Advent of Information Technology in the world of Tourism

Abstract

Information Technology is one of the key factors of competitiveness. Internet is especially relevant to tourism since it enables knowledge about a consumer or a tourist to be gathered and vice versa. Tourism is dominated by the need to provide fast and accurate information to a consumer. The implications of IT revolution for tourism competitiveness and promotions are identified in different sectors of tourism and its closely associated industries. Globally IT is widely used in industries such as airlines and travel, hospitality, tour operators, travel agencies, reservation systems for tourism and destinations. This chapter looks at the different uses of information and communication technologies in tourism sector. It examines the impact of ICT on tourism industry and the new and innovative technologies which are used in tourism industry. It also indicates the problems and issues concerning information technology applications in tourism.