Research Project: Influence of Technology in Travel and Tourism Sector

This research project investigates the influence of technology on the travel and tourism sector, focusing on how technological advancements, including the internet, mobile applications, and social media, have transformed the industry. The project outlines the research process, including the research project outline, factors contributing to the selection of the research project, a critical review of relevant literature, research specifications, and a detailed research plan. It explores the use of technology by travel agents, tour operators, and consumers, examining its impact on booking, communication, and overall customer experience. The study also addresses the positive and negative impacts of technology, such as increased efficiency, cost implications, and the rise of online fraud. Data collection methods, including questionnaires and sampling techniques, are described, along with plans for data analysis and interpretation to provide recommendations for the travel and tourism sector. The research considers the implications of technology on the industry's growth, consumer behavior, and the strategies of companies like Thomas Cook, offering a comprehensive analysis of the role of technology in shaping the future of travel and tourism.

RESEARCH PROJECT
(Influence of technology in travel and tourism sector)

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Research project outline...................................................................................................1
1.2 Factors contribute to selection of research project...........................................................2
1.3 Critical review..................................................................................................................3
1.4 Research project specification..........................................................................................4
1.5 Research plan....................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Resources efficiency ........................................................................................................7
2.2 Research question.............................................................................................................8
2.3 Recording and collection of data....................................................................................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Research evaluation techniques......................................................................................12
Data Collection.....................................................................................................................13
Sampling...............................................................................................................................14
3.2 Interpretation..................................................................................................................15
3.3 Recommendation............................................................................................................23
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................23
4.1 Presentation....................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24

