Effects Of The Internet On Travel Agencies Tourism Essay

Effects Of The Internet On Travel Agencies Tourism Essay The internet has provided opportunities for travelers to book their travel directly online thereby circumventing the traditional travel channels i.e. travel agencies. Nowadays even airlines have started encouraging travelers to book tickets directly on their websites thus avoiding having to pay 10% commission to the travel agents. Thus it has made it an urgent need for traditional travel agents to find new methods and strategies to stay in business (Yamanouchi, 2004). While serving as an intermediary channel between travelers and travel service providers, what the internet has done is to eliminate the relevance of the traditional intermediary (travel agents) or at the very least make that traditional role very different in todays practice (Taylor, 2003). Today, would-be travelers can arrange for their own travel by booking straight from the providers themselves via the internet (Law, Leung Wong, 2004). Online travel websites more or less eliminates the need for traditional middlemen, who as Law, Leung Wong (2004) notes; are debatably on the verge of extinction. Internet mediation may ultimately lead to disintermediation of travel agencies since the travel service and product providers can sell their services and products directly to the travel clientele. Yet, the internet and its travel websites does not portend only doom for the travel agents. Travel agents still have the advantage of providing personalized services especially in offering advice to travelers with a personal touch. This ability to make services personal will guarantee that the role of travel agents remains secure. (Law, Leung, Wong, 2004). The internet has become a distribution channel in the travel industry such that the role of traditional intermediaries like travel agents has also changed. Yet rather than be patients of the internet, travel agents have seized the opportunity to employ the internet in their daily operations. Travel agents are using the internet to market themselves and to advertise their services. They are also offering some of their services online (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). The travel agents themselves have found it easy to make arrangements and bookings over the internet for their clients thus reducing their operational costs. The internet adoption among travel agents has made their services more efficient and timely and gaining a reliable means of communication with their contacts and clients (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). Literature Review How Travel Agencies Take Advantages of the Internet and Avoid Its Negative Effects on Their Business Travel agents are nowadays using the strategy of If you cant beat them, join them. They have started using the internet to their own advantage by using the internet to market their own services online and by contacting travelers via their own websites. They also provide services that travel sites cannot provide like personalized services and complex travel arrangements and iteneries (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). Travel agencies also nowadays focus more on building lasting relationships rather than trying to maximize their profits. They do this by providing quality personalized services. This is a strategy adopted by most travel agencies in Japan (Zhang, 2004). By so doing, travel agencies are today exploiting the internet opportunities such as virtue communities, to build what travel websites cannot, personalized relationships with clients (Maurer, 2002). This way, they can exploit the benefits that come with the internet, and avoid losing their role in mediating travel, by making their services uniquely personalized. Travel agents form networks, create newly branded travel services, exploit the internet to market themselves, get specialist packages and products unveiled by online agencies and seek to provide consumers with competitive deals if they have to survive (Downes, Legg, 2006). Why People Book Over the Internet Customers mainly book over the internet since it is convenient, cost saving, and resourceful. It is more accessible and less expensive. Travelers also can compare the various rates offered by different service providers and thus make a much more informed choice. Online service providers offer more competitive rates and better discounts due to the low operational costs. Customers can also access extensive amount of information on the internet. It is also very useful for working professionals who do not have time to go and meet travel agents to make their travel plans when they can just do their booking when they are at work or at home (Heung, 2003). Customers also have the opportunities of learning more about the places they are visiting from the internet and thus able to book hotels online. The bottom line that one is able to make all arrangements needed before traveling without involving any intermediary as long as he or she has access to internet. The advent of internet has also been coupled with people acquiring personal computers and internet providers thus bringing the technology closer to the people (Lewis, Ira, Semeijn, Janjaap, Talalayevsky, Alexander, 1998). Why People Book with Travel Agents The main reasons why customers book via travel agents are the security concerns (credit card scams), interpersonal communication i.e. face to face transactions, human contact in transactions, and ability to make custom made travel packages as opposed to by travel websites (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). Travel agents are able to make all arrangements for their clients unlike in travel websites for example hotel bookings, sightseeing bookings, airport drop and pickup, and flight tickets, something they might not be able to or might lack the time to do (Buhalis, Licata, 2002). Most clients who go to travel agents are also those who want to build relationships with their travel facilitators and those who need the guarantee of human element in transactions (Cheyne, Downes, Legg, 2006). There are some circumstances where by customers are left with no choices other than using the agents. This happens mostly in situations whereby one has to pass through different destinations. It is very hard to do several online bookings when one is traveling as it means dealing with many different entities. When one has to pass through different destinations, it is easier to use the international agents who have offices in different places around the world. By doing this one is able to deal with one company because he just have to state his or her demands to the agent and all his needs will be taken care of. (The Travel Insider, 2010). Repeat Clients in Online Booking Customers will go to the same website and online portals or directly to particular service providers using the internet if such providers have created brand name of products, built global marketing, have lower cost due to discounts, facilitates labor saving means and if they have standardized processes, products and service delivery (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). Improved service delivery and competitive website features are the main ongoing preferences for online service