Anneli Douglas

Would a single regional visa encourage tourist arrivals in southern Africa

Although many studies have been done of factors impeding Africas development as a tourism destination, few have focused on southern Africa, and to date none have questioned whether the current visa requirements affect the regions tourism industry. This paper investigates the potential impact of the so-called Univisa, a single visa for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region proposed by SADC and the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa. It examines the possible effect of visa requirements on a destinations accessibility and visitor numbers. Two surveys revealed that inbound and outbound tour operators were relatively positive about the benefits the proposed Univisa would bring, but were concerned about other factors hindering tourism development in the region. The study revealed the complexities of a regional visa and found that even though a regional visa might alleviate some problems, it cannot be seen as an answer to the slow development of tourism in this region.

Mobile Devices as a Tourism Distribution Channel: Perceptions of Visitors to National Parks in South Africa

The use of mobile devices in the tourism industry is growing and travellers’ intentions or willingness to use them for specific purposes need to be recognised. This study looks at visitors’ support of South African National Parks’ (SANParks) mobile website for booking purposes, their level of satisfaction with the interaction and their propensity to adopt a mobile application, should SANParks provide one. It also investigates what visitors deem important in mobile devices. The results confirmed that mobile devices as a booking channel for SANParks is still in its initial stages, with relatively few visitors having used the SANParks mobile website or any type of mobile application. The results also indicated the level of satisfaction that visitors experience with the SANParks mobile website, and features they deem important when using mobile applications for accommodation bookings.

Information and Communication Technologies in Business and Corporate Travel Management: An Overview

This paper presents an overview of the use of information and communication technologies in business travel and corporate travel management. It distinguishes three areas of implementation: the use of technology as a possible alternative to business travel; the technology needs of business travellers across the travel chain; and technology as a distribution channel for business travel and corporate travel management. There is an abundance of industry-related surveys in this field but a lack of academically-published research. The discussion highlights this problem and identifies areas for potential research. Under each of the three areas discussed, a number of research questions are posed which could lay the foundation for further study and more scientifically rigorous research. Such research could support and give direction to the current industry-related surveys as well as contribute to the development of business and corporate travel management as a scientific discipline.

Constraints to consumption of South Africa's national parks among the emerging domestic tourism market

Tourism plays a recognised role in the South African economy, even though it is faced with a number of challenges including levels of seasonality, geographic spread and differing levels of travel and tourism culture within population groups. Literature speaks to the role that domestic tourism can play in addressing these challenges. Within the South African context, emerging markets are population groups entering the market in increasing numbers as domestic tourists, especially those previously neglected during the years of segregation through apartheid. The focus of this exploratory study was to identify the constraints that deter the South African emerging black domestic market from visiting national parks, and more specifically the Kruger National Park. A survey of 350 individuals support existing literature, but highlight the importance of time, distance and affordability as constraints to this market. The study identifies areas in which products could be adapted, as well as aspects that could be considered when formulating marketing messages aimed at this market.

Managing Business Travellers’ Use of Mobile Travel Applications

The purpose of this study is to investigate business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications pre-, during and after their business trip by comparing the frequency with which they use an application with the importance that they attach to said application, as well as ascertaining whether differences exist in terms of the demographic profile of business travellers and their use (as it relates to frequency of use and importance attached) of applications in the various travel stages. An internet based survey was distributed to business travellers with the results showing that the frequency with which applications are used does not necessarily reflect their importance, and that demographical differences exist in terms of the use of the applications. The results should enable companies to better understand their employees’ requirements of mobile applications and assist them in managing the impact of these applications on the company’s travel programme.

The impact of rhino poaching on tourist experiences and future visitation to National Parks in South Africa

Wildlife tourism attracts substantial numbers of tourists worldwide with Africa as the major wildlife viewing destination earning the bulk of its tourism revenue from such tourism. Iconic animals, such as the rhino, are major attractions for tourists to South Africa who holds approximately 80% of the World’s rhino population. However, the rapid increase in rhino poaching activities has reached a crisis point and should the rate of poaching continue to increase Africa’s remaining rhino population will become extinct in the wild within 20 years. How this affects tourists and tourism is still largely unknown. This study shows evidence that rhino poaching and anti-poaching measures do impact tourism in the short term and could affect future visitation to Parks.

Business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications: a generational analysis

Generational differences in the workplace, particularly in the area of technology usage, have become an area of increasing interest, both for academia and industry. Mobile travel applications have found a distinct role in business travel and support the business traveller at any stage of the travel cycle. The dynamic nature of the business environment, business travel and mobile technology requires research to ascertain the nature of the use of mobile travel applications by business travellers, how this usage differs between generations, and how these applications should be developed in future to meet the needs of the changing workforce. An internet based survey was completed by 232 business travellers with the results showing that mobile travel applications are currently more frequently being used by older generations than younger generations, but that younger generations are more likely to use certain applications in the future than older generations. This study answers the call by previous researchers for future research to focus on emergent transaction channels and communication platforms (such as mobile computing) that could affect different generations by providing a generational analysis of business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications. It should also assist managers in better understanding their travellers, especially in terms of their technology usage, enabling them to manage the company’s travel programme more effectively.

Using Technology to Align the Needs of Corporate Travel Managers with the Functions of Travel Management Companies

This paper investigates how technology affects the functions and role of travel management companies (TMCs). In depth interviews with corporate travel managers of organisations are used to ascertain what the role of the corporate travel manager is, how the TMC supports the travel manager in effectively managing the travel process, and the potential effects of technology on the TMC in the corporate travel process. Findings show that technology is increasingly being used in the travel management process, but that the TMC could still add value in the management of corporate travel if they continue to reinvent themselves, and use technology to their advantage.