Info-communication technology, also known as ICT, refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, hand phones, and other communication mediums. ICT has provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies, such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networking websites, like Facebook, allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis.
Hotel room reservation services in the past
Before the use of internet for online hotel room reservations, there are only two choices in making a hotel room reservation.
1) Travel agent
Through this, agents would only show the hotels on his or her own list, making selection restricted. There would also be the travel agent’s commission, which made the entire reservation more expensive. Limited information about the room rates, service facilities were available to the traveller except through printed brochures. Furthermore, some time was needed to get a response from the hotels and travel agents, which might decrease the number of chance in getting the accommodation.
2) Contacting hotels directly
This is done through phone or writing directly to the hotels. High international call costs and long waiting time for mail to reach the desired destination could occur. Travellers are also not able to compare prices between various hotels.
Hotel room reservation services now
With ICT, booking of hotel rooms become much more convenience and easier. Travellers can make reservations, anytime and anywhere, as long as they have computer and Internet access.
Travellers are able to book hotel rooms by using online security to protect their privacy and financial information and by using online travel agents to compare prices and facilities at different hotels. With ICT, booking of hotel rooms become much more convenience and easier. Travellers can make reservations, anytime and anywhere, as long as they have computer and Internet access.
Advantages of ICT
- Processing of data is much faster on a computer.
- Searching for data is much faster.
- Data communications are fast and accurate.
- Networks can be hacked.
- Older generations might find it difficult to catch up with the ever changing and numerous technologies
A transaction broker (also referred to as a facilitator, coordinator or contract broker) is not a representative or agent for either the buyer or the seller. The job of a transaction broker is to help both the buyer and the seller with the necessary paperwork and formalities involved in transferring ownership of real property. An example of transaction broker is Hotels.com.
About Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering reservation services through its own network of localized 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 specializes in providing travellers with accommodation during sold-out periods.
Steps to online hotel room reservations
Step 1: Enter the city, landmark, hotel name or address. Select the check-in and check-out dates. Select the number of rooms, adults and children.
Step 2: Select the hotel you wish to book for.
Travellers can view full description of the hotel.
- Address and telephone number
- Facilities
- Photos
- Map
- Reviews
- Guest rating
Step 3: Choose the type of room you want to book for.
Travellers can check out the available bed types, whether breakfast is included or not, what are included in each of the room type, prices and cancellation policy.
Step 4: Enter all the details as shown and select mode of payment.
Summary of the booking details and total amount to be paid can be viewed here.
After step 4, your hotel room reservation will be confirmed. With the development of ICT, it makes hotel room reservations really fast and easy.
Benefits of using ICT for online hotel room reservation services
In recent years, an increase number of travellers are starting to place their reservation of hotel rooms online, mostly through transaction brokers because they are finding it swift, opportune, and prompt.
Firstly, users are able to compare and choose a hotel in a desired location according to their requirements. As information such as ratings and photos by past customers and hotel details on brief information of the place and attractions around the vicinity are provided, it helps users to get a clear idea of the hotel, prior to its booking.
Another benefit is that it helps customers to compare rates. Majority of the hotels provides details with up-to-date prices, therefore consumers do not have to check with the hotel directly. This enables them to book the right hotel with facilities and amenities they require at a rate they want. Also, rates would be cheaper compared to booking with travel agents as some websites are able to fetch more discounts by negotiating with hotels to charge specially-discounted rates to consumers to entice them to book through their website.
Thirdly, consumers are able to save time because online hotel booking can be done at their own desk on a 24/7 basis. Payments are made online, where a confirmation email will be sent almost promptly. If there is any last minute change to their travel plan, cancellations or change of date are also available with no/certain percentage of charge. Therefore, consumers do not have to worry about losing their full sum of payment for the hotel.
Lastly, besides consumers benefiting from use of ICT, transaction brokers are also able to reduce cost. By setting up a business online, less staffs are needed and no physical spaces are required. They are also able to attract more customers as internet are now mostly worldwide.
