The impact of low-cost carriers on tourism development in less famous destinations

Abstract

Purpose of the paper. The purpose of the article is to present and analyze the impact of low-cost airlines sector on the tourist market and especially its contribution to the development of tourism in less famous destinations. Methodology. To achieve the aim, author uses descriptive method and literature studies, and also presents and analyzes existing studies, research, reports and data. Findings. The analysis show, that low cost carriers influence the development of tourism in smaller cities and less famous destinations in several different ways. Most of the result directly from the basis of LCCs business model. To cut costs low fare airlines fly to secondary and regional airports with lower landing fees and taxes and less congestion, what assure them low turnaround time. Effective and sometimes aggressive marketing of LCCs help them to generate new demand for air travel and generate new tourists. Research limitations. The article presents mainly research results of other authors and general analysis of data concerning Polish aviation market. Main limitation of the research is the scope of the problem. It was not possible to present complete view of the problem because of the number of regional airports served by LCCs in Europe and the diversity of policies of local and regional authorities in the area of tourism. Research and managerial implications. Low cost airlines try to increase their revenues also thanks to marketing fees paid by regions where they fly. From the point of view of regional authorities it is a chance for them to advertise and promote a region and thanks to such a campaign to attract more (and new) tourists. The article can be also an incentive for more detailed research in Poland, the country of origin of the author, where LCCs have developed very rapidly since 2004. It would be valuable to analyze the impact of LCCs in Poland on tourism market and maybe on this base draw strategies which will help to achieve more profits by regional economies. Originality/value of paper. the paper summarizes and analyzes results of the research of other authors in this area and tries to analyze the influence of low-cost airlines on the Polish tourist market in general.