providers in Hong Kong (Chu, 2001). Another reason why customers repeatedly use one online service provider is that they were initially satisfied with the service that was provided and do not want to research another serviced provider (Cheyne, Downes, Legg, 2006). Repeat Clients for a Travel Agent Customers mainly repeatedly book via travel agents due to the relationship that they have built with that travel agent (Vrana, Zafiropoulos, 2004). Therefore travel agents in Japan are using this strategy of building lasting relationships with customers to improve business rather than just focusing on maximizing profits by trying to attract more customers (Zhang, 2003). If a customer is satisfied with a travel plan that a particular travel agent has made for them they prefer using the same travel agent to make all their future travel plans. Therefore providing good quality service also generates repeat clientele for travel agents (Wyne et al., 2001). Demographics Characteristics that Predetermine Online Booking and that of Travel Agency Booking The choice of internet and travel agent booking is influenced by sex, age, education, income, and occupational characteristics of customers (Furr, Bon, 1998). Studies indicate that internet bookings are mainly made by females aged between 21 and 30, educated and earning high incomes and working in education related professions who prefer commercial lodgings during travel and who predominantly prefer to travel by air (Heung, 2003). On the other hand the demographics of non- internet travel agent users is mainly married men traveling with families on a long vacation from medium earning brackets aged between 36 to 45 years. This is mainly because when traveling with families travel agents can provide much more extensive information on the types of hotels and which types of hotels offer certain types of services and also they provide information on the different types of sightseeing options and which one would suit the familys requirements best (Heung, 2003). Effects of Airlines on Internet Bookings The industry of travel agency involves communication and processing information of its clients. Initially, the agencies had access to details of flights so the customers had no alternative. The fact the airlines are able to do their advertising online and directly to the customers and the customers are able to apply for their travel tickets online has affected the travel agencies a lot. It is also of paramount importance to note that airlines have realized this trend and have thus reduced fares, as they no longer pay the commissions they used to pay the agents (Bennett, Marion, Lai, Chi-Wen, Kevin, 2005). The customers needs have also changed significantly in their demands due to the development in IT since one is able to learn all the exotic places there are to visit at the touch of a button. It is more convenient for a customer to do his or her research at the convenience of his or her sitting other than going to an agent. It is worthy noting that it is cheaper to book online since one will be dealing with the airline directly without involving an intermediary. The airlines are also happy to serve their customers directly for they will be able to understand their needs more. The advent of the internet technology gave the airlines an opportunity to be close to their clients and they realized that the need for an intermediary is not that important. (Frias, Rodrà ­gueza, Castanedaa, 2008). It is important to note that a minute means a lot in the amount one may pay for an air ticket since the fares change from time to time. When one is passing through many points, it is less demanding to use the agent for they will be able to fix his or her time according to the lowest fares possible. By doing this you end up saving money and time since you will be having someone who will be taking care of your travel plans. When one is doing booking, it is important to do research so as not end up paying more than what he would have paid through an agent (Farooqui, 2010). Refernces Bennett, Marion; Lai, Chi-Wen Kevin (November 2005)The impact of the internet on travel agencies in Taiwan http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/pal/thr/2005/00000006/00000001/art00002 Buhalis, D., Licata, C. (2002). The future of eTourism intermediaries. Tourism Cheyne, J., Downes, M., Legg, S. (2006). Travel Agent vs Internet: What influences travel consumer choices? Journal of Vacation Marketing. 12(1), 41 Chu, R. (2001). What online Hong Kong travelers look for on airline/travel websites? International Journal of Hospitality Management. 20(1), 95-100. Farooqui, S. (2010, April 20). Travel Agent and Internet Marketing Impact, Benefits, and Planning. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel- ­Agent- ­and- ­Internet- ­Marketing- ­- ­- ­Impact,- ­Benefits,- ­and- ­Planningid=4141656. Fields, J. (2007). Great weather, deserted beach, wonderful holiday. The Sunday Herald. March 25. Frà ­as D. M, Rodrà ­gueza M. A., Castaà ±edaa J. A,(Feb 2008) Internet vs. travel agencies on pre-visit destination image formation: An information processing view , Retrieved June 09,2010, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6V9R-4NKJ174-1_user=10_coverDate=02%2F29%2F2008_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1364306231_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C000050221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=192643fd560ef019b68e8e8f888325e2 Heung, V. (2003). Internet usage by international travellers: reasons and barriers. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 15(7), 370-378 Law, R., Leung K., Wong, J. (2004).The Impact of the Internet on Travel agencies. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality management. 16(2), 100 107. Lewis, Ira, Semeijn, Janjaap, Talalayevsky, Alexander(June 22 1998) The impact of information technology on travel agents. Retrieved June 09, 2010 from http://www.allbusiness.com/technology/695794-1.html Machon, N. (2008). High-street travel agents are losing out to their online rivals (Survey). New Media Age. Available at http://www.nma.co.uk/opinion/analyst-speak-high-street-travel-agents-are-losing-out-to-their-online-rivals/39912.article Management. 23(3), 207-220. Maurer, E. (2002). Internet for the Retail Travel Industry. London: Delmar Cengage learning. Monaghan, K. (2006). The Travel Agents Complete Desk Reference. New York: The Intrepid Traveler. Murray, M. (1999). Tripped-up travel agents. National Journal. 31(49), 34-79. The Travel Insider (15 May 2010) Airfare Wars Internet vs. Travel Agencies Retrieved June 09,2010, from http://thetravelinsider.info/2002/0614.htm Vogel, H. (2001). Travel industry economics: a guide for financial analysis. Cambridge: University of Cambridge Press. Vrana, V., Zafiropoulos, C. (2004). Tourism agents attitudes on internet adoption: an analysis from Greece. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 18 (7), 601-608 Wyne, C. Et al. (2001). The impact of the Internet on the Distribution Value Chain: The Case of the South African Tourism Industry. International Marketing Review. Vol. 18 (4). pp. 420 431. Zhang, Z. (2004). Organizing customers: Japanese travel agencies marketing on the Internet. European Journal of Marketing. 38(9/10), 1294-1303

