Critically review one concept or practice that has been applied in one aspect of tourism management ( - Essay Example

To ensure the survival of travel agents, technology must become a significant tool featured in the forthcoming business strategy ascertaining their competitiveness. Therefore, technology is a threat, while at the same time, an opportunity since it is necessary for travel agencies in readjusting to the latest realities. As a result, re-intermediation through the Internet, along with Interactive Digital Television, brings about the potential opportunities for innovative participants who utilize the up and coming tools.

Therefore, after reading the two journals on the argument for and against disintermediation of the distribution channel in tourism, this article examines the leading Internet trends regarding the travel industry (José, Salastiano & José 2008, p.79). Furthermore, it puts into consideration strategies applicable by travel agents in ensuring their future survival. For a long time now, tourism and technology have proved to be a couple that is highly compatible. The character of service distribution spins around the concept of intangibility, as well as perishability, thus, the manner whereby communication of information happens to be extremely beneficial.

In the past, in the tourism sector, this task has vastly been assumed by the travel agent operating as the brokers of information between services’ supplier and consumers. Therefore, travel agent was the early beneficiary of advancements in technology like the CRS and GDS. In the recent past, advancements in Internet distribution and particularly e-commerce, are threatening to assume the responsibility of these systems. The function of the travel agent was acting as a go between, as well as retailer, whereby they were selling travel services for a commission on behalf of principals.

They also had an enormous function as advisers for consumers, as well as providers of