What is meant by electronic tourism? Is electronic tourism the same as virtual tourism? Is electronic tourism the same as online booking? What is the difference between electronic tourism and digital tourism?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are only some of the questions that come to the audience’s mind when they hear the term electronic tourism. Electronic tourism (E-Tourism), which is an abbreviation of “Electronic Tourism”, is heard a lot these days along with keywords such as e-government, e-commerce, e-business, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The placement of the word electronic next to tourism and many other words is due to the emergence and development of the Internet. Now we have to say that electronic tourism or digital tourism is the intersection of two areas of tourism and information and communication technology (ICT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To understand the importance of electronic tourism and the use of new digital technologies in tourism, it is enough to mention that the World Tourism Organization called 2018 the year of digital transformation and invited governments to digitize the field of tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now it is impossible for many travelers to imagine a trip without using digital technologies. Electronic tourism has changed the structure of the tourism industry and created business models and businesses that no one had thought of before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The competitive advantages of e-tourism are not limited to these cases and range from economic benefits to the impact on tourism marketing campaigns, improving the travel experience, reducing costs, sustainable development, etc. also includes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is electronic tourism?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To know what electronic tourism or digital tourism means? We should first get acquainted with the concept of e-commerce and e-business and see what is meant by information and communication technology (ICT)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on the book “Electronic Tourism:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology for Strategic Tourism Management”, written by Dimitrios Bouhalis, E-Commerce is the process of buying, selling, or exchanging products, services, or information through computer networks, including the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to this book, electronic business (E-Business) has a broader definition and includes not only the buying and selling of goods and services, but also providing services to customers, cooperation with business partners, electronic training and conducting electronic transactions in an organization. covers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Information and communication technology is a collection of hardware and software, networks and human technologies for the development, planning and maintenance of equipment. By synergizing with each other, these systems make information widely accessible through media and from different places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we are familiar with these basic concepts, we return to the main question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is meant by electronic tourism? Dimitrios Bouhalis, an expert in strategic management and marketing who has done a lot of research in the field of e-tourism, offers this definition in his book:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Electronic Tourism or E-Tourism (short for Electronic Tourism) means the digitalization of all processes and value chains in different sectors of the tourism industry, which allows organizations to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the tactical level, e-tourism includes e-commerce and uses information and communication technology to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of tourism organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the strategic level, electronic tourism is considered revolutionary in all tourism business processes, the entire value chain as well as the strategic relationships of tourism organizations with all stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, the concept of e-tourism includes all functions of e-commerce (for example, e-commerce, e-marketing, e-economy, e-procurement, e-production) as well as e-strategy, e-planning and e-management in all sectors of the tourism industry, including transportation, time Leisure, hospitality, management,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
public organizations, etc. Is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, e-tourism combines three distinct sectors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
business management<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Information systems and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In simpler words, electronic tourism means the use of communication and information technology tools in all activities, trends, methods and in general in all sectors of the tourism and hotel industry; In a way that makes it possible to provide services in real time and everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bohalis believes that electronic tourism has greatly changed the methods of production, access and consumption of tourism products and services, as well as the customization and marketing strategies of these services and products, and has facilitated the creation, exchange and processing of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, smart technologies have made it possible for travelers to move away from being a mere consumer by creating content, customer feedback platforms, social media, blogs, etc., and become marketers, advertisers, and distributors of tourism experiences and play a more effective role in this industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
History of electronic tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When did information and communication technologies (ICT) enter tourism and electronic tourism was formed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A review of the history of the tourism industry shows that the real birth of e-tourism coincided with the emergence of computer systems in the airline industry in the 1970s. Before the advent of computers, airlines managed reservations manually and hotels tracked their inventory with colored tapes affixed to the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As soon as the first electronic general purpose computer hit the market in 1946, airlines embraced it, and American Airlines launched its first automated reservation system. But other airlines and hotel chains began to use information and communication technology to build computerized reservation systems between the 1960s and 1970s. Information processing and centralized distribution management were the main reasons for these businesses to use computer systems and information and communication technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was in the late 1980s that global distribution systems entered the