Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
The process of sorting through the various holidays on offer and determining which is the best for you is inevitably complex and individual personality traits will determine the eventual decision. Some people undertake a process of extensive problem solving, in which information is sought about a series of products, (18) . Other consumers with no patience to explore a variety of choices (19) , for the sake of their convenience rather than trying to guarantee that they buy the best possible product. This is known as limited problem solving.
Many consumers engage in routinised response behaviour, in which choices change relatively little over time. (20) . Also, some holidaymakers who have been content with a particular company or destination in the past may opt for the same experience again.
Finally, some consumers will buy on impulse. (21) . It is, in fact, a pattern of behaviour that is becoming increasingly prevalent – to the dismay of the operators, who then have less scope for forward planning and reduced opportunities to gain from investing deposits in the short term. (22) , where ‘distressed stock’ needs to be cleared at short notice and this can be stimulated by late availability offers particularly.
(Adapted from The business of tourism)