Analysis of operations and processes at Thomas Cook

Abstract

[eng] On September 23rd, 2019, one of the largest and most historic companies in the world within the Tourism industry went bankrupt, this was known as Thomas Cook Tour Operator. The following paper reviews the history of Thomas Cook as a company and the evolution of Tour Operators in general. Furthermore, it analyses the models and strategies adopted by the company, which led to its bankruptcy. This study examines the strategy Thomas Cook had over the years and how implementing vertical integration had a massive negative impact, as the company had little flexibility to adapt to new changes in the way the company was distributed. Thomas Cook remained with a traditional mentality, while the competitors were adapting rapidly to the new technology. Therefore, while other Tour Operators were reacting fast and experiencing the advantages of this new period within the industry, Thomas Cook was left behind and subsequently ended up bankrupt.