The beginnings of the Ryanair company were not very successful. At first, it made a loss and it might have seem that the money from leasing planes that Tony Ryan invested as a capital would be wasted. Fortunately, however, when a man named O’Leary joined the company and became Tony’s right hand, the firm started to make a profit. The profits then were constantly increasing but in June 2009 after settling accounts, Ryanair made a loss again. This was the result of higher fuel price that badly affected everyone, not only airlines.

The first connection was the one between Waterford and London and was opened in 1985. In the same year the company carried its first five thousand passengers. In 1993 Ryanair staff was a group consisting of 500 people and the carrier reached a million passengers. In 2007 this number increased to 40 million. Nowadays, low-cost airlines have developed rapidly in Europe but Ryanair is still one of the best-developed giants of low-cost airline industry in Europe. It is worth mentioning that the advertisements of this company are special and unique. They show European stereotypes of certain nations and often ridicule political situations of a given time in a given European country. Thanks to such advertisements Ryanair gains popularity as they arouse much emotion and are easy to remember. In 2007 the most beautiful girls working in the company took part in a nude photo shoot for a calendar for the year 2008. Beautiful bodies, amazing pictures, plenty of copies sold and the income from sales was donated by Ryanair to charity. The next year the event was repeated and Ryanair published another calendar. Interesting is the fact that the company’s feet consists of 200 airplanes and they are all Boeing model 737-800. According to analysts, Ryanair is one of the most environmentally-friendly carriers and since its beginnings it substantially reduced the fuel consumption.

So, it seems that low-cost airlines not only carry passengers. They offer many advantages but have some drawbacks as well. Their major advantage is cheap tickets but disadvantage is the necessity to pay extra for any additional services on board or high costs of extra baggage exceeding the allowance stipulated in the contract. Low-cost airlines are a good alternative for those who can’t afford expensive and luxurious travel with traditional regular airlines.

Establishing a travel agency, one needs to remember that it can be managed only by qualified professional who have the appropriate education and experience. The representative of a travel agency has to ensure the bank or insurance guarantee for its clients. The amount featuring on the contact has to be high enough to cover the costs of the client’s return to the country. According to law, every entrepreneur running a business might be inspected. The inspectors are entitled to enter the building where a person is running his/her business and demand the necessary documents and information. They are allowed to check the conformity of the registered data with what they see and check whether the legal rules of running a business are observed.

When planning to open one’s own travel agency, one needs to think about its appropriate location. The building has to be clearly visible and, ideally, located in the city centre or the area frequently visited by people. It is common knowledge that advertisement can work miracles, so there should be information on the building about the company and its offer. Logo is a very important aspect too, as in time it becomes the company’s hallmark, so it has to be put on the entrance to the building, on the eye level. The office equipment and its interior should be connected with the motif of travelling. Research prove that light and warm colours and spacious interior arouse many positive feelings. Let’s remember that the office design and decoration have an influence on the clients’ decisions.

At the start of your business it is worth introducing promotion offers or contests for the clients. They don’t know your new company yet so you have to attract them. One might also hire an advertising firm to produce some leaflets, posters, banners, billboards and gadgets with the company’s logo in order to attract people’s attention. Also TV spots will be effective as well as radio adverts, as thanks to them your company will stop being anonymous and will become recognisable. When setting up a travel agency one has to take the seasonal character of the business into account. Therefore, it is best to introduce special offers just before summer holidays or in early winter because it is then that the travel agencies have the most clients.

Having an own travel agency is a lucrative business, so one needs to take care of the customers. Running a business is hard work that requires sacrifice, marketing skills and the knowledge of the legal regulations. In order to achieve a success and make one’s mark on the market, one needs a lot of time and energy. However, by means of your own work you can achieve it. You just have to believe in yourself and be sure you’ll succeed and the dreams will certainly come true.

