What is ICT?
Information and communications technology or better known as ICT is often used as a synonym for information technology (IT) but is usually a more general term that stresses the role of communications in modern information technology. ICT consists of all technical means used to handle information and aid communication, including both computer and network hardware as well as necessary software.
As a necessary instrument, with the advent of globalisation and the advancements of technology, the internet has resulted in a world without barriers. As such, we are able to have a more systematic way of obtaining information conveniently with just the click of the mouse. This is particularly evident in the case of online bookings for air tickets as well as the making of hotel reservations to go on a business trip or holiday destination of our choice.
Past hotel room reservations
In the olden days, going on a holiday required a lot of effort to carry out research on our destination and the accommodation being offered there. We had to make use of the resources in the library, buy newspapers, consult tour agencies and view the various brochures from the different travelling companies. Comparing prices, the location and the internal facilities of each hotel was indeed a big hassle. Finally, after making our decision, we still had to phone the hotel directly or approach a travel agent to make our desired reservation. This was very costly in terms of time and money. Having reservations made by phone meant that we had to pay overseas charges or having to go down to the travel agency directly to sign up and pay for the trip.
Present hotel room reservations
Thanks to the development of ICT, we are now in a new age. This allows us to find information more efficiently and accurately than before anytime, anywhere.
Today, online hotel arrangements also facilitate consumers to carry out last minute reservation, abd this is especially useful for business people who changes their plans more often than not.
Online travel agents also allow us to compare prices, accommodation and facilities of the various hotels more easily than before. Their websites provide detailed information, picture galleries, rating systems and recommendations to help viewers carry out their research more efficiently.
Transaction brokers also play a part in this new era. It is a firm which acts as a middleman between a hotel and consumer for both a business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) business model. The hotel would in turn reward the broker monetary benefits once a transaction is completed. This has caused travel agents to change their way of operations and marketing strategies in capturing market share.
However, a transaction broker is not responsible for the operational efficiencies of the hotels offered in their websites but only the follow-up documentations and confirmations.
ICT also benefit hotels by maximizing their occupancy rates. Large hotel chains typically have direct connections to the airline national distribution systems. These help provide hotel information directly to travel agents, transaction brokers, who align themselves with one of these systems.
Limitations of ICT
1. Older generations who are not IT-savvy may not have the necessary skills to carry out an online research or booking.
2. ICT may lead to higher unemployment rate in the hotel industry, which may indirectly affect the economy as a whole.
3. Cyber crime is more prevalent as vital information is exposed. Hackers are becoming more intelligent and dangerous posing many problems to businesses and individuals.
Conclusion
Despite its numerous limitations, ICT is becoming increasingly popular in our world because given the benefits it provides such as high speed information collection, convenience and less time consumed, it is hard to do without. We should also practice caution during the usage of this new technology in present times.
References:
References:
- http://www.doubleurincome.org/2010/03/benefits-of-establishing-a-campaign-management-system-for-b2c-in-egypt/
- http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/imym/6/student/ict_map.html
- http://www.supershareware.com/preview/free-hotel-software.html
- http://www.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/WheresJohnny06062007.html
