Tourism Industry Acronyms
(Selected acronyms, plus website links to more detailed lists)
Some commonly used acronyms:
Tourism and Community
Development Solutions
Useful website links for expansive lists of acronyms
(and some tourism definitions):
Canadian/US Tourism
Industry acronyms
Published online by Tourism Vancouver Island
Published online
by go2
Published
online (pdf) by VisitNebraska
Published online by Maryland
Tourism
Australian Tourism Industry acronyms and Global
Published
online by Tourism Tasmania
British/European Tourism Industry acronyms
Published
online (pdf) by TourismTrade UK
Published online
by Star UK
Tourism Industry Organizations - US/Australia/World
Key acronyms - some with TCDS commentary
USP
Unique selling point.*
*TCDS NOTE: A concept representing more and more of
a challenge for many destinations lacking a genuine major difference here. Higher standards and greater development competition, as
well as the growing 'sameness syndrome' of much development activity is exacerbating the problem. The term 'unique' is often
used too loosely and inaccurately in tourism, as well. Consequently far more imaginative, sensitive and creative responses to
development opportunities are required to meet such challenges. Scale and authenticity matters too - 'bigness' can
only work for some destinations and for some markets. The problem is not as simple as build it and they will come.
-
Bruce Dickson
VFR
Visitors
who are visiting friends and relatives.*
*TCDS NOTE: Often the source of the most significant volumes of visitors for many destinations
and also often closely related to the population levels of a place and other factors such as its levels of previous migrant influx.
Potentially a more challenging market segment to market to, but a vital wellspring for development activities directed at
enhancing a destination's 'word of mouth' activity levels and prospective traveler buzz.
Word of mouth.*
*TCDS NOTE: If
of a positive nature, WOM is universally regarded by marketers as the holy grail of marketing activity and THE most desired and
significant factor in tourism success. But it is also potentially one of the most challenging to generate, usually requiring
a more creative approach. If negative WOM is being generated or even 'indifference' (e.g. as a result of ho hum/'been there done
that' syndromes - creating different strategic challenges), the consequences can be equally powerful, but in reverse. A strategic
goal is to try to achieve lasting (not fly by night or flavour of the month) WOM of the favorable variety, one based on a happy
& supportive community's own ongoing ambassadorial work on behalf of the 'destination' they reside in (or near).
-
Bruce Dickson
List
of selected acronyms
FFAM/Famil
Abbreviation of 'Familiarisation' - organized to help acquaint media and visiting journalists
and others with a destination's products/experiences and tourism operators.
CBO
Central booking office.
FIT
Free and
independent traveler.
Fully independent tour.
Fully inclusive tour.
KK
Confirmed.
ITO
Inbound Tour Operator/Inbound Operator -
travel operator who serves/ works with international wholesalers packaging holidays for travellers arriving from another country (usually
groups), in liaison with destinations' suppliers. With the operator using their own transportation mode [e.g. motorcoach].
MPPs
Most
profitable prospects.
PAX
Passengers.
PYO
Plan your own holiday.
Tourism Industry Definitions
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