: Services are often high-involvement purchases, which means that the customers invest time, money, and emotions in the service experience. This means that the customers are likely to be more involved in the service product than in the case of tangible products. In tourism, the involvement of the customers creates opportunities for the service providers to create personalized and customized service experiences that meet the unique needs and preferences of the customers. This is why tourism service providers need to use customer relationship management strategies to build long-term relationships with their customers and create loyalty and advocacy.

In conclusion, the characteristics of service products are different from those of tangible products, and this poses challenges and opportunities for the tourism service providers. By understanding the five major characteristics of service products, tourism service providers can develop strategies to manage their capacity, improve their quality, and create personalized and customized service experiences that meet the needs and wants of the tourism.

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)