IGCSE Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What is crucial for ensuring that the product is available to consumers at the right time and location?

1. Place

2. Product

3. Promotion

4. Price

The correct answer is: Place

The concept of "Place" refers to the distribution channels and locations where a product is made available to consumers. It emphasizes ensuring that the right product is accessible to customers at the time and place they need it. This aspect is crucial in travel and tourism since it directly impacts customer satisfaction and sales effectiveness. For example, if a travel agency offers packages but fails to sell them in the right destinations or at convenient locations, it can lead to lost opportunities. The other aspects, while important, focus on different elements of the marketing mix. "Product" pertains to the features and benefits of the service itself, influencing its appeal but not its availability. "Promotion" involves marketing strategies to inform and persuade consumers but does not address distribution logistics. "Price" relates to the cost to the consumer and may attract buyers but doesn’t guarantee the product’s presence where or when customers want it. Thus, without effective distribution strategies under "Place," the overall success of a product in the tourism industry can be severely hampered.