tourism industry, and in addition to airlines and hotels, travel agencies also entered the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, with the expansion of the Internet from the late 1990s, a huge revolution was created in the travel and tourism market; As far as from this date, information and communication technology was gradually introduced in all processes and value chains of tourism and by strengthening it, it created a platform for the development of tourism and it was called electronic tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The expansion of the Internet created new ways of distribution and direct access to tourists and caused the configuration of the tourism industry to undergo a fundamental change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the 21st century began, the spread of social media and mobile technologies dramatically changed the ways consumers access information and conduct transactions, thereby changing the power structure and balance between consumers and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the early 2010s, a huge amount of online data in the tourism industry prompted experts in this industry to enrich the tourist experience and gain a deeper understanding of the behavior patterns and structure of this industry by processing and converting this “big data” into knowledge. Have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now the technologies used in digital tourism have created 3 main areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Operational tools and systems used by tourism businesses, hotel businesses or organizations to increase efficiency and competitiveness;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Consumer platforms used by tourists to search for information, plan trips, buy and share experiences;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Distribution tools that act as intermediaries between tourists and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic tourism in the world<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tourism industry is one of the most important service industries in the world. According to the report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the share of tourism in the global GDP before the outbreak of Corona was about 10% of the global GDP and this industry was able to play an important role in the global economy by creating millions of jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to tourism, information and communication technology is another industry that has been growing rapidly in the last few decades and has been able to involve all aspects of life, including travel and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the spread of the global crisis of Corona, the growth of technology has multiplied and now it is impossible to imagine life without the use of communication technologies and digital tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To examine the impact of the power of e-tourism on the economy, the global platform TripAdvisor is a very good example. This platform, which is a place to publish travelers’ opinions, has now become a reliable reference among tourists, and many travelers, when they are going to visit a new city or try a new restaurant, first refer to TripAdvisor and the opinions of others. They read the tourists and then make a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Oxford University research results, TripAdvisor can influence most of the activities that travelers do. According to this research, in 2017, this platform played a key role in increasing the number of trips and encouraged tourists to spend 15% more; A figure equivalent to 80 billion US dollars. This is exactly the effect of electronic tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the effects of electronic tourism in the world are not limited to these things. This concept has been able to play a key role in the following topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of electronic tourism in research and development<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic tourism is widely used in the research and development stages of tourism products or services. On the supply side, today there are many digital resources available to tourism industry stakeholders that enable them to collect large amounts of data and research their (potential) customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This, in turn, helps businesses and tourism organizations to better understand their customers and, as a result, better meet their needs and desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the demand side, digital tourism in recent years has provided many options for tourists to research their travel choices much more than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of electronic tourism in the reservation process<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Central reservation systems were first introduced by airlines in the 1960s and were quickly adopted by hotels and other businesses in the travel and tourism industry. Today, these systems are developed and play a key role in the booking process by linking with popular online booking platforms such as Expedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now almost everyone can book all travel services and products online in any corner of the world. This possibility makes the travel process easier not only for tourists but also helps businesses to operate faster and more efficiently and maximize productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of electronic tourism in marketing and advertising<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until a few years ago, most tourism marketing efforts focused on print advertising such as posters, brochures, and flyers. Now, with the expansion of digital technologies, travel and tourism organizations have access to a large amount of valuable data and can use it for marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, thanks to digital tourism technologies, advertisements can be adjusted based on the location, age, and other demographic characteristics of the target customers, and these advertisements can be shown to them according to the user’s activity in the digital space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The difference between virtual tourism and electronic tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many audiences think of virtual tourism when they hear the term electronic tourism; While these two terms are completely different from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A look at the book “Virtual Reality: Pioneering Smart Technology for the Tourism and Service Industry” shows that virtual tourism is “simulating a destination or tourist attraction with a series of videos or images.” In fact, virtual tourism is a combination of virtual reality technology and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It must have happened many times that you have seen special glasses in museums or some tourist destinations that people use to travel to a simulated place or virtual tours that show destinations, hotels, attractions, etc. or they organize applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, virtual tourism brings a tourist experience without actually traveling somewhere and it has different forms; In its simplest form, virtual tourism may consist of a video of a tourist destination, and the tourist watches the video using his or her auditory and visual senses. More complex forms of virtual tourism involve immersion in an environment using headsets or simulators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, we can say that virtual tourism is only one of the sub-branches of electronic tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But another question that often concerns the audience is whether smart tourism is the same as electronic tourism?