I. Market researchers try to gather information about customer's perceptions and attitudes on a whole variety of subjects, from particular products and brands, to government policy and even their hopes for the future. II. This information can then be used to design products and services that meet customers' needs or to design marketing campaigns that communicate effectively with a products' target market. III. Market research is the systematic collection of information about supply and demand in tourism to guide the formulation of policies, strategies and plans for those concerned with the management of tourism interests, including government. IV. Eastern Cape tourism competitor analysis shows the province is the fifth in terms of 2007 and 2008 bed night statistics with 3.9 million and 3.8 million respectively. V. Overnight stays is the measurement of tourism performance, and in 2009 the Province had a share of 3.1 million for the year. VI. In 2011, the Eastern Cape provincial distribution in terms of bed night was 3.3 million with 3.7 percent being foreign arrivals. This is in contrast with 2004, when bed night was 3.4 million with 7.5 percent being foreign arrivals. VII. The Eastern Cape Province is third largest domestic tourism market in South Africa.