Abstract

The issue of channel design has been virtually ignored in the tourism distribution literature. This article seeks to contribute to filling this gap by developing a practical step-by-step process to preparing an effective tourism distribution strategy. It is based on a review of the channel design literature and consideration of the strategic implications of a body of applied sector-specific research on tourism distribution in New Zealand. The way in which this process was developed is outlined before the seven-step channel design process itself is presented. Conclusions are then drawn and suggestions for future research are offered.