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To answer this question, we must first get acquainted with the concept of smart tourism, which is also called the fourth generation of tourism. Smart tourism can be seen as the advanced level of electronic tourism with the wide adoption of information and communication technologies and the connection of the physical and digital world using 12 key smart concepts such as privacy protection, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, wireless communication, cloud Tourism and augmented reality and… has been created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a better understanding, let’s consider the process of booking an airline ticket online. When we look at this process from the perspective of the supplier, the use of the online reservation system is actually the same as the use of digital tools by businesses in tourism, which is the definition of electronic tourism; But if we look at this process from the point of view of demand, i.e. the consumer, by booking a ticket through a smartphone, the passenger actually experiences the process of smart travel. The combination of these two views is the concept of smart tourism. According to experts, the two concepts of electronic tourism and smart tourism are very close to each other, and it can be said that smart tourism is a superior concept to electronic tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of e-tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we talk about digital tourism, we don’t mean only the areas of booking and paying for travel, accommodation or transportation. This digitization is reflected in all stages of the traveler travel cycle, from conception to return, and has many unique benefits for the tourism industry, both on the supply and demand side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of these benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increase Productivity<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Internet and information and communication technology enable tourism organizations to develop their processes and increase their efficiency and productivity by using emerging digital tools and mechanisms. For example, an airline’s reservation system allows the company to manage its inventory more effectively. These systems also allow for pricing with demand fluctuations to maximize profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective interaction with consumers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective interaction with consumers and product personalization are other benefits of electronic tourism. For example, British Airways has made it possible for passengers to perform a number of processes including booking, ticketing, check-in and seat and meal selection from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consumer empowerment<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, there are various platforms and applications in the tourism industry that facilitate communication between travelers. For example, websites such as Tripadvisor support the exchange of information about destinations, attractions and experiences, or websites such as www.alitaliasucks.com allow dissatisfied customers to voice their opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Businesses support each other<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic tourism has caused businesses to come closer to each other and have common interests. For example, Pegasus Airlines enables independent hotels to distribute their inventory online through the company’s websites and other partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Small business competition with big competitors<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of digital tourism are not limited to the economic aspect and can even affect the geographic popularity and tourist routes. Social network Instagram is a very clear example in this field. Today, posting photos, selfies and travel stories has become a custom. Now, over time, Instagram, which was supposed to be a simple hobby to share experiences with others, has turned into a real “catalogue” of trips to help you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research by EasyJet of travelers aged 18-68 shows that 55% of respondents book their travel solely based on pictures they see on Instagram. Also, more than 30% of the participants also stated that they would choose their destination if they could share beautiful photos on social networks. This means that some destinations that were once considered off-the-beaten-track are now hot spots for tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital tourism has also increased the opportunity for growth and development by providing some tools. For example, the Internet gives small hotels the opportunity to book online with facilities from portals (Lastminute, Expedia, eDreams, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the Internet is one of the main components affecting the passenger’s travel experience. From searching to booking, reviewing experiences and publishing them, at least one of these steps is done online by every tourist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating new business models<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the benefits of integrating digital solutions in the tourism sector is creating new travel and business models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example of one of these businesses is; AirBnB, the most famous hosting platform in the world, has revolutionized the way people travel and host in just a few years. Couchsurfing, a guest exchange service that allows people to share their couches or rooms in their homes for short periods of time with tourists from around the world, is another prime example of new business models in e-tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective marketing<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering the cross-border nature of the tourism industry today, the way of advertising and marketing has changed in general and tourism digital marketing has become one of the important marketing methods in this industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, the use of digital tools has made today’s tourism marketing strategies more effective and target a wider society. The huge amount of information in electronic tourism and the processing of this information has made it possible for businesses to correctly identify the trends and needs of the travel market and implement their marketing campaigns at the right time and with more knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Improving the tourism experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the development of information technology, tourism entered a new era called creative tourism. In creative tourism, the main focus is the tourist experience. The development of digital technologies and the possibility of personalization have made today’s travelers have a better tourism experience according to their interests and desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other benefits<\/p>\n\n\n\n
