Predicting activity results of the specialized tour operator

Abstract

Hospitality provides wide opportunities for entrepreneurship. Feasibility and forecasting of results have always been relevant for implementation of entrepreneurial ideas. Aim of the study is to clarify specifics of forecasting of specialized tour operators’ activities. Forecasting methods in tourism, as a rule, are based on opinion polls and extrapolation techniques. Difficulties with forecasting of results are related to indefinite part of specialized tours in overall volume of tours. And for every specialized tour this part depends from character and number of factors, which define demand for tourist product. Result of the study is the proposed algorithm for finding of planned sales of specialized tours for ensuring of profitable activities. With the example of gastronomical tours, which have good perspectives in Ukraine, it is proved that planning of more than 25-30% of specialized tours in overall sales of tours is not feasible. Finding of this research can be applied to product development, as well as marketing and strategic planning.