]]> http://www.tourism-guide.org/how-to-set-up-a-travel-agency/feed/ 0 http://www.tourism-guide.org/lufthansa/ http://www.tourism-guide.org/lufthansa/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:37:18 +0000 admin http://www.tourism-guide.org/?p=42 Lufthansa is the largest airline carrier in Germany. It’s corporate headquarters is in Cologne and the primary traffic hub in Frankfurt am Main. The company was established in 1926 and was named Deutsche Luft Hansa Aktiengesellschaft – derived from the German word “Luft”, meaning “air”, and Hansa, after Hanseatic League- the powerful medieval trading group.

Nowadays, the company serves a wide variety of destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America.

In order to increase its profits, apart from its core activities, Lufthansa also offers travel agency management (Thomas Cook), domestic transport (Lufthansa CityLine and Lufthansa Regional), cargo transport (Lufthansa Cargo), technical support (Lufthansa Technik), IT counseling for aviation (Lufthansa Systems), transport insurance (Delvag), air crew training (Lufthansa Flight Training), managing the company that suppliers the food on board (LSG Sky Chefs), etc.

An innovation that the company introduced into the aviation market is the possibility to choose the seat on board of the plane. In order to book the seat, one needs to have an electronic ticket called Lufthansa etix which provides its owner with extra options such as individual check-in 23 hours before the flight and printing the boarding pass (online) – which will speed up the boarding procedure.

It is worth mentioning that the low-cost Lufthansa airlines were using the aircraft Boeing 737 and Boeing 737-100. Nowadays its fleet comprises over 300 aircraft (Airbus, Avro, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer) – this is undoubtedly an impressive number.

In summer 2003 Lufthansa opened a new terminal in Munich in order to relieve the traffic in its main hub in Frankfurt, which proved the increasing popularity of this carrier. Introducing new offers and services as well as its numerous extra activities ensured that Lufthansa has got a high position in the industry.

An aspect that differentiates Lufthansa from other airlines is the fact that since 2004 its passengers have the Internet access on board (Lufthansa was the first airline to introduce this option) which is very important for those who are scared of flying as now they are able to divert their attention from their fears. Besides, a lot of people need the Internet access in order to work so this is a perfect solution for them.

Its popularity results form the fact that its offer provides the clients with the highest standards of service. Reliability, conscientiousness and dedication to passengers guarantees them comfort, professional service, facilities adjusted to their needs as well as the possibility to take advantage of some additional other services to make their journey pleasant. A key to success of British Airways is also its great inventiveness and creativity. The airlines offer a lot of promotions and interesting solutions attracting plenty of clients.

Several years ago this carrier introduced an innovative price structure related to European flights, which proved to be even better than the offer of low-cost airlines. Besides, British Airways introduced also the so-called “Sunday Rule”, that is the necessity to stay the night (form Saturday to Sunday) at the destination. Another option that the passengers may take advantage of is the loyalty programme, where they make get discounts when buying place tickets, booking hotel rooms and much more. Special clients (who have the silver or golden cards) may also have free Internet access and their time spent on formalities before the flight is maximally reduced. Such clients are also regularly informed about promotions and special offers.

As is commonly known, customer care constitutes the best marketing tool. The passengers of British Airways are treated with respect and the company shows its happiness with their presence. Appreciating the client’s loyalty by offering them discounts meets their enthusiasm. When the passengers see that they are taken good care of, they won’t be willing to travel with some competitive airlines.

Americ

American Airlines have a wide variety of offers, particularly for business clients. They have priority when checking-in as well as specially designed areas for controls and waiting for the flight (the possibility to use the shower, bar, Internet, fax, telephone). They are privileged also on board of the plane – comfortable chairs (footstool, headrest), professional service, delicious cuisine, DVD players, Internet and much more. As regards the Internet access, this is a relatively recent option, introduced in 2008, possible thanks to devices servicing the Wi-Fi network. Immediate access to the Internet is very important for people who need to have a constant contact with their subordinates and co-workers, and the flight that lasts several hours would make it impossible. Besides, it is also a way of relaxing during the flight by reading online articles, checking the situation on the stock market, talking to friends, working on certain projects or even playing online games.

