Franchise Model
The company has been developed along the franchise model. Some operations are wholly owned by City Sightseeing, some are joint ventures, but the majority of tours are operated by franchisees, either existing bus operators in the locality or new companies, either rebranding existing vehicles or introducing new ones.
Operators have the choice of flexibility in how much or how little direct involvement with City Sightseeing company they have, and can choose vehicles and systems appropriate to themselves.
Through the franchise model, operators have access to group expertise to solve problems, and to providers of equipment such as off board ticketting, GPS linked commentary systems and vehicle refurbishers. They also have access to Ensignbuses expertise in tour vehicle modification. Operators can also take advantage of block negotiation with promotional partners that may not necessarily wish to deal with smaller operators.
As a minimum, the franchise operator must carry the City Sightseeing red base colour and graffiti style, they must use the global booking web-site, and a percentage of any revenue taken is returned to City Sightseeing.
Operators are free to apply a specific local branding within the red scheme, with local identities or the Guide Friday name retained if thought necessary.
The City Sightseeing brand is exhibited to operators at the World Travel Trade Fair.
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