A Research Project on the Influence of Technology on Travel Sector

This research project investigates the influence of technological applications on the travel and tourism sector, focusing on online booking and purchasing behaviors. It explores how the internet and social media platforms have transformed communication between consumers and travel companies, impacting marketing strategies and consumer decision-making. The study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including surveys, to assess consumer attitudes and behaviors related to online travel booking. Key areas of investigation include the benefits of technology for travel companies, the role of social media in influencing consumer choices, and ethical considerations related to data collection. The research aims to provide insights into how technology shapes the travel and tourism industry and enhances the consumer experience, with a focus on respondents from UK universities.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................2
TASK 1..............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................3
1.2 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH PROJECT SELECTION...........6
1.3 CRITICAL REVIEW...................................................................................................................8
1.4 RESEARCH PROJECT SPECIFICATION......................................................................................9
1.5 APPROPRIATE PLAN AND PROCEDURES FOR THE AGREED RESEARCH SPECIFICATION.....11
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................12
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INTRODUCTION
It has been evident from the current status of travel and tourism industry that they have gained
substantial growth in different aspects of the industry. The major element through which the
travel and tourism industry gained growth is known as technology. It is observed that there are
different kinds of functions in the industry which are improved and attain smoothening due to
the technology. The major objective of this research study is to analyze the influence of
technological applications on the travel and tourism sector. The major areas where the
influence of technological applications observed is the booking of tour packages through online
platforms in the travel and tourism sector. There are various consumers who are booking their
tour packages through online platforms in order to acquire different discount and offers and
also it saves time (Rishika, et al. 2013). The travel and tourism companies have developed
websites for the consumers so that they could assess their tour packages and offers effectively.
They also provide a feedback option to the consumers so that the weaker areas could be
assessed and suitable enhancement could be attained.
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TASK 1
1.1 RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS
TITLE – INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS ON THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM
SECTOR
INTRODUCTION
It has been evident that the Internet is the major application of the technology that plays an
important role in the travel and tourism sector. A healthy communication has been developed
between the consumers and the travel and tourism companies due to the internet facility. The
traditional methods used in the travel and tourism sector are transformed due to the advanced
technology due to the enhancement of the sector. The consumers easily accessed the travel
and tourism company websites in order to analyse their tour packages and also provide
feedback for improvement such that it helps in building healthy communication. The
communication between the consumers and companies in travel and tourism sector is
developed through different techniques in which marketing campaigns with help of digital
platform is essential (Parra-López, et al. 2011). There are different social media platforms which
are utilized by the companies in travel and tourism sector for conducting attractive marketing
and promotional events and campaigns so that the customers could be attracted.
Social media platforms possess a huge influence on the buying behaviour of the consumers
through the online platform at the huge level. It has been observed that the consumer
behaviour and attitude about the online purchasing of products and services in the travel and
tourism sector have been changing regularly. A communication is developed by the companies
in travel and tourism sector with the consumers regarding their products and services. The
utilization of social media platforms in building communication between consumers and
companies is a helpful process as it encourages several other people. The major social media
platforms for building communication are MySpace, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter where
the consumers share their experiences and opinions of travel and tourism (Solomon, et al.
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2014). The marketing and promotional campaigns of the travel and tourism companies have
been enhanced due to the use of social media platforms which attract the huge number of
consumers. The Word of Mouth process is also helpful for the travel and tourism companies in
gaining effectiveness in the industry.
The consumer attitude and behaviour regarding online purchasing or booking has been majorly
influenced due to the influence of technological applications. The researchers stated that the
decision-making of the consumer enhanced due to the social media platforms (Ioanăs and
Stoica, 2014). The travel and tourism companies have been utilizing these elements for gaining
large consumer base.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
There are specific research questions which need to be answered in order to accomplish the
objective of the research such as:
1. The influence of technological applications on the travel and tourism sector results in
the positive or negative manner?
2. The companies in the travel and tourism sector are benefitted by the advanced
technology at what level?
3. The usage of the technological application by the travel and tourism companies are
helpful in business functioning?
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The prime focus of the research study is one assessing the influence of technological
applications on the travel and tourism sector regarding the online purchasing or booking of
products and services. Initially, different articles and journals will be critically scrutinized in
order to acquire required knowledge and understanding for accomplishing the objective of the
research. There are various aspects in which the knowledge and information could be utilized.
The companies in the travel and tourism sector have been utilizing the technological
applications in maintaining healthy communication with the consumers.
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The prime objective of the research is to effectively assess the influence of technological
applications on the travel and tourism sector regarding the online purchasing or booking.