Passengers who have some questions may turn to airline staff working in customer service department. They will provide answers to all questions and solutions to potential problems, advise in the case of doubts and help to choose the best offer. Regular clients of American Airlines are offered various discounts, not necessarily connected with airline service. The company cooperates with other renown firms in the tourist industry whose job is to make our holidays and journeys unforgettable. So, American Airlines is a top-quality carrier that pays attention not only to its own profits but also, and above all, to the satisfaction of its clients. That’s why loyal passengers may count on special treatment from the staff who, appreciating their loyalty, provide them with the service of the highest standard.

When deciding to travel by plane, we have to remember about taking the necessary documents with us. We definitely need a passport that confirms our identity and citizenship. However, if we travel to EU countries, it’s enough to have our ID only. Before the flight we need to make sure that we have our ticket because this piece of paper confirms the fact we signed a contract with the airline that guarantees us the travel, insurance and baggage check-in. More and more popular are electronic tickets that have become an alternative for the traditional paper ones. Thanks to the technological advances, the ticket is sent to our electronic mailbox including the route, ticket number and all other relevant information. Such a form of ticket allows us to save time and effort and also paper which contributes to the environment protection. However, let’s not forget that the credit cards, driving licence and all sorts of identity cards may came in handy during the trip, so it is worth taking them with us as well.  The air traveller has his rights. Each person buying a plane ticket signs a contract with the airline that guarantees him a help in solving the possible problems connected with the flight. In the event the flight is cancelled or the passenger isn’t accepted on board of the plane, he has the right to claim full or partial compensation. If his baggage is lost or damaged, he is entitled to claim compensation of even $1400.

While at the airport, we should ensure the safety of our baggage and be very careful when we’re in crowded places. We should keep the bags close to us in order to minimize the risk of theft. We shouldn’t leave the baggage unattended especially when it contains valuable items. Any doubts or suspicious things we notice, like an unattended bag left by someone at the airport, or a man offering snacks to passengers snacks, we should report to the air crew, police or airport security officials.

During the flight there are sometimes unpleasant situations like turbulences. But this is a common phenomenon and usually not dangerous. Whatever happens, we shouldn’t panic and should listen to the orders and recommendations of the trained air crew. Besides, near our seats we can always find safety instructions that contain tips and rules of acting in the case of danger. It’s worth reading them. But remember that before each flight the plane is carefully examined and inspected and the passengers go through many airport controls. Besides, the safety on board of the plane is in the hands of experienced and professionally- trained air crew.

We also have to think about whether we would like to organize our holidays ourselves or maybe leave it in the hands of professional travel agents. Nowadays, thanks to Internet search engines we will easily find plane tickets available in attractive prices, apartments and hotels, trips, and many other. It doesn’t involve much time or effort. However, if we want to organize everything via travel agency, we have to make sure we have chosen a good one. In order to have a very relaxing time, we might rent a luxurious apartment in a hotel with the facilities such as swimming pool, sauna, fitness club, gym, spa, casino, Internet access, golf course, tennis courts, the best cuisine, beautiful interiors and many other. We have to remember that holidays are time when we want to escape form everyday mundane reality. Therefore, we should let ourselves be pampered.

However, even staying in luxurious hotels, we cannot be spending the whole time inside. From time to time we should leave it in order to go to the gym or swimming pool. During holidays we also have to get to know the local places and culture, instead of only spending time in spa or playing online games in the apartment. We should sightsee the city, get to know the local people, find out about the history and culture of this place by going to the theatre or a gallery. In the evening, after having a delicious supper at a local restaurant we might order a relaxing massage and some beauty treatments before going back to our beautiful apartment where we are likely to find clean bedclothes, a glass of cognac and cut flowers.

In order to fully relax, we shouldn’t deny ourselves pleasures. The money earned and collected for the whole year may be seriously undermined by our two-week stay in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but we deserve it! Living in a top-class apartment will guarantee us a healthy sleep and good mood. The hotel staff will certainly provide us with professional service making sure we have everything we need. It is also worth mentioning that such hotels are usually located in beautiful areas which makes our stay even more pleasant- view of the ocean, beach, mountains, forests or lakes that we can admire each morning will remain in our memory for a long time. Therefore, we should choose only the most impressive offers. The seemingly small details in may in fact turn out to be very important aspects of our holiday craze, that’s why we should carefully weigh the pros and cons of every decision. In this way we will ensure the holidays will meet our expectations.

