GATE # 10: Destination Product Supply

The fact is, that while destinations compete against other destinations, there is always an internal competition among suppliers within a destination that we believe can be quite healthy.

The primary goal of a DMO (destination marketing organization) must be to find a way to unite suppliers in a common front to the benefit of the entire destination and present a unified image to the marketplace.

The use of the Internet and other electronic channels to market, make 'inclusion' much more effective. Participation is not limited to the 'big budget' players, although they will always have some inherent advantages of scale. The Internet creates equal opportunity for all suppliers who learn to dominate the medium.

One of the most exciting opportunities for destinations is to the smaller players, such as boutique hotels, nature tours and specialty offerings such as eco or sustainable products. For a long time, these players were not economically sustainable because they never had a 'share of voice' within brand development. Certainly, they just couldn't afford to compete. Todays consumers want to be surprised and even amazed when they travel. Segments want small, special, others huge mega resorts. They are looking for what's new and even what's new within established destinations. The internet opens the channel for consumers who are actively looking for products and suppliers who are building them. 10GATES believes in connecting destinations with their customers, worldwide!