 Effectively scrutinize the attitude and behaviour of the consumers regarding the online
booking or purchasing of the products and services in travel and tourism sector through
social media platforms.
 Measuring the influence of technological applications on the behaviour and attitude of
the consumers.
 Evaluating the opinions and perspective of respondents through their responses.
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1.2 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH
PROJECT SELECTION
PROJECT SELECTION
Project selection is one of the prime steps in the research because it is the foundation of the
study. Adequate information is required for conducting the research effectively and attaining
the goals. The technological applications possess a substantial influence on the consumers.
They are majorly utilized by the companies in travel and tourism sector for acquiring huge
consumer base.
DATA COLLECTION
The data collection for the research could be conducted through both quantitative and
qualitative research. It will help in acquiring required knowledge for assessing the influence of
technological application on the purchasing or booking by the consumers. The requirements of
the consumers about the products and services in travel and tourism sector should be fulfilled
by the companies effectively (Kumar, et al. 2016). The social media platforms are helpful in
assessing the requirements effectively and also understand the perspective of the consumers
effectively. The consumers also access the blog sites and forums in order to gain reviews and
feedbacks of the existing consumer regarding online purchasing or booking. Moreover, the
companies in travel and tourism sector have been utilizing the social media platforms for
attractive marketing.
INFORMATION AND MATTER
The travel and tourism sector possess a different kind of online websites and portals which
could be utilized for assessing the research data effectively. Initially, the literature review will
be conducted by scrutinizing the articles and journals for gaining the required knowledge and
information for the research (Fotis, et al. 2012). A huge strength is gained by the research study
through the acquired information and knowledge such that the required outcomes are
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achieved. The key terms which will be involved in the study are technological, applications,
travel and tourism sector, consumers, etc.
GOALS AND MISSION
The research study has been focusing on building a suitable framework in order to assess the
usage of social media platforms by the consumers for online booking or purchasing. There are
various companies in the travel and tourism sector like British Airways and Virgin Airline that
are using the technological applications in accomplishing their objectives effectively and
acquiring huge consumer base. The social media platforms could be utilized in order to assess
the experience and perception of consumers regarding the online booking and purchasing of
the products and services in the travel and tourism sector (Hutter, et al. 2013). The major
respondents in the research are from the universities of the UK.
REFERENCE
The assessment of the attitude and behaviour of the consumers regarding online booking or
purchasing will help in evaluating the influence of technological applications. The majority of
the respondents are pursuing courses in travel and tourism which ensure that they have
required knowledge of the area.
ETHICAL ISSUES
The major ethical issue in this research could be the unauthorized access to the accounts of
respondents which might share their personal information with others. It is necessary to
safeguard the data of respondents
TIME SPAN
Around 19 weeks will incur for conducting the research study because the literature review
process along with the survey and data analysis takes a long time for processing.
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1.3 CRITICAL REVIEW
Berger Paul et al. (2012) have conducted a research study regarding the consumer behaviour
and attitude towards the technological applications. According to the study, the technological
applications have a huge influence on the purchasing or booking of products and services
through online platforms. In the recent time, the social media platforms are heavily used by the
companies in travel and tourism sector for conducting promotion and marketing. The market
professionals in the travel and tourism sector have predicted that the attractive promotion
through social media platforms is gaining the attention of the huge number of individuals that is
helpful in the development of business (Fotis, et al. 2011). The ratio of online booking as the
comparison to traditional booking has been increased.
In addition, there are four aspects which need to be considered by the consumers during online
purchasing or booking such as deliberation, evaluation, booking, and appreciating. Moreover,
the Zero Moment of Truth is also helpful in assessing the decision-making of the consumer. The
major reason due to which the consumer is purchasing or booking products and service through
the online platform is the attraction (Bolton, et al. 2013). The respondent's opinion and
perception have been growing with time such that the social media platforms possess an
important role in online booking. The companies in the travel and tourism have been using
these elements for attaining development in the business. The study has been helpful in gaining
required knowledge for the research.
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1.4 RESEARCH PROJECT SPECIFICATION
INTRODUCTION
The technological applications possess a huge influence on the online booking and purchasing
of the products and services. Social media platforms are the major technological applications
that enhance the traditional marketing processes which further benefitted the business of
companies. The companies in the travel and tourism have been introducing different offers and
discounts to the customers by booking or purchasing products and services through online
platforms. The e-commerce introduction in the business has been benefitting the companies as
well as consumers.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim and objective of the research study are to assess the influence of technological
applications on the travel and tourism sector. The numbers of consumers who are purchasing
or booking products and services through online platforms have been increased in recent time.
