Interim report week 16 – 18

1.the daily activities/ placement assignments

I have consulted my friend to ask the price for putting the German explanations on the website. He asks 100 US$ to include the text, and another 100 US$ to apply a SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which is very time consuming. I forwarded this to Violeta, and she is going to think about it and decide later.

I also worked at the NHTV assignments and the placement report. The destination analysis is almost done. I interviewed several people to obtain their opinion about my CCS story. I read the articles and included them, as well as the reaction of the people and my fellow students into the analysis. With this information I was able to complete the CSS part of the destination analysis. The only things that are missing is a summary, a typification with the explanation, and a final spell check. I also continued working on the placement report and the NHTV assignment. I decided to write the feasibility study about the Inca Trail and made the first draft.

I translated the brochure into German with the intention to send it to German Tour operators. Because Violeta was very busy and hardly in the office, and travelled for some time, I still did not receive the introduction text that she wanted to write.

On Saturday and Sunday of week 16 Violeta, Ingrid an I made an excursion of getting to know the new Inca Trail. Violeta did not know this route, which has gained in popularity since this year. It is an alternative way to reach Aguas Calientes and Machupicchu. She went there with the intention of observing the tourism supply, i.e. restaurants, hotels, transportation, figuring out the costs and getting an idea what type of market is interested in that service. I helped her with the research and observation, and took pictures.

The number of tourists is increasing and several people came to the office to ask about prices and tours. Violeta showed me how to put together an individual package tours, and calculate the prices for it.

2.attainment targets

During the 2-day excursion I got to experience how an unknown area is analysed by a tourism professional. This practical education was very interesting and gave me an idea on how to do research. Going around, visiting hotels and restaurants and talking to people to get an impression of the area within a short period. This information can then be used to compose a tour for example. In my case, I am planning to write a feasibility study on the Inca Jungle. Having visited the area, I now have a clear picture in my mind and in combination with desk research, I will be able to write a report about it.

Additionally, I visited new places in Peru and are familiar now with new areas such as Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Hidroélectrica. Because these villages are located on a lower altitude there is a milder climate. Therefore it is called “ceja de selva”, i.e. edge of the jungle.

3.personal aspects

From my experience so far, Violeta and I are very different personalities. During the excursion, we had to work in a team, i.e. travelling and doing research together. Sometimes it was not easy and I had to be very patient. However, I tried my best and in the end it was a very successful and enjoyable journey.

4.future action items

In the following weeks another student apprentice from France is going to start working in the travel agency. I will be helping her to get familiar with the working environment in the office. Moreover, I would like to continue working on the NHTV assignments and the placement report. I also will continue with the feasibility study of the Inca Jungle, and if there is free time I am planning to walk the trail for 4 days in order to get an even better impression. The two days were not sufficient to get to know the walking routes. The writing of the promotional e-mails will have to be done within the next weeks as well.