E-tourism also has these advantages for tourism organizations and businesses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Access to customers and suppliers around the world at a reasonable cost and less time<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing the cost of information processing, storage and distribution<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduced latency and real-time inventory updates<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduce advertising costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-stop business, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The possibility of personalization at a reasonable cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facilitating innovation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save time and reduce costs by enabling e-procurement<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Improving customer service and communication through direct interaction with customers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The possibility of small companies competing with large companies<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduce distribution cost by offering online<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of e-commerce for travelers also have a wide range, the most important of which are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The possibility of buying from any place and at any time<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduce waiting and shopping time<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ability to compare and buy at the lowest price<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Access to a wide range of services<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The possibility of canceling or changing the purchase<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ability to socialize with online communities and learn about the experiences of others remotely<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disadvantages of electronic tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like any other phenomenon, e-tourism also has disadvantages. Some of its disadvantages are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The use of technology sometimes overshadows the human aspect of tourism. A robot will never replace smiles and conversations with a friendly host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The use of technology may reduce the number of jobs in the tourism industry, which can have a negative economic impact on the host community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Security concerns and customer privacy are always present in electronic processes; Online fraud and cyber crimes are among the threats in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Consumers still trust real sellers more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Some disadvantages of e-tourism are also caused by technical and technological concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Losses caused by technical problems, such as failure of the reservation system, lack of global standards to determine the level of quality, security and reliability of online services<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cost of transferring from traditional to electronic business<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High cost of internet access or lack of internet access Rapid evolution of digital technologies<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Identification and training of employees familiar with electronic technologies, emerging technologies in electronic tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emergence of new innovations and technologies and their integration with people’s lives today has such momentum that it makes almost any resistance useless. Now, in such a situation, the first step to accompany the wave of emerging technologies is to know these processes and technologies. Be a step in the path of digital development and transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the following, we review the most important and practical digital technologies in the tourism industry together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metaverse<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metaverse is one of the most exciting yet obscure emerging technologies in tourism. Metaverse is composed of the two words “Meta” meaning beyond and “Universe” meaning the world and was first introduced to the world in the science fiction novel “Snow Crash” written by Neil Stephenson in 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although there is still no uniform definition of the metaverse, most experts believe that the metaverse is a massive, scalable network of virtual and 3D worlds in real time, the events inside of which also affect our real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This network includes a set of virtual worlds such as augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D holographic avatars, video and other communication tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most important features of Metaverse in tourism and other fields, which separates it from other virtual realities, is the feeling of real presence and the possibility of real interaction between people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in the topic of Metaverse, the article “What is the use of Metaverse in tourism, 5 advantages”, can draw a vision of this exciting world for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial intelligence<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and to continuously improve themselves with the information they gather. This term applies to any machine that has human characteristics such as learning and problem solving; In other words, artificial intelligence gives machines the power to think and learn. So, if you think artificial intelligence refers to the cold, emotionless robots you’ve seen in science fiction movies, you’d be wrong. To learn about the application of this emerging technology, we suggest the article “What is the use of artificial intelligence in tourism?” Read the successful examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockchain<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blockchain is a type of information recording and reporting system. Its difference from other systems is that the information stored on it is shared among all members of a network, and by using encryption and data distribution, the possibility of hacking, deleting and manipulating recorded information is almost eliminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each block of this chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs, the records and data of this transaction are added to these blocks and recorded in this ledger. In this technology, a text string called “hash” is used to encrypt each block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to have a correct understanding of blockchain in tourism, before continuing, we suggest you read the article “5 applications of blockchain in tourism, 4 important advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-tradable tokens are crypto assets that are built on the blockchain platform. Each NFT has a unique identification code that distinguishes them from each other. