Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism and Travel - Coursework Example

ICT IN TOURISM AND TRAVEL {Insert university’s name} {Insert instructor’s name} {Insert student’s name} December 3, 2012. ICT IN TOURISM AND TRAVEL One of the fastest growing industries in the world is tourism. According to Allen (2009, p. 34) for the last three decades the tourism and travel industry has been impacted by three key waves of information and communication technologies (ICT); the global distribution system, the computer reservations systems and the internet. However, Allen (2009, p. 34) points out that internet has had immense impact on tourism and travel sector. Research on ICT and internet usage has been conducted from both the tourism provider as well as from the user perspective (Kaser & Brooks, 2005, p. 40). According to Weber & Chon (2002, p. 34) the tourism industry has been considered proactive regarding adoption of ICT. The recent advances in networking databases, electronic marketing, telecommunication and data processing has provided new opportunities for both travel and tourism businesses and has significantly impacted on the traditional business models in the tourism sector. The use of ICT adds value to tourism and travel products and services as well as supporting the development of the sector’s clusters and networks. ICT is capable of impacting on the whole travel and tourism industry for instance by providing information on package tours and services, destination, transportation and accommodation as well as affecting service delivery and process management in the global tourism sector. Consequently, the introduction of ICT in the travel and tourism sector have impacted on role of the tourism and travel actors such as the tour operators, rendering agents, travel agents and conference organizers. Kaser & Brooks (2005, p. 43) points out that ICT systems provide detailed information on the availability of products as well as prices an aspect that is likely to contribute towards increased sales and profit. This essay will explore how ICT is an opportunity or a threat to conferences and meetings as well as how ICT has been influencing tourism and travel industry. How ICT how affected tourism and travel industries Over the past years, tourism sector have depended on new information technologies with an aim of following and updating various sections of the hotel an aspect that have resulted into better results in the management. Weber & Chon (2002, p. 67) pointed out that use of technologies within the tourism and travel sector will allow competition in the sector. Consequently, technology will be an element of change in the as well as a source of expanding connectivity and one of the key factors in differentiating success in the sector. Kaser & Brooks (2005, p. 42) tourism is one of the largest online industries and one of the key essential types of commerce via the web. Drawing from the global commerce transactions, the mentioned results into 40% of all the transactions conducted globally. From the aforementioned data, all key companies associated with tourism industry such as rentals, agencies, hotels and air companies conduct e-commerce activities via the web. Internet is the star in the communication and it is essential in the tourism and travel sector. According to Kaser & Brooks (2005, p. 49) the use of internet and web is spreading faster. In the web, there are e-news, associations, suppliers’ homepages, chats and newsgroups for the tourism and travel community. The internet provides the sector with an opportunity for the suppliers and the consumers to interact via meetings/conferences. Information technology further makes it possible for services/products to be customized according to the needs of the tourists making it a differential feature for the companies that adopt it. Golden-Romero (2007, p. 67) in their study pointS out the benefits of internet in the tourism and travel industry and adds that the internet provides numerous advantages to the tourism industry players. The internet has resulted into enhanced collaboration between the operators within the tourism industry for instance between service providers and travel agencies. Additionally, it is no longer necessary to have pre-arrangements with the respective suppliers as the communication between the two is enhanced. Allen (2009, p. 74) in his study points out that ICT has resulted into cooperation among various partners within the tourism and travel industry. For example between airline alliances, hotel chains, airline companies, credit card companies, or the rent car companies. This results into adoption of flyer/user programs that facilitates automatic accounting, programs promotion, online information sharing and control of personnel account. The purchase of services and products via the internet is changing the lives for business and people. For most customers, it is more convenient book for air ticket and hotel via the companies’ homepage instead of using the travel agencies. Additionally, technology has enabled customers to check the locations, watch videos, compare rates, and get information on the tourist destination, book for the accommodation among other services (MBD, 2009). Therefore, the interactivity of the web provides a medium that is ideal for distributing information online, thus consolidating itself as the best platform for bringing services and information to the