The utilization of the social media platforms has been transforming the perspective of the
consumers regarding purchasing or booking through online platforms (Balakrishnan, et al.
2014). Travel and tourism companies are successfully developing healthy communication with
the consumers through these platforms. Suitable tools and techniques will help in
accomplishing the aim and objective effectively.
METHODOLOGY
Initially, secondary research would be done through the literature review of certain journals
and articles so that adequate knowledge could be gained about the consumers. Further, the
primary research i.e. qualitative research is conducted through the survey in which questions
regarding technological applications will be asked to the respondents.
DATA COLLECTION METHOD
The survey will be conducted by the participation of 100 respondents which helps in effectively
data collection process. The respondents in the survey are both user and non-user of the social
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media platforms which is helpful in acquiring opinion and perspective of different individuals
(Akar and Topçu, 2011). The attitude and behaviour of the consumers could be assessed
through the survey effectively.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are respondents in the research who belong to different tradition and culture which
should be protected from any kind of threat. It is necessary to safeguard their personal
information and it shouldn’t be shared with any unauthorized person. The information
regarding the social media accounts of the respondent should not be shared.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It has been evaluated from the research study that the major consumers are utilizing the social
media platforms in order to purchase or book their products and services in the travel and
tourism sector. There are different sites which provide reviews of the products and services
which are accessed by the consumer. It is recommended for the consumer to critically
scrutinize the reviews for purchasing or booking.
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1.5 APPROPRIATE PLAN AND PROCEDURES FOR THE AGREED RESEARCH
SPECIFICATION
S.NO. RESEARCH PROCEDURE TIME INCURRED(WEEKS)
A. BUILDING IDEA AND RESEARCH
PLANNING
3 WEEKS
B. LITERATURE REVIEW, PROVIDING
CONSENT FORM AND
QUESTIONNAIRE
6 WEEKS
C. GATHERING OF DATA 3 WEEKS
D. RESPONS ASSESSING 2 WEEKS
E. MEASURING OF DATA 2 WEEKS
F. CONCLUSION AND RESULTS 3 WEEKS
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REFERENCES
Akar, E. and Topçu, B., 2011. An examination of the factors influencing consumers' attitudes
toward social media marketing. Journal of Internet Commerce, 10(1), pp.35-67.
Balakrishnan, B.K., Dahnil, M.I. and Yi, W.J., 2014. The impact of social media marketing
medium toward purchase intention and brand loyalty among generation Y. Procedia-Social and
Behavioral Sciences, 148, pp.177-185.
Berger Paul, D., Pooja, M., Black Jennifer, E. and Jiangmei, C., 2012. The impact of social media
usage on consumer buying behavior. Advances in management.
Bolton, R.N., Parasuraman, A., Hoefnagels, A., Migchels, N., Kabadayi, S., Gruber, T., Komarova
Loureiro, Y. and Solnet, D., 2013. Understanding Generation Y and their use of social media: a
review and research agenda. Journal of service management, 24(3), pp.245-267.
Fotis, J., Buhalis, D. and Rossides, N., 2011. Social media impact on holiday travel planning: The
case of the Russian and the FSU markets. International Journal of Online Marketing (IJOM), 1(4),
pp.1-19.
Fotis, J., Buhalis, D. and Rossides, N., 2012. Social media use and impact during the holiday
travel planning process (pp. 13-24). Springer-Verlag.
Hutter, K., Hautz, J., Dennhardt, S. and Füller, J., 2013. The impact of user interactions in social
media on brand awareness and purchase intention: the case of MINI on Facebook. Journal of
Product & Brand Management, 22(5/6), pp.342-351.
Ioanăs, E. and Stoica, I., 2014. Social media and its impact on consumers behavior. International
Journal of Economic Practices and Theories, 4(2), pp.295-303.
Kumar, A., Bezawada, R., Rishika, R., Janakiraman, R. and Kannan, P.K., 2016. From social to
sale: The effects of firm-generated content in social media on customer behavior. Journal of
Marketing, 80(1), pp.7-25.
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Parra-López, E., Bulchand-Gidumal, J., Gutiérrez-Taño, D. and Díaz-Armas, R., 2011. Intentions
to use social media in organizing and taking vacation trips. Computers in Human Behavior,
27(2), pp.640-654.
Rishika, R., Kumar, A., Janakiraman, R. and Bezawada, R., 2013. The effect of customers' social
media participation on customer visit frequency and profitability: an empirical investigation.
Information systems research, 24(1), pp.108-127.
Solomon, M.R., Dahl, D.W., White, K., Zaichkowsky, J.L. and Polegato, R., 2014. Consumer
behavior: Buying, having, and being (Vol. 10). Pearson.
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