Tourists Perception of Online Tourism Services A Study in National Capital Region

Abstract

newline newlineIn todays time, information technology has emerged as a powerful tool in performing services. The travel and tourism sector is not untouched as well from these developments in information technology. And hence, travelers have been offered with an alternative apart from travel agents that is an opportunity of booking through the internet. newline newlineThe objective of the study is to find the various services offered by online travel services to its consumers and also to assess the tourists perception of these online services on factors such as gender, age, education, occupation and income of the tourist. Research study was carried out by interviewing 401 respondents through a structured questionnaire. newline newlineA literature review was done to study the previous work done by other researchers regarding tourism, online tourism, decision making in tourism to create a basis for the study. Factors which influence traveler decision making were identified as trust, convenience, site design and technological adoption, best deals and price and lastly, financial security. newline newlineIt was found that there are various services being offered by online travel service providers which attract travelers such as offers and discounts, customized packages, weekend getaways, national and international tours, deals and promocodes which slash down rates which are unbeatable. newline newlineThe study suggests that all the factors identified are interrelated and overlooking any one of the factor by the online service providers can prove to be fatal for the business. Also, it was identified that online service providers and offline travel agents both provide lucrative offers which can further be improved by combining services being provided by both these intermediaries. Further scope can be found in the developing mobile technology, the various applications that are coming up providing hospitality and tourism services at par with the internet. newline newline newline