Asian tourism major project

Interim Check-in Report Guidelines Asian Tourism The purpose of the interim check-in is for students to have a chance to interact with the professor about the progress of their major course project. It is intended entirely as that - a “check-in”. It is not to be a mini version of the project itself in terms of findings, research, etc. Instead it is to offer what you now see as the outline of the project and the kinds of sources which you are finding useful. It is also a chance to ask any questions about directions going forward as you actually complete the research and the project. I have attached some annotated guidelines at the end of this page for your check-in assignment- please be sure to use those. First, I want to include the basic scope of the project itself (this is what appears on the project guidelines which are already posted since the start of the semester): Your assignment for the major project is to design a very well researched and completed report and presentation outlining an innovative and thorough marketing program for that city or region for the year 2018 (that’s correct, plan for next year). You should do thorough background research on tourism patterns, venue, culture, tourism offerings, economic environment, political environment, physical environment, travel industry role in the venue (meetings, group travel, accommodations, etc.). You may rely on existing marketing information but you MUST create a new marketing concept and program (this is VERY important that you do not merely re-use what is currently being used!) The final project is due the week before the final week of the course and is worth 25% of the total grade. Additionally, midway through the course, students must submit a three page abstract and outline with sources and outstanding questions and issues. This “interim check-in” will serve as the mid-term and is intended primarily as a way for the Instructor to guide the student toward completion of the project in optimal fashion.

What to include in the interim check in report: Students should prepare a document of three pages maximum that outlines the Asian tourism marketing program which they propose. 1. A three paragraph abstract that outlines the overall concept and nature of the plan, the location, the audience, the goals, the unique aspects of communications, key logistics, events and accommodations. Obviously this will require you to be very concise and succinct- the essence of a good writing. PLEASE USE TWELVE POINT FONT AND DOUBLE SPACING. The challenge here is really to crystallize the unique and innovative nature of your plan as proposed...to say in a few words what is important, different, unique, challenging and important about this marketing plan.

2. We have been covering a variety of topics in the course- from the text, in the discussions, in the videos and other materials I’ve included for you. Be sure to read carefully both of your texts for those areas that may be appropriate- these can be very helpful for many of the areas selected. 3. After completing the three paragraph abstract, you should use the remainder of the three pages to construct an outline of the major issues which you wish to focus special attention on in your plan. You may use a variety of designs (a traditional I, II, III, A, B,C typology or develop an outline that groups key issues into bullet points under major headings. The important thing is to capture the essence of what you believe will be the determining and leading issues that especially relate to your plan. Remember to stay focused on what your project is about- designing a well- developed, thoughtful, creative marketing plan for your location that reflects the tourist opportunity but also balances the issues involved. A plan that works addresses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of both a plan and its implementation- not everything has to be favorable about the situation. PLEASE remember this, you may address any topics with a critical eye. In fact, I really hope you will. What are the concerns, the issues, the obstacles, the problems with tourism in a location that marketing is needed for? who are the intended audiences and why? What is your strategy for marketing? Why is this chosen? Above all - do good research that documents how you know what you do about the location, about the audience, about the travel market and its issues. Do not assume anything or that your reader does either. Thoughtful reasoning is just as important as creativity. 4. Clearly you are choosing a location because something about it stands out in your mind. It is not like any other location and you wish to showcase this. In your outline, use that opportunity to share with me how you wish to concentrate attention on the issues which are most significant. For instance, if tourism from a particular market is central you may wish to provide points in the outline about the translation issues, international travel matters, insurance and health matters, marketing to diversity of attendees across languages and cultures. For others, there may be different concerns and issues which you will focus on. Think of the kinds of topics we have discussed so far in the course- sustainability, role of festivals and events, sports or other types of special venues or events, business and convention travel, adequacy of facilities by type or service, conveying the culture through arts or music, etc. For your specific town or region, the issues will be unique- I will look to you to identify what those are and how best to establish a marketing plan for the location. For this, you may wish to elaborate a bit in your outline about the special strategies that are part of the innovative approach to attract tourists. 5. Remember, this is a VERY brief overview of the project which you are using to share with me your preliminary ideas. The interim check in is meant foremost to be a chance for you to share with me the direction you are moving in and I will use it primarily to help guide you from that point on. Don’t be overly anxious about the format- I am interested mostly in the concepts, issues, questions, and challenges

which you can identify in your proposed plan. Use the opportunity to communicate with me about your progress- what is working and what you are still looking for direction on relating specifically to your topic.