Sofia Reino, Andrew J. Frew and Nicole Mitsche
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…
Abstract
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 of key tourism industry sectors, i.e. accommodation establishments, visitor attractions and food and beverage; the most suitable methodology, i.e. intermediary performance measures; and the business characteristics that need being taken into consideration when assessing ICT adoption by tourism businesses, e.g. size, type of establishment and area of location.
Research limitations/implications
The framework has not been tested yet. It is based on a review of the literature and needs to be validated through primary research. The framework was developed based on the context of Scotland. Further work should be done to adjust the framework to other destinations worldwide.
Practical implications
The framework enables destinations to benchmark the eTourism capability of their industries.
Originality/value
It provides a comprehensive framework for benchmarking tourism destinations’ industries, which takes into consideration elements of technology adoption, the characteristics of the tourism industry and the particularities of the different ICT elements.
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Keywords
Mareba M. Scott and Andrew J. Frew
This chapter examines the factors influencing actual in-trip information and communications technology usage by leisure tourists and the potential of adopted technologies to…
Abstract
This chapter examines the factors influencing actual in-trip information and communications technology usage by leisure tourists and the potential of adopted technologies to support sustainable tourism. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted in the city of Edinburgh. A thematic analysis of the data revealed that consistent with the literature, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social influence affected usage while in-trip. Tourists’ level of personal innovativeness also moderated smartphone ownership and actual usage while in the destination. Location-based services and social media proved to be the applications which enjoyed the most usage and the greatest opportunities to promote sustainability.
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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…
Abstract
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, technology acceptance, tourism networks and Web 2.0. This was followed by semi-structured interviews.
Findings
These ICT tools were found to be innovative for information management and distribution for critical decision-making. Innovation was fostered through the use of ICT for ST by leading to a better understanding of the tourism product, monitoring, measuring and evaluating, forecasting trends, developing partnerships and engaging and supporting stakeholder relationships. ICT would provide novel ways of approaching marketing, energy monitoring, waste management, and communication for destinations.
Originality/value
This research is important in demonstrating the value that technology can have to ST and further develops the work on tourism innovation theory.
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Sofìa Reino, Andrew J. Frew and Carlos Albacete‐Sáez
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…
Abstract
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 further research are presented.
Originality/value
Previous studies examining these phenomena within other industries suggest that rural businesses tend to have weaker technology adoption than those located in urban settings. However, they fail to provide any conclusive theoretical explanation for these differences.
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January 26th — 28th 2004 — Cairo, Egypt ENTER2004@Cairo celebrates the 11th anniversary of the ENTER conference and an established history of innovation in thinking in Information…
Abstract
January 26th — 28th 2004 — Cairo, Egypt ENTER2004@Cairo celebrates the 11th anniversary of the ENTER conference and an established history of innovation in thinking in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Tourism and Travel. ENTER is recognised as the annual international conference where practitioners and researchers in the ICT in Travel and Tourism domains meet. The event is organised by the International Federation for Information Technology and Travel & Tourism (IFITT). ENTER 2004 will continue this tradition of providing a unique forum of exchange among academics, industry and government. The conference has continued to attract growing numbers of participants and ENTER 2003 set new attendance records — we expect Cairo to continue this excellent tradition! See http://www.ifitt.org/enter to keep current with Conference details. We have a broad theme for ENTER 2004 — “Consumer focused technologies and applications”, however, papers are invited across the widest spectrum of ICT in Travel and Tourism, including but not limited to the areas below. Basically if it is good, interesting work in the ICT/Tourism domain it should be at ENTER! Areas might include:
The following is an introductory profile of the fastest growing firms over the three-year period of the study listed by corporate reputation ranking order. The business activities…
Abstract
The following is an introductory profile of the fastest growing firms over the three-year period of the study listed by corporate reputation ranking order. The business activities in which the firms are engaged are outlined to provide background information for the reader.
Andrew Mason and Rebecca Scollen
This paper aims to discuss the role of a grassroots initiative in engaging local people in an innovative place-making fringe festival. Festivals such as the Carnival of Flowers…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the role of a grassroots initiative in engaging local people in an innovative place-making fringe festival. Festivals such as the Carnival of Flowers are a major tourism event for regional cities like Toowoomba and contribute to place-making through marketing and engagement. Within the professional management of such events, there exists space for innovation and genuine community involvement, which can assist in authentically reflecting place identity. Avant Garden (2007-2008) models a successful grassroots fringe festival, initiated by community members in response to the challenge of long-term drought. Avant Garden engaged locals and tourists in a positive re-imagining of place via site-specific public artworks generated by the community.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 504 visitors to Toowoomba’s public gardens during the first weekend of the 2007 Carnival of Flowers examined how Avant Garden was received by the community.
Findings
The paper suggests that fringe festivals can provide place-making capacity in broadening festivals as an expression of local identity. Fringe festivals can allow authentic community engagement within a mainstream festival and can indicate longer-term innovations to place branding.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for festival managers about effective ways to engage community in grassroots initiatives which reflect innovation, authenticity and greater diversity.
Originality/value
The paper provides a study of a visual arts fringe festival in the context of place management. The project described allows a “bottom up” approach to engaging the local community which provides authenticity and broadens the scope of an existing mainstream garden festival.