Application of Technology
Technology is transforming tourism. Digital technologies are enabling tourism businesses to connect with new and existing customers in real-time, anytime, anywhere. It might be through a well-designed interactive website, an online booking service, a special-interest blog or weather updates and maps to a mobile device. In a few years technology will become an intrinsic part of the visitor experience.
Tourism has been a late adopter of new technologies. However to retain our position as a world-class destination delivering a world-class visitor experience we must harness connectivity and creativity to deliver innovative products and services for a demanding worldwide audience.
TIG’s Technology Team has been set up to help tourism businesses in Scotland maximise the potential of new digital technologies and applications in their business and customer interactions.
TIG’s Technology Team aims to increase awareness, understanding and take-up of new digital technologies and applications in order to:
· Improve remote access to quality information and booking services.
· Reach new markets at home and abroad.
· Establish positive and productive relationships with new and existing customers.
· Increase efficiency in the supply chain and to improve the bottom line.
· Ensure Scotland maintains its image and status as a modern, technologically advanced nation balancing traditional values and unique natural assets.
TIG’s Technology Team is helping to share practical experience along with professional insights and expertise in the following ways:
· Top Tips guide on How to develop a great website. This brief covers a range of important points to consider when developing a new website and helps explain what work is needed. This brief is relevant to all tourism businesses.
. Top Tips guide on How to make the most of WEB 2.0 for your business. The internet has changed dramatically over the last few years from being mainly a 'read-only' resource (WEB 1.0), to a very interactive 'read and write' communication tool (WEB 2.0). WEB 2.0 is also known as socialmedia as it enables people to communicate and share information and personal experiences online. Learn how to find, respond and join in the conversation and influence your future customers usig this top tips guide.
The Technology Team champion is Alan Rankin, Aviemore & the Cairngorms Destination Management Ltd.
Recent digital success stories in Scotland include:
Portal sites such as http://www.visitaviemore.com www.greaterspeyside.com
www.walkhighlands.co.uk which provides walking information for the Scottish Highlands. Information includes photographs, ordinance survey mapping - downloadable routes straight to your GPS system and a Google Earth feature enabling the walk to be seen in 3D.
Useful links:
www.tourism2-0.co.uk comprises a number of articles highlighting the impact of Web 2.0 on global tourism.
Tracking Tourism: The Tourism Research Blog Travel industry thinking from Stephen Budd and Vicky Brock at Highland Business Research