Role of technology in tourism industry

Tourism yesterday & Today Transport Automobile VS Carriage

Transport Steamboat VS Cruise ship (Oasis class)

Transport Steam train VS Maglev train

Communication Telegram VS SMS

Communication Fixed line telephone VS Blackberry

Distribution channel Buy from travel agent VS Internet X middleman & commission for online booking

Benefits to tourism product provider 1. Improve on cost effectiveness 2. Enhance forecasting techniques 3. Consolidate fragmented tourism products

Improve on cost effectiveness facilitate staff scheduling Global Distribution System or web-based system consolidate a better integration of departments and functions  better services and reduction of operation costs

Enhance forecasting techniques reliable yield management facilitate routes planning and marketing programs develop a better understanding of consumer needs  reduce the gap between consumer expectations and perceived experience obtain accurate and much richer marketing research data from all transactions through the Internet or GDS

Consolidate fragmented tourism products one-stop shopping Computer Reservations System (CRS) hold destination promotions with airlines via CRS

Benefits to customers 1. Ease of purchase 2. Speed up purchasing decision 3. Provide more product information Airline Travel agency Ctrip

Ease of purchase eliminate complicated distribution intermediaries  reduce incurred costs such as commissions automation of routine passenger check-in through the Internet traditional multilateral tourism distribution channel  unilateral channel (one-stop)

Speed up purchasing decision deal directly with service providers’ reservation department access information easily on the Internet  empower consumers to get information on products and services of interest

Provide more product information offer greater choices with massive travel websites e.g. travel blogs, booking accommodation, booking holidaytravel blogsaccommodation enjoy greater discounts for last-minute, targeted offers and special promotions

How a CRS works

Do you know the answer? What is the total number of tourist arrivals in 2009? What does “short-haul market” stand for in Hong Kong tourism statistics? What is the total tourism spending associated to inbound tourism in 2009? Among the total visitors, what is the percentage of overnight visitors? Which organization conducts tourism statistics survey?

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How much do you know about Hong Kong tourism? Hong Kong tourism