Title: Information technology and the travel industry!
1Role of IT in the Travel Industry
- Produced by iTours operator software
2The scope of the travel industry is limitless and
it can go even higher if supported with proper
technology in appropriate way. Information
technology has been the turning point for the
travel industry as it has made impossible things
possible with its features.
- Let's jump straight in and check how this
technology has impacted the travel industry.
31
Computer Systems
4Everyone nowadays is aware of the computer.
Computer systems are the huge change maker in the
game. When computers were not invented, paperwork
had a good value as everything used to be managed
on the paper. It was as tedious as it sounds now.
Maintaining every business detail like customers
data, history, transaction details, supplier
details and many more on a paper was a hectic and
time consuming job with a fear of losing valuable
content any moment but now computer systems have
come into the picture and have made this job
extremely easy as business details can be easily
saves in it and can be retrieved when needed
without any fear of data loss.
52
Internet
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA
6- Due to the presence of the internet travel
operators can create amazing websites with
wonderful attracting images of locations on it to
create the very first impression. - Use of the internet is not only limited to
creating a website but it has many other
advantages to travel agents. Internet has enabled
the presence of social media like Twitter, Face
book, LinkedIn, etc. on which travel companies
can increase their online presence, as only
physical presence is not enough in this
competitive era. - Online presence on social media helps to reach
mass audience in less time span and helps to
create a brand image. - Due to the internet, we can see many social
groups are formed related to travel where people
interact with each other, share travel
experiences tips, promote business and many
more which helps spread the positive word of
mouth about Travel Company.
73
Virtual Audio Tours
8- Virtual tour involves the presence of video or
series of HD images on the website which involves
the simulation of existing location with sound
and other multimedia effect to give visitors a
real experience of the location and let them
explore it, this way travelers can experience
explore their favorite location sitting at home
with a single click which helps them form a
decision with this effective advanced
technology. - Audio tour is the technology involves the
recorded message (commentary) through a handy
device which provides information about the
particular location, especially historical places
to the tourists which reduce the need of tour
guide as audio tour acts as a real tour guide to
the travelers.
94
Global Distribution System
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA
10This is a computerized network, can also be
called as communication chain between travel
agency and multiple suppliers like hoteliers,
airline industry, car rental companies, etc. It
works on the real time inventory basis. GDS does
not hold real time inventory, it is held on the
vendor's reservation system and GDS shares a
real-time data link to the vendor's database, and
this GDS is operated by travel agency. So
whenever travel agency wants to check the
availability of any service like seats
availability of hotel rooms, flight seats, etc.
it relies on GDS, which then links to particular
service industry and provides real time
information to the travel agency. It makes the
entire process very easy for the travel company
to provide quick service to the end customers.
115
Mobile Technology
12This technology has made the travelers life very
easy as now due to massive change in the
technology, travel mobile applications have been
developed which provides travelers the
flexibility to book their tours anywhere, anytime
on their smart phones. Availability of the travel
apps on the mobile device minimizes the location
barrier, time barrier for travelers and provides
them easy effortless accessibility to explore
book tour packages in just few clicks.
136
Chat-bot
14We as a human being or as a customer never like
to wait for anything. We are offered with
multiple choices due to fierce competition, if we
are not satisfied with one service, then it is
not a full stop for us, as someone else's door is
always open. So now what chatbot does? Chatbot is
a technology which behaves like a human being and
gives a quick reply to customer's queries exactly
like a human without human intervention. This is
a trending technology that every travel company
is implementing as nobody wants to lose their
clients due to long wait. Chat boat reduces that
wait time, solves client's queries and provides
instant customer support.
157
Travel Agency Software
16This travel technology enables travel companies/
travel agencies/ tour operators/ travel agents/
destination management companies to manage
internal flow of business operations smoothly and
efficiently with its automated CRM, accounts
finance, B2B, MIS reports, HR management,
business promotion, etc. features. This travel
agency software lifts this heavy load for Travel
Company and sets them free to handle and focus on
other important business tasks. It automates
entire back office activities of Travel Company,
increases efficiency and business productivity,
generates large revenue and delights customers
with quick service.
17Conclusion
Information Technology is a huge change maker in
the travel industry but it cannot achieve
anything all alone without the support of human
talent. Every technology is incomplete if not
supported with human talent. So it is up to us
that how, when, where and to what extent
technology should be used.