TITLE
“Influence of technology in travel and tourism sector”
TASK 1
1.1 Research project outline
Tourism is the industry that contributes well in the economic development of the nation.
Statistical records shows that over a period of time this industry has supported in improving GDP
rate, employment opportunities and enhancing foreign reserves in the country. Technology plays
significant role in influencing operations of the industry. Use of internet has given opportunity to
the travellers to gather information about the destination, book travel tickets before going to
particular places (Filieri, Alguezaui and McLeay, 2015). Use of advance technologies assists the
tour operators in making effective communication with the visitors. That helps the firm in
attracting new visitors towards the location. Communication technologies are helping airline
industry to promotes various attraction points so that interest of consumers can be increased.
Reservation, easy payment options aid these firms in gaining more benefits. Technological
advancement have given c facility to the travellers to compare their tour packages with other tour
operators a before making final choice. Through internet they can get enormous information that
helps them in minimizing further complications. Mobile technology has changed the scenario of
travel and tourism sector completely (Impact of travel technology in travel and tourism industry,
2017). Tablet, computer, mobile phones allows users to track their locations and coordinate well
with the dealers. GPS tagging, emails, social networking sites have supported the travel and
tourism industry in gaining success.
Travel agents have got benefited by implementing these technologies because now they
are able to coordinate well with head offices and consumers as well. Cloud storage facilities
allow the agents in arranging trips for the travellers effectively (Xiang, Magnini and Fesenmaier,
2015). Implementation of advanced technologies are beneficial for the firm to enter into e-
commerce business sand expand operations across the world. On as implementation of these
technologies are costly task.
Present study will explain influence of technologies in travel and tourism sector. It will
discuss technologies that are used by the industry and its positive and negative impact on the
travel business.
Aim
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“To identify influence of technology in travel and tourism sector: A study on Thomas Cook”
Objectives
 To explain the latest technologies that are used in Travel and tourism sector and growth
of tourism industry.
 To determine how technology has changed global tourism To identify positive and negative impact of social media, mobile applications and internet
technologies on travel and tourism sector.
Research questions
 Explain the latest technologies that are used in Travel and tourism sector and growth of
tourism industry.
 How technology has changed global tourism?
 What are the positive and negative impact of social media, mobile applications and
internet technologies on travel and tourism sector?
1.2 Factors contribute to selection of research project
Researcher has to look upon the various elements that contribute in the selection of
research projects. These elements are explained as below: Data availability: It is considered as one of the major factor that have forced the
researcher to select the topic of influence of technology in travels and tourism sector. As
it is the topic on which many researchers have conducted their studies (Couture and et.al,
2015). Thus, adequacy of data is the major factor due to which individual has selected
this topic. Scholar can get information about technologies that are used by consumers,
travellers, travel agents and tour operators. Apart from this information regarding impact
of these techniques on travel industry. This can help the investigator in conducting the
research in effective manner. Interesting area: It is another major aspect that has forced the researcher to select this
subject. As researcher has worked with tour operators and have good experience about
this industry. Thus, it is an interesting area for the individual and this interest will help
the researcher in finding real facts about impact of technologies on travel industry. This
interest is supportive for the scholar and will help in preparing aim, objective and
addressing research problems (Zhao and et.al, 2015).
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 Feasible subject mater: It is another major component behind selection of the topic. This
study is quit feasible and on this topic individual can prepare a quality research paper.
1.3 Critical review
Technologies used in Travel and tourism sector
As per the view of Hernández-Méndez, Muñoz-Leiva and Sánchez-Fernández, (2015)
technology plays significant role in the business. It helps the firm in improving its operational
efficiency and raising company's performance as well. There are various technologies that are
used in the travel industry. One of the effective tools is mobile communication. In the recent
time people are using smart phones. They are using various applications that helps the firms in
making effective communication. Mobile apps are helpful in knowing each detail about travel,
its booking and book the tickets and tour packages easily. Chung and et.al, (2015) argued that
internet has become the major source of gathering information about nay object. In the modern
ear each person is taking support of interest in order to complete their task effectively. Most of
the tour companies are using internet in order to make effective communication with the
consumers. On other hand consumers are using internet in order to gather information about
various travel destination and companies that can offer them their required tor packages. On
interest they can compare their packages with others. This helps them in making sound decision
ad planning their travel. Internet has changed functioning of many travel and tourism
organization. Now with the help of internet people book their flight ticket online. Aviation
software such as Plane Finder, Flight Stats.com etc. are several software that aid in booking their
tickets online and keep track of their routes. Mobile technologies have increased competition in
market, now tour operators are booking tour packages for consumers on these mobile apps. This
application gives all detail to buyers about their flight, transactions point, routes etc. this
enhances interests of them and they plan for going on trip.
According to Okazaki and et.al, (2015) use of social media sites have become the
essential part of the business. Most of the companies are using social networking sites. This
helps in making effective communication with the consumers. By this way they become able to
know their needs and requirements. This is the way that helps the entity in providing quality
products to their consumers.
As per the view of social media marketing is considered as one of the most effective
marketing tool that supports in development of performance of business and promoting brand
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across the world. In the recent time people get information about tour packages on social
networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc. This has promoted E-tourism market and now
people are making their tour plan by getting details on social sites.
Benefits of using technologies for tourism business
Filieri, Alguezaui and McLeay, (2015) stated that technologies are helpful for the
business in raising their revenues to great extent. Travel firms are using social networking sites,
mobile applications in order to make effective communication with the consumers. This
supported the firms in attracting new buyers and influencing their mind. By this way people are
getting quality products that influence their mind to plan travel. As per the view of Xiang,
Magnini and Fesenmaier, (2015) implementing technologies enhances cost of the business unit.
Technologies get changed frequently thus, If companies implement new techniques every time
then it enhances their expenses thus, their profitability gets reduced.
According to Chung and et.al, (2015) technological advancement is helpful for the firm
in improving their products quality and services. This help the entity in identifying specific needs
of consumers and they can offer them same products and services.
Positive and negative impact of technologies
As per the view of Filieri, Alguezaui and McLeay, (2015) technologies influence the
entire process of tourism industry to great extent. It helps the travel agent to arrange trip for the
consumers. Mobile application have make agents able to coordinate with the branches
effectively. By this way they can make arrangement of entire trip for the travellers. This
enhances satisfaction of the consumers that helps the firms in raising their business revenues.
Xiang, Magnini and Fesenmaier, (2015) stated that technologies impact negative on the travel
and tourism industry. Online payments is the easiest ways for the travellers but increasing online
frauds impact on the brand image of the firms. If any consumers make online payment and if
individual gets any call that make fraud then individual do not believe on the firm as well.
1.4 Research project specification
Research methodology is the important part of research, it supports the researcher in
selecting appropriate method that can assist in addressing research problems. There are various
tools that are used in studies but individual is required to select appropriate tool that can be
suitable for the research and can give accurate results to the investigator. In the present study
individual will take support of interpretivism research philosophy (Jensen, 2013). As it is
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qualitative research thus use of this philosophy ill be beneficial for the researcher. By this way
individual will be able to involve human being in the investigation in order to know how
technology influence their mind and its impact on travel industry. Furthermore, researcher will
involve descriptive research design. This is most suitable design. By this way individual will be
able to describe each element related with technologies and its impact significantly (Lee and
Jarvik, 2014).
Data will be collected from primary and secondary sources. Individual will use books,
journals, internet article in order to get secondary information about influence of technologies on
travel and tourism industry. Furthermore, researcher will use primary data collection sources.
Scholar will apply questionnaire technique, this will help the investigator in involving real facts
about the subject matter (Lee, 2014). This will help the scholar in finding accurate results about
the topic. Researcher will apply simple random sampling method in order to select samples in
the investigation. It would be most appropriate method because this will assist in gathering
details without bias. In addition, scholar will follow ethical aspect and will not involve any
unethical practice in the investigation (Nogueira and et.al, 2013).
1.5 Research plan
Researcher will start conducting research on 01/04/2018 , in first week individual will
select topic and will frame aim and objective. This activity will be completed on 06/04/2018. In
next week scholar will conduct literatures review this will be completed till 13/04/2018. research
methods selection will be done in third and fourth week from 14/04/2018 to 25/04/2018.
Proposal will be completed in 5th week on 02/05/2018. 6th and 7 week will be for data collection
and in 8th week researcher will record these details. In next week data analysis will be done and
then edition and final submission will be done.
Activit
ies
1th Week
1/04/201
8-
6/04/201
8
2nd Week
07/04/20
18-
13/04/20
18
3rd
Wee
k
14/0
4/20
18-
19/4/
2018
4th
Wee
k
20/0
4/20
18-
25/0
4/20
5th
Wee
k
26/0
4/20
18-
02/0
5/20
6th
Wee
k
06/0
5/20
18-
12/0
5/20
7th
Wee
k
13/0
5/20
18-
19/0
5/20
8th
Wee
k
20/0
5/20
18-
25/0
5/20
9th
Wee
k
26/0
5/20
18-
01/0
6/20
10th
Week
02/06/
2018-
07/06/
2018
5