Weakness of using ICT for online hotel room reservation services
As the internet offers multiples of sites offering hotel online booking services, it is not always easy to find one that is trustworthy. Most booking travel online frequently requires one to pay at least a deposit and sometimes requires full payment at the time of transaction. Therefore, some consumers might find themselves putting a risk to have their credit card number stolen or a lack of privacy on their personal particulars by booking through an insecure websites.
Also, not all countries are able to gain internet access. Transaction brokers would not be able to get businesses from customers who are residing in less developed countries.
Conclusion
Another benefit is that it helps customers to compare rates. Majority of the hotels provides details with up-to-date prices, therefore consumers do not have to check with the hotel directly. This enables them to book the right hotel with facilities and amenities they require at a rate they want. Also, rates would be cheaper compared to booking with travel agents as some websites are able to fetch more discounts by negotiating with hotels to charge specially-discounted rates to consumers to entice them to book through their website.
Thirdly, consumers are able to save time because online hotel booking can be done at their own desk on a 24/7 basis. Payments are made online, where a confirmation email will be sent almost promptly. If there is any last minute change to their travel plan, cancellations or change of date are also available with no/certain percentage of charge. Therefore, consumers do not have to worry about losing their full sum of payment for the hotel.
Lastly, besides consumers benefiting from use of ICT, transaction brokers are also able to reduce cost. By setting up a business online, less staffs are needed and no physical spaces are required. They are also able to attract more customers as internet are now mostly worldwide.
Weakness of using ICT for online hotel room reservation services
As the internet offers multiples of sites offering hotel online booking services, it is not always easy to find one that is trustworthy. Most booking travel online frequently requires one to pay at least a deposit and sometimes requires full payment at the time of transaction. Therefore, some consumers might find themselves putting a risk to have their credit card number stolen or a lack of privacy on their personal particulars by booking through an insecure websites.
Also, not all countries are able to gain internet access. Transaction brokers would not be able to get businesses from customers who are residing in less developed countries.
Comparisons of two transaction brokers
Different online hotel reservation websites offers different marketing strategies to cater to their consumers. Below are the difference between two transaction brokers, Hotels.com and Octopustravel.com. We can see that transaction brokers are trying their means to make online hotel reservation simple and convenient for their consumers through the use of ICT. They are also using different ways e.g. addition of services and promotions to cater to different consumers.
Different online hotel reservation websites offers different marketing strategies to cater to their consumers. Below are the difference between two transaction brokers, Hotels.com and Octopustravel.com. We can see that transaction brokers are trying their means to make online hotel reservation simple and convenient for their consumers through the use of ICT. They are also using different ways e.g. addition of services and promotions to cater to different consumers.
Hotels.com (Wake up happy) | Octopustravel.com (The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden costs) | |
Services provided | Hotels | Hotels, Apartments self-catering, Transfers & Shuttle Services and Sight-seeing tours |
Immediate confirmations | · Provides instant confirmation once consumer submit booking | · Some hotels have status “on request” which means waiting time are required before confirmation |
Cancellations/amendments to reservation | · More than 2 days in advance: No charge · 1 day to 0 days: Charge for first night and tax penalty | · More than 21 days in advance: No charge · 21 days to 4 days: Charge for first night accommodations · 3 days to 0 days: Full charges |
Payments | · Credit Cards · Payments in full are required at the time of booking. | · Credit Cards · Payments in full are required at the time of booking |
How use of ICT attracts customers | Website homepage uses attractive deals and promotions(such as early bird discounts) to attract consumers | Octopustravel.com is in business with airlines(such as SilkAir and Jetstar) so that consumers are able to book air tickets and hotel at the same time |
Conclusion
In conclusion, ICT has become a top and popular form of exchanging information and distributing of business functions worldwide. Enterprises are now able to go on a global basis where distances are eliminated. The use of ICT not only allows people to share information more quickly and efficiently, but also bring down the barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries. With the use of ICT, hotel room reservation services are giving people more convenience and cheaper form of travelling. In term, this could boost the business in the tourism industry. Though some issues still exist in ICT, however with the rise in competition between businesses, organizations are slowly improving their services to minimize its challenges.