The best way to reach Spain is via plane. There are numerous direct connotations in affordable prices. The ticket prices vary, everything depends on the time of travel, the airline we use and certain promotions or discounts which are always worth looking for. The flight lasts about three hours. Some travellers decide to go there by car.

Spain offers its visitors well-developed tourist facilities. There are numerous beautiful hotels offering services for rich as well as for budget travellers, various boarding houses located in very picturesque regions, luxurious apartments as well as country houses where one may rent a room. The latter is the best place to experience the beauty of Spain by admiring grapevines and olive groves, trying the traditional cuisine as well as appreciating the beauty of local nature.

The tourist flock to Madrid whose Old Town impresses with its beautiful architecture: St. Isidore’s Cathedral, Town Square from the 15th century and baroque Jesuits Church – all this is very impressive. While sightseeing this city we have to visit El Retiro park and take a romantic walk, sail on a boat, watch the modern art exhibition or go to the magnificent Crystal Palace. This is a perfect way of spending a Spanish afternoon. Art lovers will definitely visit Prado Museum in order to watch the masterpieces of such artists as Bosch, Goya and many other.

Barcelona is also frequently visited recently, this is a place where apparently the dreams come true. La Rambla street is a good spot to start sightseeing the city – the atmosphere here is very typical of Barcelona – small shops, galleries, pubs, cafes, restaurants, newsagents and other magical places where you can encounter plenty of friendly people. If you take your children with you, it is worth visiting the biggest European oceanarium where you can see many marine species. Barcelona abounds with beautiful historic temples, galleries, museums, etc. The places worth visiting are for instance: Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia or Barri Gótic as well as Park Guell. So, it is not surprising that many places of historic interest in Barcelona are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

 Everything depends on the standard of a given company and on the offer we choose. We have to take numerous aspects into consideration, namely what time we want to travel (high season, off season), promotions, discounts, and many other. Another way is to go there by car but this certainly involves much more effort on our part. Because of the long distance, we are forced to break the journey several times. Others decide to travel by train, which takes them about 18 hours and requires changing trains. One also may opt for a coach travel, as this is convenient and inexpensive. When choosing a good company, we are sure to travel by a modern coach equipped with all the necessary facilities like minibars, toilets, air-conditioning and comfortable seats.

Italy offers well-developed tourist facilities and accommodation options are impressive. There are beautiful boarding houses where you can experience Italian tradition, modern and top-quality hotels and many other places that guarantee fantastic cuisine and comfortable accommodation. Italian cuisine is famous all over the world. Fresh seafood, pastas, fruits, vegetables, cheese, wine and delicious desserts are bound to impress everyone. Tourists who would like to experience a true character of this place should go to cafes and restaurants which tempt everyone with fantastic smells.

It is worth visiting several Italian cities. Various regions have a slightly different culture. The most popular cities are Milan, Florence, Palermo, Rome and many other. Each of them offers a wide variety of attractions as well as unforgettable atmosphere. Let us then briefly discuss what these popular Italian cities offer.

Milan, also known as the capital of world fashion, tempts us with numerous department stores, boutiques and salons belonging to the greatest fashion designers. Here we can also find the headquarters of the main modeling agencies that guarantee their top models fantastic contracts and long careers. Florence is a very romantic city: buildings from renaissance, museums and theaters regularly attract historians and art lovers. An Italian centre of art and history is undoubtedly Palermo, which abounds with historical ruins of monumental Roman walls, buildings, temples, libraries and other. One cannot miss Rome which has got the greatest number of historical objects in the world – The Spanish Steps, TerviPlac Fountain, Forum Romanum or San Marco basilica- these are only some elements of the great cultural and historic heritage we can find here.