18 18 18 16 18 18
Resear
ch
topic
selecti
on,
framin
g aim
and
objecti
ves
Review
literatu
res
Selecti
on of
resear
ch
method
s
Compl
etion
of
propos
al
Data
collecti
on
Record
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ing of
data
Data
analysi
s
Concl
usion
and
recom
mendat
ions
Editing
and
final
submis
sion
TASK 2
2.1 Resources efficiency
Resources play significant role in the research, it supports researcher in conducting the
research in effective manner. If individual does not have adequate resources then individual may
get failed to complete study in effective manner. As present research is based on influence of
technology in travel and tourism sector for that scholar is required several resources, These are
explained as below:
 Human resource: It is essential resources, as researcher will involve human resources in
the investigation in order to gather more detail about influence of technology in travel
and tourism sector. Respondents will share their views with the scholar that will support
the investigator in developing in-depth understanding about the topic. If inaccurate
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number of human resources are involved in the study then it may create difficulty for the
researcher in finding accurate results about the subject matter.
 Technological resources: In order to complete the entire study in effective manner
researcher will require software, hardware any many other technical equipments. These
technologies will help in analysing the details in effective manner and storing the data
safely. By this way individual will be able to meet with the real objective of the research
project.
 Time resources: It is another most important resource, as individual will require sufficient
time so that accurate data about the topic can be gathered. If individual does not have
sufficient time then it may create issue in involving valid and authentic data which will
impact on the findings as well. With the help of adequate time resource researcher will be
able to complete this investigation in effective manner and would be able to get valid
results.
 Physical resources: It is the resource which supports scholar in minimizing hurdles and
carrying out investigation in effective manner.
All these resources are important to meet with the objective of the research, these have
strong relationship with the research aim. Adequate resources assist researcher in gathering
accurate data and analysing these details in effective manner so that overall objective of the
investigation can be accomplished.
2.2 Research question
In order to complete the present study researcher will use primary data collection sources.
In the primary data collection scholar will apply questionnaire technique. This will help in
finding accurate details about influence of technology in travel and tourism sector.
Questionnaire
Name
Age
Gender
Since how long you are working in Thomas Cook?
 Less than one year
 Between 2-3 years
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 Between 3-5 years
 More than 5 years
Do you think that implementing new technologies in business is important?
 Very significantly
 Significant
 Somewhat significantly
 Not so significant
Does Thomas cooks applies the latest technologies in workplace?
 Yes
 No
Do you agree that technologies influence travel and tourism sector?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
What is the main advantage of using technologies in travels and tourism sector?
 Service quality improvements
 Enhance customer satisfaction
 Reduce operational cost
 New market expansion opportunity
What are the major technologies that are used by Thomas Cook?
 Internet
 Mobile Applications
 Online booking services
 Others
Does technologies have improved efficiency level of Thomas Cook?
 Yes
 No
Do you agree that internet supports the firm in attracting new consumers?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
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 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Does profit of Thomas cook can be enhanced by implementing the latest technologies?
 Yes
 No
What is negative impact of implementation of these technologies?
 High cost
 Lack of skill of employees
 Frequently changing technologies
 Others
What are the ways through which negative impact can be minimized and positive impact can be
strengthen?
 Use of internet
 Online reservation services
 Social networking sites for effective communication
2.3 Recording and collection of data
Theme 1: Time length of working in Thomas Cook.
Less than one year 2
Between 2-3 years 6
Between 3-5 years 3
More than 5 years 4
Theme 2: Implementing new technologies in business is important
Very significantly 8
Significant 4
Somewhat significantly 2
Not so significant 1
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