Computer reservations systems in the Montreal and Toronto tourism industries : adoption and use trends

• Main Author: Gill, Kara M.
• Other Authors: Milne, Simon (advisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1998
• Subjects: Reservation systems > Québec (Province) > Montréal > Case studies.; Reservation systems > Ontario > Toronto > Case studies.; Tourism > Data processing.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=28053

A combination of technical innovations, system cost reductions, and post-1970's tourism industry restructuring has led to the development and diffusion of a variety of sophisticated computer reservation systems, or CRSs. Questions remain as to the extent to which tourism suppliers and destinations have achieved CRS links. In this case study of two urban destinations, Montreal and Toronto, tourism supplier relationships with CRS technology are examined. Drawing on results from the accommodation and attraction sectors of each city, the varying degrees of CRS adoption and impact are illustrated. CRS adoption by firms is shown to be constrained by a variety of management market, and tourism product-oriented barriers. Strategies employed by tourism suppliers to counter and overcome these barriers are identified. Following a review of tourism and information technology policies within Canada, some regulatory initiatives that may assist in facilitating successful technology adoption and use among the various components of the urban tourism product are proposed. The constantly evolving 'technological' channels and networks of tourism marketing and distribution are shown to be important influences on tourism destination policy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)