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have no counterpart, such as luxury goods, gems, or works of art; For this reason, it is not possible to exchange NFTs with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, the only similarity between non-exchangeable tokens and digital currencies is their programming on the blockchain platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the article “8 NFT applications in the tourism of the provider brands – get to know more about non-exchangeable tokens and their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internet of Things<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Internet of Things (IOT) refers to the connection of a device to the Internet in order to control a process, collect data or exchange information with another device. Internet of Things applications in tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to connecting devices to the Internet, it also connects them to each other and enables communication, data sharing, and optimization of daily tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the use of Internet of Things in the field of smart hotel management is more prominent, and some hotels use this technology in matters such as room management, hotel facilities, food and beverages, integration of hotel facilities and transportation services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
big data<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big data is the information assets of a collection or organization that have a large volume, are produced at a high speed, or have a great variety and require innovative processing methods with a suitable cost so that they can be used to automate processes and Improved decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the popular topics in the tourism industry, which is always related to big data, is the topic of personalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using big data, tourism businesses can predict the buying behavior, preferences and aspirations of buyers. If this topic is interesting to you, be sure to visit the article “The formula of using big data in the development of the travel industry from the point of view of the World Tourism Organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
virtual reality (VR)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Virtual reality is a computer simulated environment that often closely resembles the real world. Glasses and headsets are among the most popular devices to use this. These headsets display 3D images or 360-degree videos. Therefore, if you cannot travel to France, you can visit the works of this museum using virtual reality and enjoy watching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before traveling to the Louvre, perhaps reading the article “What is a virtual museum? The link to a virtual visit to 9 museums will also help you in choosing virtual museums.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
augmented reality (AR)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Augmented reality means the simultaneous combination of the real world and virtual images. In augmented reality, reality is preserved but with the help of important or useful information technology, it is added to the existing reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, various sectors of the tourism industry, including attractions, accommodations, restaurants, etc., use augmented reality for educational, marketing, and advertising purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compared to virtual reality, augmented reality gives more freedom to the user and more possibilities to the marketers; Because this technology does not require equipped headsets and a smartphone is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intelligent face recognition<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facial recognition technology is a biometric technology that is able to distinguish people from each other and identify them using analysis. Nowadays, in many airports and hotels, the reception system is based on smart face recognition technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facial recognition technology is used in the tourism industry in the areas of security, personalization, data processing and secure payment. Also, with the data obtained from this technology, loyal customers can be identified and tailored and customized services can be provided to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smart voice assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The smart voice assistant is one of the emerging technologies that makes it easier to control various devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and even smart TVs. It is enough to say your wish and command the smart voice assistant program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Google Assistant are four popular smart voice assistants in the world. Imagine being able to ask your smart voice assistant to explain the destination to you before you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chatbots<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chatbot is a service designed with the help of artificial intelligence, in which users communicate with businesses through a conversational interface. Chatbots save costs by facilitating verbal communication between suppliers and users. Like a 24-hour representative, chatbots are always ready to respond to your customers and take care of their affairs, and by responding quickly and providing better services, they improve customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic hospitality<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the main and influential sectors in the tourism industry is the hospitality sector. As we mentioned at the beginning, the hotel sector has made a significant contribution to this sector since the first years of the birth of electronic tourism. Just like e-tourism, e-hospitality also means the application of information and communication technology in all sectors and processes of the hotel industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, hotels, like other sectors of the tourism industry, use the capacities of information and communication