1. Indigenous Communities, Tourism and Biodiversity Workshop Series: New Information and Web-based Technologies Workshop II: Islands Pacific Region Chantal Robichaud Dr John S. Hull Carolyn Nodder Nathaniel Dobbin Professor Simon Milne 3 – 5 November 2008, Samoa

2. What is ICT? ICT is Information Communication Technology May also be known as IT – Information Technology ICT is a tool that supports solutions, it requires people and planning. “Investing in ICT can have a powerful effect on productivity in almost every industry, driving innovation, cutting costs, and opening up new opportunities. ICT can boost profits, help small firms overcome limitations of size, and enable even tiny enterprises to establish a global presence.” “To take full advantage of ICT, we need to develop the skills of our workforce at every level.” source: NZ Digital Strategy 1/10/2015 2

3. Background - ICT 1998-2008 10 years ago, IT boom Huge internet growth Change in the way we work, play and communicate Email becomes a standard way to communicate Introduction of mainstream Ecommerce & Online Booking Development of Online Destination Marketing Search engine growth – development of SEO industry MP3 and digital audio mainstream, introduction of podcasting Web Technology shift from Static to Interactive – Web 2.0 Blogging, Social Networking, Wiki’s, YouTube, Maps, Online communities Wireless & Mobile growth – Apple iPhone, iTouch Websites and services competing to deliver ‘information in context’ 1/10/2015 3

4. What does this mean today? Fundamental changes in travel planning Less need for travel agent / package deals Travellers can investigate, plan and finalise journey before arrival Operators can communicate directly with visitors before arrival Word of mouth more powerful than ever before Services always online making late booking more common Expectancy for rapid response Desire and increasing expectation to be always connected People have become ‘time poor’ Increase of competition – many businesses rely on the internet for survival 1/10/2015 4

5. What are some new opportunities? Web 2.0 raising the bar, we see increasingly interactive online media Chance to communicate and educate visitors before arrival Increased ability to target niche markets with technology (SEO, Adwords, Online marketing, Word of mouth, Social networking) Adoption of ICT to better understand visitors and their needs (Surveys & data collection) Engagement of community and sustainable development – Community Based Tourism (CBT) Climate change – education, awareness, tools to monitor & calculate footprint Utilisation of ICT to preserve Indigenous & Traditional Knowledge (e.g. Kete Project & Wiki Projects) Biodiversity – role of ICT to monitor impacts, promote awareness 1/10/2015 5