Web 2.0 and the Travel Industry
Online Travel Shopping Is Changing the Face of the Tourism Business
Vacation travel planning is often done through the Internet. Web 2.0 technology's more interactive and personal websites are increasing online destination buying trends.
Internet-based travel writers are an important part of an interesting phenomenon: as the world continues to progress into this digital era of information-gathering, more and more people do their travel and vacation planning online, rather than through travel agents, guidebooks, and traditional print travel magazines.
The information that travel planners seek online goes beyond "how to get from Y to Z," however; when researching a vacation destination, what's sought gets quite detailed. PhoCusWright, a travel and tourism industry research authority, found that "traveler review sites that incorporate visual elements are...more appealing." (C. Schetzina, Director of Research). From blogs and social networking sites to mobile technology and online maps, the use of the Internet for travel plans has several notable trends.
PhoCusWright's Online Travel Shopping and Buying Trends Findings:
- Half the computer users who read blogs, read travel blogs.
- More Americans used Web 2.0 technology overall than have used them solely for online travel shopping.
- Most travel planning Internet users visit between 2 and 5 websites - and price comparisons is the usual reason.
- While comparing prices of trips, Web 2.0 users also research vacation destinations, read travel reviews, and buy tickets to destination attractions.
What Do Online Travel Shopping Trends Mean?
Shopping for travel is not a new phenomenon, of course - but the use of Web 2.0 technologies to expedite the process is growing more and more popular. Web 2.0 websites are collaborative and interactive: Think Facebook, Wikipedia, etc. Social networking sites are a daily part of many Americans' lives, and it's really no surprise that travel planning would be part of them.
While brick-and-mortar travel agencies haven't had to shutter their doors (yet), the better ones should be on alert. A change in travel and tourism industry is afoot, and business practices should evolve accordingly.
Being able to research vacation destinations thoroughly, without the spin of advertising and promotions - now, this is what travel planners seek. Reputable travel blogs and websites, with user forums and feedback, provide this information. Some are expanding into the next stage already, and this appears to be via videos and live feeds.
The Internet is here to stay, and Web 2.0 technology helps it become more and more integral to many aspects of people's lives. Travel is fun, but the tourism industry is serious business.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
