ICT and Tourism in China

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.

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ABSTRACT

Tourism among countries all over the world has been a dynamic scene with considerations on competition and the changes experienced in technology. Tourism is largely considered as the world's largest industry not only in China but also all over the world. The effect of internet on the field of tourism needs to be well explored in order to place it under a clear perspective. The application of internet technology in the tourism industry in China is a phenomenon that has significantly contributed towards the development of the industry. The methodology of this study shall be based on the evaluation of data in the China's tourism industry with focus on various Internet marketing issues relevant to the China's tourism industry and web sites. This dissertation it was stated that a primary purpose of this synthesis of research was to understand how tourism and information and communication technology (lCT) interact with each other. When looking to the future of tourism, it is important to consider why people will continue to travel even as telecommunication methods improve.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background to the Study1

Statement of the Problem6

Objectives of the Study6

Research Questions6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW8

Travel and Communication: A History8

The Internet13

Application of ICT in Tourism14

Levels of Impact of ICT in Tourism and Hospitality15

Effectiveness of ICT in attracting tourists16

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY20

Target population20

Sample design20

Data Collection20

Data Analysis and Presentation21

Ethical Consideration21

Limitations22

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS23

Survey Analysis (tourists)23

Survey Analysis (Tour Agents)36

Content Analysis of tourism websites43

Discussion45

Level of satisfaction and ICT services45

The Re-convergence of Travel and Communication49

Application of ICT in tourism51

Level of Satisfaction and ICT58

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMNDATIONS61

Recommendations61

Future Directions62

REFERENCES64

APPENDICES68

Questionnaire (Tourists)68

Questionnaire (Tour Agents)72

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Tourism among countries all over the world has been a dynamic scene with considerations on competition and the changes experienced in technology. It has contributed immensely to the economic progress of many countries. By 1998, two million enterprises' activities were directly related to tourism in Europe. Achieving public attention in marketing and advocacy has been classified as a vital function among all stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector in China. The internet has, therefore, provided the springboard of addressing all issues in regards to tourism. Parallel to the huge Chinese population, the government and all the involved stakeholders communicate all the key issues and policies through the mainstream media and of late, the efficient internet popular among the young population (Goodson &Philimore, 2004). In general, global relationships among different nations and radical tourism have been boosted by the key milestones that are a characteristic of the revolution of information technology, specifically the ...