Brussels, 05/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The tourism industry is undergoing a transformation, advanced by the increasing use by consumers of new technologies. Tourists are no longer passive bystanders and have become active members participating in the development of this sector. At a forthcoming conference, organised by the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA), on “The Future of City Tourism” in Liverpool on 17 June, experts will measure the extent of the real impact of new technologies on the tourism industry.
Consumers can now book their trip online, be informed by and contribute to review sites. Even major tourist destinations, such as Stonehenge and the Louvre have major online information platforms. In a press release, the ETOA explained that “traditionally tourists were some of the least informed actors in any city. Technology is upturning the status quo and visitors are now far more knowledgeable about where what they want is to be found. The rise of the hyper-informed tourist is imminent”. Ahead of the conference, Nick Hall, Head of the Digital Tourism Think Tank stated: “We can expect far more change, far faster… Visitors will be innately digital… The challenge this poses to existing tourist businesses is immense, as is the opportunity it holds out”. (IL)