The Strategic Role of Information Technology in Tourism: The Case of Global Distribution Systems

During the last two decades of the digital era millions of people are using web technologies to communicate with other people around the world. The development of Information Technology (IT) and particularly the use of web technologies has turned the world to a much smaller place and opens up the possibility of new forms of engagement and relationship. On the other hand, IT has a major role in every organisational aspect. Through the use of IT and the internet, it is likely that in the next years all the organisations will be reshaped and will come across new challenges. The aim of this paper is to study the idea of IT and especially the role of Global Distribution Systems in the tourist industry. IT is the lifeblood of travel and tourist industry. It connects travellers, travel industry and suppliers. IT is essential for the efficient and timely processing and distribution of that information, and has dramatically enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of travel industry organisations.