Will the Internet take over from traditional sales channels in the longer term?
This is unlikely to happen because, just as the Internet is becoming ever easier to use to book vacations, people’s holiday wishes and ideas are growing ever more complex. The Internet, as a simple sales platform, is not sufficient on its own to cope with this complexity. In the premium segment in particular (which is where Kuoni is largely active), customers attach a lot of value to receiving personal and exclusive advice. And that’s why Kuoni continues to devote much of its attention and resources to personal customer contact, at the same time investing in sales channels like Internet and Call Centres; since these are the customers’ needs and requirements.
What kind of added value can a travel organisation offer that an all-online vendor cannot?
If customers are looking for a travel arrangement composed of various modules, and if they want to be sure they are getting the best possible value for their money, they will want personal advice, too. As a global travel organiser, we have a wealth of experience, specific knowledge of our destinations and a comprehensive network of connections that enable us to guarantee this added local value. With our interactive communications, we can also constantly respond to our customers’ individual needs, both at home and at their holiday destination, with advice on hotels, local tips, support and more.
What kind of products can easily be booked over the Internet?
Customers who want to book straightforward products – like point-to-point airline tickets, rental cars, tickets for musicals and of course package holidays – can easily do this online.
What was Kuoni’s study on “The Future of Leisure Travel” based on?
The study was based on a systematic analysis of specialist literature, trend studies and websites, online questionnaires and more extended discussions with 14 specialists in the field. The specialists consulted came from various countries and included future and trend researchers, science fiction authors, leisure researchers, tourism insiders, managers and travel agents.
Who devised the study?
The study was conducted by the internationally-reputed Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute of Rüschlikon, near Zurich, Switzerland, on Kuoni’s behalf.
And what did the study look at?
The study was centred primarily on the questions of how values, wishes and modes of behaviour change over time, who is likely to travel in the future, what their motivations may be and what are likely to be their preferred destinations.
Kuoni redesigned its brand completely in 2008. What exactly has changed?
Kuoni’s repositioning as a global travel brand with innovative product lines, a contemporary-style logo and new-look brochures was successfully launched in May 2008 in Zurich and introduced worldwide with the Global Launch Event in London in September 2008. Within the last few months, Kuoni also announced a series of interesting partnerships – i.e. with the Serpentine Gallery in London or with the design shooting star Osman Yousefzada.
What is the role of Kuoni’s Getaway Council (formerly known as Consumer Board)?
In the course of the re-branding process, Kuoni created the ‘Kuoni Getaway Council’ – to help better define, explore and understand the developments, themes and moods that define our times – both in the present and in the future. Kuoni Getaway Council is a changeable group of prolific experts and innovative thinkers from different fields, industries and countries. It includes entrepreneurs, scientists, architects, chefs, authors, designers and authorities on new trends in travel and lifestyle.
How is the current financial crisis affecting Kuoni and what consequences is the company expecting in the medium-term?
In view of the global financial crisis and the associated fears of recession, a slowdown in growth can be expected in the fourth-quarter period.