Over the past ten years, information technology has had a significant impact on the hospitality and smart tourism sectors. Technology has helped reduce expenses, increase productivity, and better the quality of services and the satisfaction of customers. Customers and companies alike would profit from an upgraded reservation, guest service, and communication system.
Technology has allowed the tourism and hospitality industries to save money on formerly prohibitively expensive human labor. In addition to lowering labor expenses, this helps to minimize customer service problems.
What is smart tourism technology?
The European Union defines smart tourism as a destination that makes it easier for travelers to access tourism and hospitality-related goods, services, locations, and experiences through ICT-based (Information and communications technology) resources.
Impact of technology on travel and tourism
Modern technology allows people too quickly and easily book flights, lodging, and even specific activities. The internet has made it possible to find the finest airfare and lodging options. For your needs and vacation budget, certain websites might offer flight and accommodation possibilities.
Great technological advancements have been made possible by people’s need for faster, safer, and more effective transportation. The use of new IT services has increased the impact of technology on travel over the past few decades, fueling the growth of the online travel market and the growing digitization of the travel sector.
The introduction of the first global distribution system (GDS) in the 1960s was a significant achievement that helped pave the way for the modern internet travel experience. GDSs are internet networks that link providers, such as travel agencies and online travel agencies, to suppliers, like airlines, hotels, and cruise lines.
GDSs give providers access to the suppliers’ inventory, including the number of seats or hotel rooms that are available, enabling clients to purchase several travel services at once. The global distribution system market was worth roughly six billion US dollars in 2021, according to estimates. One of the most well-known GDSs in the world, Amadeus, reported income from its air distribution business division of about $1 billion USD in that year.
How does technology promote tourism ?
The check-in and check-out process is no longer required to take place at a hotel’s front desk, thanks to digital transformation. Online check-in simplifies and facilitates the customer service process, making for an easier encounter. Another technical development that has enhanced the traveler’s experience is digital keys.
Few instances of how IT is enhancing the hospitality and tourism sectors
- Internet and Marketing
- Computer Systems
- Mobile Communication
Details for improving the tourist and hospitality industries
1. Internet and Marketing
The hospitality and tourist industries are greatly impacted by the internet. A website visit is a customer’s initial interaction with your company. This involves perusing images and testimonials from previous visitors. When your competitors are doing the same thing, it is critical for a business to properly use online advertising, social media, blogs, and online shopping to benefit its customers.
2. Computer Systems
Computerized technologies make communication easier between larger hotel organizations with several sites. Additionally, they facilitate communication among staff members and facilitate information access, greatly improving the experience for your visitors. Reservations, housekeeping data, and guest requests can all be found on the same system.
3. Mobile Communication
Large desktop computers have been mostly displaced by portable tablets and smartphones. This is useful because a lot of tourists bring a mobile device with them when they travel. Using GPS monitoring, enables hospitality organizations to provide specials, notify consumers of changes and delays to their reservations, and advertising.
Conclusion
The use of technology in the hospitality and tourist sectors has sped up business processes and made travel considerably more pleasant and effective. Technology benefits not only big chain hotels but also bed and breakfasts and other smaller businesses.