Newspapers

Newspaper Newspapers have become an important accessory of the breakfast table. Today the important of the newspapers has increased three fold. Even with the advent of computer and modern technology, the important of newspapers has not in the least diminished. Newspapers not only give us some sort of work, punctuating every sip of the tea that we take, but also some sort of diversion from eating. In fact, there are some people who would forego there breakfast rather than miss reading the newspaper.Newspapers give us information about the world around us. Newspapers really help a man to explore around the world. The newspaper has a very important role to play in national and international politics too. Sometime a newspaper can sway the thoughts and opinions, which is the opinion of the newspaper that that they read. People in today’s world do not have time, so do not go very deep about the life for them, so they are dependent upon the newspapers.Newspaper also develop a cosmopo litan outlook because by reading newspaper we can no longer think of our own town or our country, rather we think of the world as a whole. The problems of the world are the problems of human being on the whole. As a result people develop a better outlook. Newspapers provide some material for every type of interest. They give us stories, essays, crossword puzzles, the sports and the expert’s comments on certain affairs of national and international importance. Some pages are meant for women and children.It is not possible to get a so much of intellectual enjoyment by reading any other thing except newspaper. Newspapers also give us information about various things through advertisement. They can help the advertisers about the new goods. Some one said News stands for North, east, west and south which is accumulated in a single paper so called newspaper. This contents the vast amount of knowledge of all sides of the world. Newspaper has become the source of getting all the fresh news. We have been observing that the world s growing rapidly taking the technology besides it.Now with the enhancement of the modern technology, internet has become the major source of getting daily news but also the existence of the newspaper is there in this world. It is obvious the daily newspaper has already put an effect to us as our habit to read a newspaper daily with a sip of tea. At last, Newspapers provide wholesome information about intellectual, trade and employment opportunities. It is through newspaper, many a time lost things are found. Newspapers make democracy workable and put an effective check upon the people and power. Newspapers help develop various faculties.