tourists in a manner that is efficient, quick and straightforward Kaser & Brooks (2005, p. 49). Studies have indicate that tourism and travel sector have successfully used the internet for the purpose of marketing whereby they establish new markets, make online reservations and track customers. Various uses of technology in meetings and conferences Technology is important in both conferences and meetings. According to Allen (2009, p. 45) videoconferencing enable people in distant locations to take part in meetings within a short notice, additionally, less money and time is spent in videoconferencing as travelling costs and time is cut. Consequently, technology such as VoIP can be combined with desktop thus resulting into low cost face to face business conference and communication without leaving their offices and in particular in business whereby the offices are widespread. Additionally, technology has been used in telecommuting whereby employees are in a position to work from home. A study conducted by Allen (2009, p. 56) whereby 1800 employees were sampled, indicated that more than 50% of the correspondents who have are in a position to access videoconference made use of the same frequently. For instance, Intel corporation manager reported that the company uses technology in its meetings and conferences with an aim of reducing costs as well as environmental impacts on its daily operations. Swarbrooke & Horner (2001, p. 69) study point out that currently video conferencing is being introduced on online networking sites with an aim of assisting business to establish viable relationships faster and efficiently without leaving their work stations. For example in the banking sector, busy banking professionals are in a position to meet with customers from diverse locations using video banking technology. Mobile collaboration technology which is a videoconferencing feature whereby mobile held devices are used in industries such as healthcare, government, insurance, manufacturing and public safety. Additionally, visual and live interactions help to remove traditional restrictions such as time and distance and particularly in locations that are unreachable for instance production floor or continent way (Goldblatt, 2004, p. 23). Even though the use of technology has its value in meetings and conferences, studies have indicated that certain managers have preferred not to use technology in meetings and conferences based on a number of factors, such as anxiety. However, Allen (2009, p. 56) points out that anxiety can be avoided if technology is included in the daily operations of the business. Consequently, business attendees of medical and business conferences at times need to work hard in order to interpret the information they deliver during the meetings or the conferences. Goldblatt (2004, p. 23) recommended that it is important for users of technology in business and conferences to not only adjusts the conferences/meeting procedures but also the equipment. According to Swarbrooke & Horner (2001, p. 67) the use of technology in conferences and meetings has a number of advantages as compared to traditional methods. First, it enables individuals to work and interact with another over long distances. The following are some of the advantages of using technology in meetings and conferences. There is improved use of the available executive time as well as travelling costs being reduced. Additionally, the decision making process is speeded up. This is because the meetings/conferences are more focused and brief as compared to face to face meetings/conferences (Masterman & Wood, 2006, p. 78). Use of technology in meetings/conferences further enable to management to be in a position to communicative with employees in different locations effectively and faster. Additionally, technology permits virtual project management via data and video conferencing and meetings with peer groups that are geographically dispersed over a short period of time. Technology has also being used in conducting interviews. Finally, it provides an effective means of delivering training that is cost effective in nature to all the employees without necessarily traveling to meet them (McCabe, Poole, Weeks, Leiper, 2000, p. 67). In conclusion, based on the points raised on this essay, it can be pointed out that information and communication is not a threat to meeting and conferences but an opportunity. From the essay, it is further evident that ICT has transformed the tourism and travel sector positively. Allen, J (2009), Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events, 2nd Edition, Wiley:Heinemann Goldblatt J (2004) Special Events: Global Event Management in the 21st Century. London: John Wiley & Sons. Golden-Romero, P. (2007) Hotel Convention Sales, Service and Operations. London, Butterworth Heinemann. Kaser, K & Brooks, J (2005) Sports and Entertainment Management. Thompson. Masterman, G and Wood, E H. (2006) Innovative Marketing Communications strategies for the events industry.London:Elsevier. MBD,(2009).The UK corporate hospitality market development, MBD McCabe, V., Poole., B., Weeks, P., Leiper, N. (2000). The Business and Management of Conventions, Australia:Wiley. Swarbrooke J. & Horner, S (2001) Business Travel and Tourism. Butterworth Heinemann. Weber, K & Chon K (2002). Convention Tourism International Research and Industry Perspective. 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