INTRODUCTION
Information communication technology or better known by its acronym ICT refers to all technical means used to handle information and aid communication. These include key technologies like computers, network communications and databases. Ever since the invention of the telephone, information and communication has been continuously developed and improved to further hone and simplify work. For example, when the use of other forms of technology like the computers and the internet were not very widespread and accessible, hotel reservations were either made via phonecalls or in person. Now, consumers are not only able to make reservations online but they are also given a wide range of hotel accommodation choices. One such provider is Hotels.com which we will look into in detail.
Hotels.com is one example of an organisation in this information age in which the enterprise itself is a loosely connected, distributed and mobile organisation. As quoted in its website:
“Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering reservation services through its own network of localised websites and telephone call centres.Hotels.com gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over 120,000 properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability and also specialises in providing travellers with accommodation during sold-out periods. “ This accessibility and easiness of the customers to achieve what they desired just by accessing to the computer and the internet not only saves time but also saves money and efficiency. The website provides detailed information about over 120000 hotels around the world. From the hotel rates, exact location of the hotels on google maps to having customers’ reviews about the hotels. Boasting a staggering 1.8 million guest reviews, the website has indeed established a good reputation among comsumers.
Information communication technology has not only eased the consumers but has also greatly achieved accurate and efficient marketing research by collecting these datas and transmitting them to the individual hotels via the internet.
However, although all these benefits may seem adequate for us to agree that information communication technology is indeed beneficial, we still have to consider and assess the disadvantages in depending on information communication technology. For instance, the threat of phishing, viruses, spywares may deem all security measures to protect customer’s sensitive and personal information to be useless. Also, the services offered by Hotels.com and its affiliates are only accessible to those who has computers and internet connections. Customers who do not have these would then have to resort to the traditional way of making reservations via phone booking or mails. The threat of a system glitch or power failure would also render these services useless to the hotels and its customers. Pictures, videos of the hotels which are shown to the public may also be misleading as these can be selectively selected to be broadcasted. Only the most beautiful parts or sceneries of the hotels are shown.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, information technology has indeed brought about great change to the way hotel reservations are made such that most customers depend on these channels to facilitate them in their needs. Although there may be disadvantages to these, it is undeniable that consumers are growingly to be over dependent on information communication technology.
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