Last updated: June 1, 2026
Student: Sushann Holmes
Course Unit: L4 THM230902 Principles of Marketing in the Tourism Industry
Learning Outcome 1: PASS
"Sushann demonstrates a solid grasp of key marketing principles and their application within the tourism industry. The assignment begins with a comprehensive definition of marketing, highlighting its relevance in promoting tourism products and destinations. The student applies the 4Ps framework effectively to Kingston Manor, demonstrating understanding of each element—product, price, place, and promotion—and how these can be strategically used to enhance Kingston Manor’s market positioning. The marketing process is clearly broken down and applied practically to the case, including steps such as research, targeting, and control.
In the second part, the student thoroughly analyzes the “Inspired by Iceland” campaign. Each of the four required questions is addressed in a well-structured manner, discussing segmentation, digital marketing tools, rebranding, and the economic and social impact of the campaign. The oral discussion section also shows evidence of critical thinking by reflecting on tourism marketing’s unique characteristics such as perishability and intangibility. The student synthesizes lessons from the Iceland case, indicating how crisis can be transformed into an opportunity through strategic marketing.
Grade for LO1: Pass
The task meets all assessment criteria, demonstrating clear application of theory to practice, strong case analysis, and a well-structured response throughout."
Learning Outcome 2: PASS
"The written submission for this LO provides a thorough marketing plan for Kingston Manor that satisfies all aspects of AC 2.1. The target market analysis is insightful, clearly distinguishing between existing and potential new markets, and supported with logical justifications based on Kingston Manor’s location and service offerings. The positioning statement is professionally crafted, emphasizing luxury, privacy, and wellness, and highlights the differentiating features that would appeal to a high-end clientele. The promotional strategy outlines both traditional and digital methods, with specific mention of platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook), types of influencers, and SEO practices.
The feasibility and sustainability analysis (AC 2.3) reflects a strong understanding of practical business considerations. The student evaluates resource requirements, staffing, and the impact of integrating new platforms. They address budget constraints and suggest using cost-effective methods such as micro-influencers. The sustainability section discusses long-term strategies like loyalty programs and CRM tools, showing forward-thinking and alignment with industry trends in wellness tourism.
For AC 2.2, the accompanying PowerPoint presentation effectively supports the written plan. It includes the necessary sections—introduction, target market, positioning, promotion, feasibility—and uses clean, professional visuals. While presenter notes are not visible, the slide content itself closely aligns with the brief’s expectations.
Grade for LO2: Pass
All three assessment criteria are met with depth and attention to detail. The student combines theoretical marketing concepts with a realistic and strategic approach to tourism marketing."
Learning Outcome 3: PASS
"Question 1 – Marketing Concepts and Terminology (AC: Knowledge of Key Marketing Concepts) | PASS
Your definition of marketing is functional but remains generic — it would benefit from being anchored specifically to the tourism context, for example by referencing the promotion of destinations and experiences rather than products broadly. Your four marketing concepts — Production, Product, Selling, and Marketing — are all accurately described and correctly ordered as the four management orientations. Your explanation of why tourism marketing differs from physical product marketing is one of the stronger parts of this section. You correctly identify intangibility, the focus on emotional appeals, and the key distinction that the customer must travel to the service rather than the product coming to them, which demonstrates genuine conceptual understanding.
Question 2 – Marketing Process and Application (AC: Knowledge of Key Marketing Concepts) | PASS
Your three-stage outline of the marketing process — Planning, Promoting, and Delivering Service — captures the key phases adequately, with appropriate sub-points under each. The traditional marketing process has more defined stages, and referencing a framework such as situational analysis, objectives, strategy, and evaluation would have strengthened this answer. Your application to tourism is reasonable and covers digital advertising, influencer collaboration, and the creation of compelling customer journeys. Your two challenges — evolving consumer behaviour toward authentic and sustainable travel, and intense global competition — are both relevant and well-explained.
Question 3 – Tourism Marketing Campaign Analysis (AC: Analyse Real-World Campaigns) | PASS
Your choice of the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign is a strong and well-known example. Your description covers its focus on adventure, natural beauty, and cultural identity accurately. Your analysis of how marketing principles were applied touches on social media use, storytelling, target audience segmentation around the "adventurer" profile, vivid imagery, perceived value, and testimonials — showing you understand how multiple marketing tools work together. Your explanation of why the campaign succeeded is also sound, noting its use of research, repeated evaluation, global sharing, and the emotional branding that makes New Zealand aspirational for adventure seekers.
Question 4 – Marketing, Growth and Economic Development (AC: Importance of Marketing in Tourism Growth) | PASS
This is the strongest section of your paper. Your explanation of how marketing drives tourism growth covers awareness creation, storytelling, digital engagement, job creation, and sustainable brand differentiation clearly and with good depth. Your discussion of economic development is comprehensive, referencing foreign exchange generation, infrastructure stimulation, GDP impact, and improved quality of life — showing you understand the broader macro-level effects of tourism marketing. Your response on branding and positioning is particularly well-developed. The point about branding giving a destination its identity while positioning determines who experiences it, and the idea of transforming tourists into brand ambassadors, demonstrates confident and applied understanding of these concepts."
Learning Outcome 4: PASS
"The student demonstrates full engagement with all three assessment tasks in this LO. For AC 4.1, the KPI development is clearly outlined for both Kingston Manor and SunShore Beach Resort. The chosen metrics—website traffic, conversion rate, social media engagement, satisfaction scores—are appropriate and justified in terms of their alignment with campaign objectives such as direct bookings and wellness package sales.
AC 4.2 is addressed through a PowerPoint presentation focused on SunShore Beach Resort. The student outlines campaign objectives, target audience, and promotional methods, and presents a thoughtful analysis of both strengths (social engagement, visual branding) and weaknesses (low conversion, ineffective CTAs). The presentation format meets the brief’s expectations, though delivery cannot be assessed due to the absence of narration or speaker notes.
AC 4.3 is completed in a mock interview format. The student adopts both roles—business stakeholder and marketing expert—and addresses each guided question thoroughly. They demonstrate understanding of campaign challenges and offer well-reasoned solutions involving budget allocation, influencer partnerships, and KPI monitoring. Risk mitigation strategies and sustainability plans are also discussed, showing mature thinking and strategic planning.
Grade for LO4: Pass
All required tasks were addressed with depth, relevance, and good structure. The inclusion of both written and visual materials strengthens the submission."
LO1:
PassLO2:
PassLO3:
PassLO4:
Pass