Chapter 4 - Transportation “Travel by Land” Automobile & Recreational Vehicle Travel

Automobile: The invention of the car made more possibilities than any other factor in tourism as it gave more freedom of movement. People having more movement allowed business to become built up in more of an unstructured pattern.

Most Popular Travel because…… 1. Low cost 2. Convenience of having the car at your doorstep 3. Flexibility in departure and arrival times, route, and stops 4. Enhanced trip experience 5. Easier luggage transport with less restriction 6. Assured transportation on arrival at the destination 7. The enjoyment of having your “own space” with your own comforts

Recreational Vehicle : travel trailers, motor homes, tent/fold-down camping trailers, truck/slide-in campers and van/multi-use vehicles prime RV age is Has all the advantages of a car plus the convenience of one’s home. Eliminates the hassles and expense of hotels and restaurants. The traveler can enjoy the great outdoors without losing the comforts of home. Many campgrounds just for RV’s.

Car Rental: Almost as old as the automobile. Began in 1916 when someone borrowed a car when theirs broke down. Realized others will have to do this so started a business and charged 10 cents a mile. Hertz began in 1918 and now is the largest and oldest agency in the world The boom really occurred in the age of jet travel as people went long distances; however once they got there they needed a car at their destinations.

Business Dynamics: Highly competitive Not a fixed capacity Can change variables to react to competition Manager has to stay on top of the economic changes Acquire revenues from ad-on charges.

Marketing Strategies: Offer a variety of different things: –Type of cars –Wheelchair lifts or special seating –Four-wheel-drive vehicles –Racks/hook-ups –Pick up/Drop off services –Frequent renters programs –Fly and Drive vacation packages –Programs: unlimited kilometers and corporate rates

The Rental Process: Strict Qualifications: –Have a valid driver’s license –Be of a certain age –Have a major credit card Rates: - Regular Rates - Special Rates - Corporate Rate

Makes and Models: subcompact = small car (Toyota echo, Nissan sentra) compact = average-size car (Toyota corolla, Chevrolet cavalier) Standard = full-sized car (Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus) Deluxe = large luxury car (Buick Century, Lincoln Towncar, Jeep Grand Cherokee) Charges: drop-off = allow customer to drop off car at any of companies locations for an extra fee gas = will usually charge if car is not returned full insurance lost keys = if lose keys a fee is charged

Driving outside of Canada: Driving in Great Britain and the Bahamas is on the left side of the road. In Germany parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit. In Europe majority of cars are manual and finding an automatic could be difficult.