There has been a drastic change in the management of tourism because of the emergence of Information Technology. There was a time when tourists required the assistance of travel agents, books, phone calls, and other documentation to arrange for their travel plans. With the arrival of digital technologies, tourists can do research about places, book hotels and other services, get information and make payments with the aid of computers and smartphones. Information Technology has had an immense impact on the tourism industry because it has become an integral part of the tourism ecosystem. Not only has Information Technology affected the way tourists travel but also the working procedure and mode of communication of tourism businesses.
The importance of Information Technology is particularly visible in Maldives because tourism holds great importance for the Maldives economy and Information Technology assists in the promotion of Maldives among international tourists. Maldives has a reputation for its islands, white sand beaches, luxury resorts and water activities. However, the unique geography of Maldives consisting of islands and atolls makes transportation and communication somewhat difficult. Hence, it becomes necessary for tourists and tourism businesses to access information.
The digital platforms create an interaction between visitors and resorts, airlines, transportation companies and tourism activities before they reach Maldives. Websites and social media from hotels and resorts present images and videos, reviews and information about their services. The digital platforms help tourists understand what to expect from their visit before their arrival.
Websites and social media from hotels and resorts present images and videos, reviews and information about their services. The digital platforms help tourists understand what to expect from their visit before their arrival.
Information Technology can be also used in managing the tourism activities. For instance, the Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) that is being operated by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism and developed by the National Centre for Information Technology. TIMS connects the Maldives Ministry of Tourism with tourism businesses. Allows sharing and management of tourism data in electronic format.
Description
Information Technology has changed the way of tourism planning and experiencing the destination in the Maldives. Information Technology is used at each stage of the journey starting from search of destination, booking services and tourism management in the back office. One of the changes that I have noticed is the use of booking and reservation systems.
Travelers are able to search for resorts and hotels using sites like
• Booking.com
• MakeMyTrip
• Agoda
• Expedia.
They are able to compare prices, facilities, read reviews and even book their accommodation. They can even arrange for flights, transport from the airport and tours like snorkeling and diving. It has become so much easier:
Search → Compare → Choose → Book → Confirmation
This becomes very useful in Maldives because many resorts are situated on the islands. The tourists will need to reach the resort via speedboat, airplane, or seaplane after clearing immigration formalities at the airport. By making bookings in advance online, they will be able to manage their transportation easily.
Moreover, yet another intriguing aspect is that of paying with money. It is possible for tourists to pay for the services they use with the help of their credit card and electronic payment system rather than having to carry along cash in large quantities. This is especially advantageous for foreign tourists.
Electronic payments are beneficial because they:
• Make transactions faster and more convenient.
• Reduce the need to carry physical cash.
• Enable tourists to make payments before their travel.
• Simplify the financial aspect for international visitors.
It is also useful to use GPS, digital maps and other navigation devices in the Maldives. Since the Maldives is comprised of islands located at the atolls, navigation from one island to another could be difficult. Using digital maps, tourists will be able to familiarize themselves with the location and make route plans. Technologies can help tourists get connected with the transportation service. As an example, OdiApp, the mobile application according to the World Bank, provides people with tickets to take a transportation between the islands. It is an example of how technologies organize the travelling process rather than provide the directions.
Another aspect of the role of the Information Technologies in the development of tourism is marketing. People often find out about the Maldives through media platforms, such as
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Travel blogs and online reviews.
Scenic views of the white-sand beaches, water and marine life are easily marketable and can be shared through photos and videos. Tourism companies can use these media platforms to reach people from different countries and show them what their vacation might look like. According to the Maldives Visitor Survey, 83% of tourists were sharing their experiences on media showing the importance of media in promoting the Maldives as a vacation spot.
Behind the scenes, Information Technology is necessary in managing the tourism industry. Maldives Ministry of Tourism has created Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) together with National Centre for Information Technology. This system enables communication between tourism companies and the government. It helps to transfer and manage all of the tourism-related information electronically. It facilitates updating the government about the current state of the tourism industry and using an electronic way instead of a paper-based and manual one.
Those are some examples showing how Information Technology is integrated into tourism in the Maldives. Tourists can search for their desired vacation destination online, compare it with others, book the resort, pay for it, organize transportation and share the experience on different online platforms. In addition to that, systems such as TIMS enable tourism companies to manage information and communicate better. Technology has become an integral part of tourism experience both for tourists and tourism companies.
Conclusion
The integration of Information Technology in the tourism industry in the Maldives has been observed. One can see how the usage of Information Technology changes the ways tourists plan and make bookings for their journey as well as the experience of the journey. Online booking systems, mobile apps, digital payments and navigation by means of GPS have made travelling easier and more accessible. At the same time, tourism companies are able to use digital tools for better management of reservations and communication with tourists.
Nevertheless, the increase in the use of Information Technology raises several problems. Firstly, the booking and payment details are in the possession of tourism businesses and can cause problems regarding cybersecurity and privacy. I am also worried about the possible impact of technological malfunction and problems with connectivity on the work of tourism services. The other problem is related to the gap, since not all tourism workers or small businesses have access to Information Technology or the skills to use it. The increase in the use of automation will reduce the opportunity to communicate with tourism employees.
These problems can be solved through proper planning and using of Information Technology in the right way. The tourism organizations should be prepared in terms of cybersecurity, regular updating of their systems and following the data protection regulations. It is important to provide backup systems or offline systems in case of a malfunction of the technology. The digital training will enable tourism workers and small businesses to learn how to use Information Technology effectively. However, I am convinced that human assistance should not be replaced by the automation fully.
In conclusion, I would like to state that the future of the tourism in the Maldives should not be determined by Information Technology but responsible usage of it. Provided that there is a proper security, privacy, functioning systems, digital training and possibility of communication, the Information Technology will be useful for tourism.
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