Be better at 'the business of tourism'

AC 1.3

Making use of technology

Tourism organisations have made excellent use of new technologies. For example, 20 years ago there were no websites and only a travel agent could book and write out an airline ticket. Although people had credit cards, online payments and paperless travel were unheard of. 

Virtually all communications between tourism organisations and their customers were made using paper; either letters etc. to confirm bookings or paper in the form of brochures and leaflets to promote products. 

Most sectors of the tourism industry now make use of a range of new technologies.  One area in which tourism organisations are at the forefront of development is in the development of theme park rides and attractions.  Type words such as ‘Disney’ or ‘Universal’ and ‘Future Developments’ into search engines and you will find out how the latest technology is being used to create themed rides and experiences from ‘blockbuster’ films.

Major UK theme parks, such as Alton Towers and Thorpe Park also rely heavily on their website and social media to market their products and to inform their customers.