The provision of innovative products and services finely tuned to the market once again generated a competitive edge for TUI’s consumer-centred tourism business in the short financial year 2009. Drawing on state-of-the-art information technology and communication media was just as important here as looking to the future in designing attractive offerings and innovative services.
Innovation in Tourism
TUI Quality Support
TUI hotel consultation and product development is a new line of business initiated within TUI Deutschland to assure quality in the long term. The team supports partner hotels with systematic analytical tools to identify weaknesses and by providing training and advisory services to tap improvement potential. This approach consolidates the performance of hotel partners and strengthens their links with TUI Group tour operators.
IT systems and online activities
With My Thomson, TUI UK has developed a website specifically for customers in the pre-trip phase. Customers visiting the site find a custom-made selection of information and offerings, and key conclusions can be drawn about their future booking patterns. TUI Nordic is pursuing the same goal with a communication platform enabling customers to exchange information about a specific tour operator while at the same time establishing a basis for selective advertising options.
TUI Deutschland continued developing its new production system NPM. Various production and booking systems are being integrated into the new architecture, which permits linkage between the capture of hotel contracts, pricing and travel reservation. The system is designed to strengthen the company’s competitive edge and reduce IT costs. In 2009, the functions used by various departments were adapted to the new production model and several hundred employees underwent training.
Airlines
TUIfly Nordic was one of the first airlines to introduce winglets on its long-haul Boeing 767-300 aircraft. These wing extensions improve aerodynamic performance, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Cruises
The commissioning of the Mein Schiff vessel by TUI Cruises was flanked by a host of innovative marketing measures addressing new target groups. These measures notably included web-based activities.
Hotels
Innovation in the Hotel Sector was characterised by the development of themed experiences. With Splash Hotels, TUI UK created a tour operator brand with water park focus. With Blue Unique, TUI Nordic offers distinctive, often historical resorts that build on the unique tradition of the facility in terms of design, service and catering, be it an old vineyard or a converted copper mine.