Information and communication technology : a best decision support system for managing tourist destination

Abstract

Within a very short time, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society. The uses of ICT are necessary in all aspects of today’s economic and social changes. It has great impact on one of the world’s largest and pervasive industry – the Travel and Tourism. It has affected this industry for at least the last 50 years. ICT is one of the key factors of competitiveness as far as tourist markets and strategic tourism management are concerned. The implications of the ICT revolution for tourism competitiveness and management are identified in different sectors of tourism. Internet has profound impact on this industry. Research shows that 50% of German tourists use Internet to get information about destination. This paper discusses the importance of ICT in the development and management of tourist destination and also discusses how ICT can be used as Decision Support System for tourist as well as travel industries.