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.
2.
3.
Improve on cost effectiveness
Enhance forecasting techniques
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.
2.
3.
Ease of purchase
Speed up purchasing decision
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 holiday
enjoy greater discounts for last-minute,
targeted offers and special promotions
http://ratestogo.com/
How a CRS works
Do you know the answer?

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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?
Register at
http://partnernet.hktb.com,
click research statistics to get the
latest information.
How much do you know about
Hong Kong tourism?