The offshore tourism industry encompasses various stakeholders who play crucial roles in its dynamics and success. At the center of this industry are the travelers themselves, seeking leisure, adventure, and cultural experiences in far-off places. These tourists have diverse demands and interests, ranging from cultural immersion to comfort and convenience. To cater to their needs, tourism businesses must understand and fulfill these demands, offering unique and personalized experiences.

 

Key stakeholders in the offshore tourism industry include tour operators, transportation firms, dining establishments, and destination management organizations (DMOs). Tour operators and activity suppliers offer a wide range of excursions and activities like water sports, cultural outings, and wildlife encounters based on tourists' interests and preferences. Transportation firms ensure reliable and efficient travel options by air, sea, or land to reach distant locations. DMOs, including local tourism boards and governmental entities, play a vital role in managing and promoting tourism in offshore destinations. They collaborate with stakeholders to develop tourism plans, marketing initiatives, aiming to attract visitors and provide extraordinary experiences.

 

The offshore tourism sector adds value by offering breathtaking natural scenery, including attractive beaches, pristine waterways, and diverse marine life. Protecting and managing these natural resources sustainably is crucial for the long-term success of the industry. Creating value in the industry also relies on providing exceptional service quality, including a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, tailored experiences, attention to detail, and meeting customer demands. Embracing sustainability and ethical behavior, such as implementing eco-friendly policies and contributing to regional economic growth and social welfare, is essential for value generation.

 

To dig deeper into the factors that might affect the industry in the future, a PESTEL-analysis has been made. In the table below all forces that have been identified in the analysis are listed. For more details, please download the full version.

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

​

Thereafter an impact-uncertainty matrix has been made to identify the most critical uncertainties (red stars) and the certain and important trends (blue stars). If you want to read more about all of these, read the full version.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Future scenarios

A scenario matrix is a tool used to analyze and explore various possible future scenarios and their potential consequences. In our case, four different scenarios have been developed based on the two most significant impacts on our industry, as described above. These scenarios have then been analyzed, and their potential outcomes have been discussed. By using a scenario matrix, we can visualize and investigate different possible future opportunities and risks that may affect the industry. By defining the most important influences and identifying different scenarios, we can gain a deeper understanding of our industry and any potential changes or opportunities that may arise in the future.

​

Travel restrictions and economic growth/recession may be two of the most critical uncertainties in the offshore tourism industry due to their profound impact on the industry's performance. Travel restrictions, such as border closures, strict entry requirements or even domestic travel ban, as during the pandemic Covid-19, directly hinder the flow of tourists, resulting in a significant decline in visitor numbers and revenue for destinations heavily reliant on tourism. These restrictions can be imposed due to various factors like political instability, health crises, or security concerns. 

 

On the other hand, economic growth or recession greatly influences people's disposable income and willingness to spend on travel. During periods of economic growth, individuals tend to have more financial resources, leading to increased travel demand and expenditure. Conversely, during recessions, people are more likely to tighten their budgets, reducing their discretionary spending, including travel.

 

As these two factors have a significant impact on the industry, a scenario matrix has been created to discuss and analyze their effects. Four different scenarios have been developed based on the contrasting outcomes of these two factors combined and the possible outcome of each scenario has been discussed.

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Leading in a digital world, Lecture 9 Scenario Thinking & Wrap up, 2023-05-15

​

Download the PDF-document below to read the full version of the industry deep dive and see the references. Enjoy!

​