Tourism Travel Services : S1 Leisure Management Major

Travel can be defined as the movement of individuals or groups from one place to another with a specific purpose, whether for recreation, business, education, or other personal needs. In an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world, the tourism sector has grown to become one of the main foundations of the global economy. In line with this development, recreation business management has emerged as a study program that is increasingly in demand, as it offers a broad and applicable scientific scope, including the management of travel services.

Through education in the Undergraduate Program in Recreation Business Management, students are equipped to face various challenges and opportunities in the tourism, recreation, and entertainment industries, particularly in designing and developing innovative and sustainability-oriented travel agencies.

Getting to Know Travel Services in Leisure Management

Travel services are a crucial element in the structure of the recreation and tourism business. By definition, a travel agency is an entity that provides travel services for individuals or groups, including accommodation, transportation, and the arrangement of tour packages.

A travel agency is:

• A company or institution responsible for organizing, managing, and marketing tour packages.
• A link between tourists and supporting tourism services such as accommodation, dining, and transportation.
• A supporter in the development of tourist destinations, especially in terms of promotion and education.

Examples of travel agencies in Indonesia include Panorama Tours, Bayu Buana, and Dwidaya Tour. Travel agencies are part of the service business sector, with the main characteristics being professional service and complex management.

Tourism is a rapidly evolving sector.

As part of the tourism sector, travel services function as a bridge between tourists and the experiences expected from a destination. In the academic context, undergraduate students in the Recreation Business Management Program will study:

• The background and evolution of the travel sector.
• Examples of tourism such as nature tourism, cultural tourism, educational tourism, as well as ecotourism and cultural tourism.
• Studies on current tourism trends, including technology integration, sustainability principles, and the emergence of the metaverse.

The Role of Travel Services in the Recreation and Tourism Industry

In this modern era, the tourism and recreation industry does not only focus on tourist attractions, but also on the quality of experiences provided. In this context, travel services perform various important functions, such as:

1. Tourism Product Development
   • Designing tour packages with special themes such as religious and culinary tourism.
   • Discovering and promoting new destinations.
   • Providing complete information and ensuring the safety of tourists’ journeys.
2. Tourism Destination Management
   • Establishing collaboration with local stakeholders.
   • Developing sustainable destination management strategies.
   • Educating tourists about local culture and norms.
3. Career Opportunities in the Recreation Field
   • Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Recreation Business Management have various career options, such as:
     • Manager in a travel agency.
     • Consultant in tourism and recreation.
     • Event and festival manager at local to international scale.
     • Digital marketing specialist for tourist destinations.
     • Entrepreneur in sustainable and technology-based tourism business.
4. Digital Transformation and the Metaverse
   • The emergence of the metaverse introduces the concept of virtual travel into the tourism industry. Currently, travel agencies are starting to adopt:
     • Virtual tours using VR and AR technology.
     • Blockchain-based ticketing and payment systems.
     • Destination promotion media through immersive digital platforms.

Strategy for Managing Travel Services in the S1 Leisure Management Program

The undergraduate study program in Recreation Business Management is designed to develop graduates who excel in management and entrepreneurship in the field of travel services. Several management strategies that are part of the curriculum include:

1. Recreation Business Planning

• Design business plans for travel agencies.
• Analyze market trends and tourist preferences.
• Develop business models with a sustainability orientation.

2. Tourism Marketing Strategies

• Optimize social media and digital channels.
• Partner with influencers in the tourism sector.
• Apply storytelling techniques to strengthen destination image.

3. Innovation in Services

• Adapt services to the characteristics of millennials and Gen Z.
• Implement technologies such as digital booking and ticketing.
• Develop educational tourism programs based on the entertainment and recreation industries.

4. Risk and Safety Management

• Provide training in risk management during travel.
• Adapt service protocols according to health policies.
• Ensure the comfort and safety of tourists.

Skills Needed for Success in the Travel Service Industry

To compete competitively, students and professionals in the field of recreation business management need to possess the following skills:

Hard Skills:

• The ability to analyze markets and tourist behavior.
• Competence in designing budgets and managing tourism finances.
• Proficiency in software applications for travel management and data analytics.
• Comprehensive understanding of tourism destination management and its regulatory provisions.

Soft Skills:

• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Leadership spirit and teamwork collaboration.
• High creativity in designing tourism programs.
• The ability to adapt to changes in global trends.

Conclusion

Travel services are a key element in developing recreation business management, particularly in supporting the growth of a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector. Through an academic approach in the Undergraduate Program in Recreation Business Management, students not only explore the operational aspects of travel agencies but also innovative strategies to create engaging tourism experiences, aligned with technological developments such as the metaverse, and aware of cultural and environmental issues.

With comprehensively developed competencies, graduates of this program have great potential to become agents of change in the tourism industry, whether as professionals, event and festival organizers, or entrepreneurs in sustainable tourism businesses. Amid global changes, the ability to innovate and understand tourist needs becomes a determining factor for success in the field of recreation business management.

Campus Address and Contact

Campus Address:  Jl. Telekomunikasi No. 1, Bojongsoang, Bandung
Website: https://blm.telkomuniversity.ac.id/
Email: [email protected]

Tags: S1 Leisure Management | Leisure Management | S1 Leisure Management Telkom University