A. J. Frew

Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable development is a highly topical issue and is of critical importance to tourism as the environment is of utmost importance for the continued development and prosperity of the industry. There have been numerous texts written on sustainable tourism and the measures to mitigate and manage this but none which acknowledges Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a mechanism of doing so despite being an emerging area of research. ICT in this context refers to innovative tools which form an integrated system of software and networked equipment that facilitates data processing information sharing communication and the ability to search and select from an existing range of products and services for an organisations benefits. Despite the symbiotic relationship, which exists between ICT and sustainable tourism, there has been little research, which has considered how the use of such technology can be used to make sustainable tourism development a more workable reality. This opportune book is the first to provide a focus on the interrelationship of these two important topics demonstrating their synergies and providing insight into a new and innovative approach to managing sustainable tourism development. It considers the use of technology to reduce the negative impacts of tourism from both the demand and supply side perspectives. A critical review of a range of cutting edge technologies used by tourists and businesses to assess their usefulness in managing sustainable tourism development from the macro to the micro level is also discussed. It further integrates examples and practical applications to show how ICT can be an invaluable mechanism in the management of sustainable tourism development. This cutting-edge volume provides a wealth of information on an important yet neglected subject. This book will be invaluable reading for students, researchers, academics and members of the tourism industry looking for new and innovate ways of fostering a more sustainable tourism industry.

ICT and its Role in Sustainable Tourism Development

The paper discusses an investigative study into the uses and applications of information and communication technology for sustainable tourism development. It develops the proposition that use of such technologies can be a practical approach which destinations may use to mitigate some of tourism’s negative impacts. Adopting a destination-focused perspective and through the undertaking of a worldwide study, this research examined how ICT can be used in the management of sustainable tourism. It presents an array of ICT-based tools/applications for use by destination managers and discusses the opportunities in destination management for applying ICT to Sustainable Tourism Development.

ICT and sustainable tourism development: an innovative perspective.

Purpose – The aim of this research is to foreground information and communication technology (ICT) as an innovative approach for sustainable tourism (ST) development of destinations. ICT is the technology required for information processing which facilitates data processing, information sharing, communication, searching and selection. This paper concentrates on the Abernathy and Clark model and its usefulness in applying ICT as innovative in managing ST. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to destination managers and to eTourism experts. Destination managers were selected as they were identified as the person responsible for the overall management of a Destination Management Organisation. eTourism experts were identified as someone who possesses special expertise, knowledge and skills on ICT applications to tourism and offered expertise on which ranged from such areas as electronic distribution, recommender systems, user-generated content, online communities, mobile technology,...

The Future of Hotel Electronic Distribution

Hotels traditionally use a variety of different distribution channels, including distributing through other properties within their chain, joining marketing consortia or other types of affiliation organizations, or outsourcing to representation or third-party reservation companies. Most hotels also use intermediaries such as travel agents, tour operators, or incentive houses. Increasingly, hotels are making use of the growing range of electronic-distribution channels, which is this paper’s topic. In all cases, the objectives of using the channel are twofold, namely, to make relevant and timely information conveniently available to the hotel’s potential customer; and to make it easier for guests to book the property in question. A distribution channel is defined as a mechanism that provides “sufficient information to the right people at the right BY PETER O’CONNOR AND ANDREW J. FREW We know that the internet has become a key distribution point for hotels, but that only makes a hotel’s CRS even more important.

ICT adoption and development: issues in rural accommodation

Purpose – The work described in this paper is of direct relevance to those with an interest in the phenomena surrounding information and communication technologies adoption by the rural accommodation sector. The paper aims to provide the results from a preliminary study, which examined differences in the level of inter‐firm technology adoption between rural and urban accommodation establishments within a major tourism destination, Scotland.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted, and the results set out here suggest that these differences are only presented with two types of technology, i.e. systems requiring networking infrastructure and sector‐specific applications.Findings – The discussion suggests that the neoclassical theory of growth and theory of development are contradictory but that they complementarily explain different levels of adoption between rural and urban setting.Research limitations/implications – Not only theoretical, but also industry implications and suggestions for furth...

The Contribution of Technology-Based Heritage Interpretation to the Visitor Satisfaction in Museums

The tradition of heritage interpretation is moving away from purely conservational and educational goals to an entertainment- and experience-oriented interpretative provision. New technologies are gaining prominence in museums to enhance visitors’ mindfulness, subsequent learning outcomes and satisfaction. Extant research literature reflects technology-based heritage interpretation; however, such studies implement predetermined outputs which have never been tested by the demand side. This paper seeks to assess technology-mediated heritage interpretation, merging both theory from the museums management and customer satisfaction literatures, and applying Importance-Performance Analysis. Results reveal that new technology does not represent a substitute for other interpretative applications. Its appropriate use in those museums with a traditional interpretative layout enhances displays’ multisensory provision and visitors’ perceived interactivity. The use of technology is more appreciated in traditional museums than in those with live interpretation.

Using Concept Maps to Examine Business Models and Drivers of Competitive Advantage for Travel eMediaries

This paper describes a study that has explored the body of literature on competitive advantage and placed this in the context of the development of travel eMediaries (online intermediaries). The work uses concept maps to highlight determinants of performance in online intermediation in this sector and the relationships among these variables. The paper identifies the most significant contributors to competitive advantage and examines their application through selected eMediaries. In conclusion, key areas for further research are suggested including proposed work from the authors on analysis of determinants of competitive advantage for eMediaries and their networks.

Exploring the Role of In-Trip Applications for Sustainable Tourism: Expert Perspectives

There is little research that examines both the in-trip use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the role ICT applications play or could potentially play in supporting sustainable tourism. This study identified specific in-trip ICT applications that could be used by leisure tourists to support sustainable tourism. A survey amongst eTourism experts was conducted and the results indicated that 48 % thought that the promotion of sustainable tourism practices should be a “very important” factor in the design of eTourism applications. Location-based services, destination management systems and intelligent transport systems were among the top rated in-trip applications to support sustainable tourism. The study may be partially qualified due to it’s European orientation however, it is anticipated that future research will establish the reality on the ground in terms of tourists’ actual use of in-trip technologies and linkages to sustainable tourism.

A benchmarking framework for eTourism capability of destinations’ industries

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a framework for benchmarking the eTourism capability of a destination’s tourism industry, understanding the eTourism capability of a destination’s industry as the contribution that the information and communication technologies (ICT) uptake of that industry makes to its own performance. The impact of ICT in tourism has been suggested through extensive research. Previous work has urged the development of wide-angle studies to enable benchmarking of destinations and their industries. However, relevant research is limited. Macro-level studies in the area tend to focus on a single aspect of technology to evaluate adoption, are not sector-specific nor take into consideration the different levels of contribution that systems may bring to performance. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature on tourism, eTourism, benchmarking and technology adoption provided the baseline for developing this benchmarking tool. Findings – The literature supported the selection o...

Technology innovation and applications in sustainable destination development

This paper introduces information and communication technologies as an innovative approach to managing sustainable tourism development from a destination management perspective. Specific attention is focused on the how destination managers utilise the various forms of technology in addressing both the positive and negative impacts of tourism. Building on Hjalager’s (Tour Manag 18:35–41, 1997) analytical typology for sustainable tourism innovation, this research aims to advance tourism innovation research and demonstrate new uses of technology and the wider applications for sustainable tourism. Using a thorough literature review and primary research with destination managers, a collection of technology based tools and their uses were examined for sustainable tourism development and how these tools can foster destination innovativeness.