2015 Volume 8 Pages 3-21
This study aimed to illustrate points of differentiation in the competitiveness of inclusive tours from the viewpoint of product architecture. First, previous research on inclusive tours and their architecture was reviewed to provide a compilation of information on their characteristics, the architecture of products and services supplied by travel agencies, and the creation of inclusive tours and the competitive environment of travel agencies. Three theories extracted were product architecture in innovation, its outline, and business architecture and the point of view for comprehending it. Analysis of the research revealed the following three points: each factor of inclusive tours can be constructed, even as a mixture of factors from travel agencies and other companies; innovation in the method of connecting factors together is a point of differentiation; and inclusive tours are differentiated by services supplied by the travel agency. Examples of such services are using modules (factors) with closed interfaces, individualizing services supplied by the travel agency, and planning of inclusive tours that need high integration. The discussion suggests that which part of the interface should be closed to or to whom it should be closed must be decided strategically, and also indicates ways for making the architecture itself more integrated. Lastly, the transition of the competition and differentiation of inclusive tours in Japan from the viewpoint of product architecture is noted as a topic for future research.
