[Online Tourism and Travel]

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Online tourism and Travel” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Online Tourism” and its impact. The research also analyzes many aspects of “E-Tourism” and tries to gauge its difficulties and challenges for the people in future. The study followed the secondary research methodology. Finally the research describes various factors which are benefited by the online tourism and travel and tries to describe the overall impact different factors have on the consumer behaviour and perceptions.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Rationale of the study1

Problem Statement2

Research Objective3

Definitions of the Terms3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Tourism8

Tourism as an Industry9

Symbolic Representation of the Tourism Industry10

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Tourism12

Benefits of the Internet and ICTs13

The Concept of Domain Specific Search in Tourism15

Online Tourism Domain15

Travel Behaviour Perspective of Tourism16

Travel Information Search Perspective of Tourism18

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) and electronic business (e-business)19

Electronic tourism (e-tourism)19

Notion of e-Tourism20

Virtual environment22

Hotel Reservation & Management systems25

Trends in Research on Travel and Tourism on the Internet26

Impact of the Internet on Travel and Tourism Industry26

Information Search27

Online Information Search in the Travel and Tourism Industry28

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY31

Research Design31

Purpose of study and choice of research31

Research Philosophy32

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION33

The Internet33

The Internet and Travel and Tourism33

E-Tickets, automated check-ins and “e-Airlines”35

DISCUSSION37

E-Tourism for developing countries38

Travel and Tourism Information Search39

Travel and Tourism Information Search on the Internet41

E-Tourism: Supply and Demand43

Demand: Travel Markets and Consumers47

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION49

Limitations49

Future Aspects50

REFERENCES52

APPENDIX59

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Information Technology is a growing field which is affecting many areas and not only tourism. We all know that tourism is very dynamic, and it can be easily affected by even the smallest change. Advances in technology make life easier and so the main purpose of IT with relation to tourism is that to make things for those involved in the tourism industry easier. This is done by further enhancing methods and practices used within the industry with the aid of IT. The main concept that can put this issue under one umbrella is the notion of e-Tourism. In this study, the author will be discussing further the following points: The notion of e-Tourism, New reservation methods, Online airlines, Online booking, Advantages & Disadvantages of ICT in Tourism, etc.

Rationale of the study

With the huge amount of information on the Internet, search has become increasingly important in travellers' use of the Internet for travel planning. However, developing useful search technologies to support travel planning requires substantial knowledge about the underlying world a technology represents, i.e., the online tourism ...