• TFIT3008
• eTourism

In the current dynamic, and often turbulent, business environment, it is becoming ever more challenging for destinations and tourism-based enterprises to actively manage and maintain their competitive advantage. Adding to this unpredictability, the Internet has reshaped the traditional models of distribution and all of the relationships within the value chain and, ultimately, redefined how goods and services are distributed to customers within the Tourism Industry. This module begins by identifying classic tourism distribution models which place the tourism provider at one end of the chain and the customer at the other, with a plethora of intermediaries often connecting the two. The manner in which Tourism Providers bring their product to market is going through a major transformation with new eTourism business models poised to alter or destroy the traditional methods of distribution. The decision as to which channel(s) to choose has always been a difficult one. However, the constant influx of new channels into the electronic distribution arena have made this an even more complex, yet vital, undertaking that involves an understanding of a variety of online channels, business models, marketing approaches and sales techniques. This module provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the traditional models of distribution within the tourism industry right through to the new eTourism business models which have emerged in recent times and discusses the implications of these changes on how tourism professionals will distribute their product(s) effectively.

The aim of this course is to provide the student with a firm understanding of the wide array of distribution channels available to tourism professionals and to provide the student with the capability and know how to choose, understand and manage the channels and technologies within their eTourism environment.

Course Summary & Evaluation
ICT & Tourism - This section introduces the student to the concepts and components of Information and Communication Technology pertaining to the Tourism Industry. This section will focus on the characteristics of both ICT and tourism the synergies that exist between them both
Introduction to Course Components -The first class introduces the student to the structure of the course and the assessment content and methods employed.
Tourism Technology - Evolution or Revolution? - This section introduces the student to the many different technologies that contribute to Tourism Information Systems and their development.
eTourism & the Future - The final section of the module explores the future of eTourism from a number of different perspectives including multi-channel management, channel convergence and multi platform approach and their implications on the different players within the industry including management, suppliers , intermediaries and the consumer of the future.
eTourism Arena - This section constitutes the main part of this module and examines the plethora of components that helps tourism providers bring their products to their potential markets. This section includes: eAirlines, eTravel, eHospitality, eIntermediaries (Including Travel Agents and Tour Operators) and eDestination.
eTourism and the SME - The European tourism sector is dominated by small, family type, operations, with nearly 95% being classified as SMEs. While the importance of SMEs to the tourism industry cannot be over-emphasised, many of the technologies and systems present within the industry are unavailable or unsuitable for the SME. This section identifies and explores the channels, and their characteristics, which are suitable for the Tourism SME