Statement of Ethics Issue

Oct 20 2012 Oct 20 2012 ACCT 3121 Instructor: Ms. Julie Chenier ACCT 3121 Instructor: Ms. Julie Chenier | Written Assignment| | Student: Yichen Chen| | Written Assignment| | Student: Yichen Chen| To: Manufacturing Manager From: Becky Knauer Date: Oct 20 2012 Subject: Action of Ethnic Issue for Mueller Imports Dear Officer, My name is Becky Knauer, the new controller in Mueller Imports. Being selected as an experienced automotive professional to join such a huge management team, I aim at using my objective view and competency in addition to all available sources to best assist the organization.Recently, while managing the financial statement, I realized there are several transactions that are susceptible for ethical issue. A $5000 monthly invoice billed from the jeweler was personally approved as â€Å"selling expense† by the company’s owner Frank Mueller. My investigation exposes that the red flag involves significant fraud: 1. The periodic watch offering to regional sa les managers and other sales exclusives indicates the bribery. By receiving expensive rewards from Mr.Mueller, sales exclusives give biased car distribution to dealers. 2. The invoice billed by a local jeweler reveals the probability of collusion. Because the watch seller does not bill the transaction as a regular sale but explained it as a â€Å"miscellaneous service†, the jeweler has the high incentive to set the underground agreement with Frank Mueller. I suspect the indirect service charge conceals this fact. 3. The false financial statements presented by Mr.Mueller reveal the misrepresentation. Mueller’s action violates the policy of segregation of duties by overriding his right to authorize the controllable cost. His statement of this expenditure â€Å"selling expense† overstates the expense and understates the net income as well. He indirectly gains comparative advantages from the transaction called into question. Frankly, in the supply shortage market, t he substantial sale and high profit goal are pushing the upper level management into a dilemma.It seems that the fraud is initiated by the owner Frank Mueller, regional sales managers, and other involved exclusives, trying to gain personal interests by committing the fraud. Even though the outstanding sales can bring in large profits for Mueller Imports in the short term, the significant performance will be reevaluated and disclosed to the public. Consequently, all individuals within the organization and third parties committing to fraud will receive their deserved penalties.In addition, if Mueller Imports announces bankruptcy, employees who are innocent from the fraudulent activities will also suffer unemployment. According to Tom York (Segregation of Duties, 22), engaging in corrupt practices creates a very unfavorable business environment by encouraging unfair advantage and anti-competitive practices. As a controller within the company, I have the right to establish the monitorin g plans for internal controls to ensure that funds are expended and recorded appropriately on the financial report (Controller Job Description, 10).Referring to the IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, the issue should be discussed with the higher level of supervisor or management who is not involved in the issue. Since the fraud is committed by the the top level of the organization, it is inappropriate to submit the issue to any level within the organization. However, it is impractical to hands-off because the activity of committing to the fraud which violate the code of ethnic. If I do nothing, I will be drawn into the concealment of fact as well.As far as I am concerned, it is not wise to fight the unethical issue with the upper level management, nor do I want to build a hostile relationship with the people of Mueller Imports. The most viable actions are: 1. Gather enough potential fraudulent statements, 2. Take an investigation of sale managers’ life a ctivities 3. Carefully evaluate the control system. After gathering substantial evidence, I would like to initiate a confidential discussion with you as well as the IMA ethnic advisors.In accordance with code of ethics (IMA Statement of Ethical professional Practice, Page 1), I will provide objective information and concerns to the appropriate business associates in the confidential manner. Following the guidance of the code of ethics, I want to utilize my professional skills supported by the appropriate authority to address the issue. Your responses and concerns will be very important to deal with the issue. I hope it can be solved in a professional manner resulting the in the car market returning to a fair and healthy state in the long run.I am looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Becky Knauer Work Cited: Controller / Business Manager Job Description The Association for Accountant and Financial Professionals in Business, IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, York, Tom, Segregation of Duties, UNC Charlotte,

Global Views Of Privacy Paper Essay - 1949 Words

Global Views of Privacy Paper Eddie Caraballo Ethics Introduction The widespread use of information technology, automatic data processing techniques, the formation of global information systems, access to which can be virtually made by any person from anywhere in the world – these are the real characteristics of the gaining momentum digital era. On the one hand, the benefits of free access to information directly provide the realization of one of the most important democratic rights to freedom of information to citizens. The management of large-scale automated databases not only significantly optimizes the various processes of preparation and decision-making but also facilitates citizens’ access to the digital market – from the use of credit cards to the formation of a biometric portrait and projection of possible diseases. On the other hand, the widespread use of personal data by public authorities, businesses and social organizations significantly increases the risk of intrusion by unauthorized persons in the private sphere o f a person, creating an infringement threat of one of its fundamental natural rights – the right to privacy (Bygrave, 2014). The need for primary protection of human rights and the formation of the principle of the need of such protection was highlighted in the work of John Locke â€Å"Two Treatises of Government†, published in 1690. The author wrote that, despite the fact that a person in a natural stateShow MoreRelatedTaking One More Step Towards Managing the Threats from Cloud Storage1045 Words   |  5 Pageswriting skill or ability of expression. Unfortunately, my opinions usually seem to disappear when I am flooded with others views. Hence, the extended argument paper requires me to spend more efforts on understanding of myself. 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