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COMCEC Tourism Outlook-2019

8

infrastructural damage, the time of the year, as well as the scale and tone of media coverage are

the factors that affect the scale of their impact of such crises on tourism. In contrast to popular

opinion, terrorism does not have the most enduring impact, however political turmoil has a

much more gradual impact, often lasts for a long time and is difficult to judge when it is over. To

be successful, it is clear that crisis management strategies and tools are becoming a necessity for

all tourism stakeholders. Five-point crisis communications plan should cover clear information,

consistency, openness and accessibility and sympathy for victims. Governments and authorities

should also ensure clear and effective communications (ITB, 2015).

Among supply side trends, tourism is strongly influenced by the progress of the technological

revolution. The Internet has already changed the way tourists search, book and experience their

travel. The whole industry has to adopt new technology trends and reshape the way they

provide services. 75% of international travelers use online information sources to plan their

trip. As displayed on figure 3.2 around 30% of these ‘online’ international travelers actively use

social media when researching about their trip (ITB, 2015) besides the official web sites of

destinations and service providers.

Figure 3.2 Internet Information Sources

Source

: ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015-2016

International travelers focus on the most relevant social media for travel information rather

than the biggest social media platforms. Review sites, travel blogs and travel forums are used

much more intensively than generic social networks.

Loyalty within tourism sector is expected to decline in future. There will be less complicated

sign-up forms. Physical loyalty cards and loyalty programs now have to be integrated into the

tourist experience. These programs are expected to customize tourist services rather than

offering only discounts and upgrades.

Health and healthy lifestyle will become increasingly important in tourists’ decision making and

tourism sector will offer products and services according to traveler’s health and healthy

lifestyle needs.

35%

35%

30%

25%

20%

16%

10%

7%

4%

2%

33%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Website of Country /Destination

Website of Accommodation/Hotel

Social Media

Website of Fligtht/Train etc.

Reservation/Booking Websites

Website of Tour Operators

Website for Price Comparison

Official Websites of Embassies

Articles in Internet Magazines

Sites with Official Tests of Institutes

Others