technology to improve operations, manage inventory and maximize profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emergence of software such as property management systems has helped hotels to manage everything from general management to accounting and finance, personnel management, purchasing, inventory management, response time, labor costs, etc. with less errors and spending less money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hotels also use information and communication technology and the Internet to distribute and strengthen marketing, because advertising in the digital space is less expensive for hotels than physical advertising and at the same time covers a wider audience; Coverage that was impossible without the use of communication and information technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now the presence of hotels at the global level and also providing easy, efficient, cheap and reliable ways of booking for reservations is necessary to attract the attention of customers, and technology responds to this necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the demand side, all stages of the customer journey cycle in hotels are integrated with technology. Research by Fuel ^~^ Flip media agency, which operates in the field of marketing and branding, shows that 87% of travelers usually visit the hotel’s website first before booking a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today’s travelers are connected with technology in various ways, from before their stay to after, in all stages of being in the hotel, and due to the access to a large amount of information, they now have higher expectations. Therefore, in order to improve the customer experience in the hotel and remain in the field of competition, hotels have no choice but to move towards electronic hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic hospitality has also provided an opportunity for small and independent hotels to compete with the giants of this industry and gain their share of the market. The possibility of booking through well-known global platforms such as Booking.com is only one of these opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
E-hospitality has also created new business models in the larger hospitality industry. Platforms such as Airbnb, which have started operating in this field without having traditional resources such as property and land, have been able to undergo serious changes in the concept of accommodation and booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic tourism in Iran<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, we have found that information and communication technology is the vital artery of the tourism industry, and the only way to effectively use this huge amount of data is to use information and communication technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, according to the report of international organizations, tourism is one of the most important industries affecting the world economy, and if Iran’s economy is to avoid the problems caused by the oil economy, sanctions, unemployment, social and economic development, etc., it is a safe option. That option is undoubtedly tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, considering the benefits of electronic tourism, Iran’s tourism industry is required to develop the necessary infrastructure for the development of digital tourism in order to attract potential tourists in the highly competitive global market and improve their experience, as well as to align with digital developments; Because advances in information and communication technology have changed the industry in many areas, from customer demand to management aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, governments around the world look at tourism as a tool for infrastructure development, job opportunities, foreign exchange earnings, regional development and profitability for local communities. Despite the move towards electronic tourism, with a quick glance at the state of the tourism industry in Iran, the gap in information technology is still clearly felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to experts, among the factors affecting the development and promotion of e-tourism can be electronic preparation (including service and system preparation such as website); Infrastructural preparation (including internet and hardware, value-added services and information security) and organizational preparation (including expert preparation, legal and financial preparation) and e-tourism collaborative networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Iranian experts believe that due to the above factors, the following problems are the most important challenges for the development of e-tourism in Iran:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of electronic infrastructure<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of computer hardware and software<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internet access and bandwidth problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worn out telecommunications networks<\/p>\n\n\n\n
weak economy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of transparency in information technology policy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic weaknesses in electronic government<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Infrastructural problems in the field of e-commerce, such as the impossibility of using electronic banking, international credit cards, and weak infrastructure for international money transfers, and the lack of providing the necessary facilities to the private tourism sector in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The high cost of upgrading and improving digital business infrastructures, the lack of specialist forces in the field of digital recruitment and marketing, fear of the security and privacy of internet portals related to the tourism industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It seems that until the fundamental problems such as Internet speed and bandwidth are not solved in Iran, talking about e-tourism is not that serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a world where, apart from electronic tourism, many services and products are offered digitally, the number of digital businesses will increase day by day. Now, with the help of the Internet, time and place restrictions have been removed and it seems that it is no longer possible to resist the technological barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In such a situation, it is necessary for tourism managers to solve the challenges facing the digital tourism industry and provide space for the development of electronic tourism in order to get their share from this highly competitive market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you think is the most important challenge facing e-tourism in Iran? What do you think the next generation of tourism will be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: qotbnama.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Translation: Fatemeh Kochakia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"