social change, and modern technology, tourism in Africa is finally speeding to growth. The past few years have seen the emergence of new exciting trends in the continent’s tourism industry. Thanks to deepening internet penetration , over 300 million Africans now have every information they need at their fingertips, including about the best tourist destinations and the best guides. This presents a huge opportunity for tourism companies to leverage on technology and effective marketing strategies to win over customers.
Tourism is gradually being shaped by price assessment and combination technology- development of new applications for mobile phones that offer a wide range of opportunities; social networks are emerging within a more transparent market in which citizens work as a team. There are also changes in the concept of the value chain as it regards producing new business models. Change is becoming more apparent and incessant, just like the opportunities being created. Companies and destinations are tasked with reviewing their strategies-innovating through processes, promotion, improving facilities and infrastructure.
For African tourism to remain on the path leading to the next level, two key areas for developing the tourism industry need to be considered. Selling tourism products and services online has changed from being just price-conscious to becoming an inspiration to the viewer. As the online user absorbs information from a variety of sources, it is usually the site or information source that can best stimulate the viewer to travel.
The average traveler visits about 22 travel-related sites prior to booking a vacation. Search Engine Marketing, Digital Marketing, Mobile and Location Based Marketing, and a variety of other channels exist today for reaching the prospective traveler. However, it is the appeal of the content, combined with the right pricing that will ultimately attract the user to your business.
Secondly, the infrastructure of the organization determines the readiness to respond to customer requirements. As more travelers expect personalized products and services to meet their demands, it is important for tourism businesses to have tools that can collect and monitor information in order to meet the individual needs of their clients. The better you know your customer, the more likely you will retain. Visitors are keen to follow in the footsteps of history; attracted by an authentic site, they would like to view a place where history was made. Visitors are prepared to pay for this, but at the same time expect a high level of service quality. Customer relationship management and other fundamental information management systems are essential for businesses to scale-up.
Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal believes that the African tourism &travel industry is rapidly assuming a third “T” –Technology, as technology serves the needs of travelers, companies and destinations, thereby taking the industry to a next level. Jovago has partnered with Ventures Africa, Africa’s leading Pan-African business magazine to ensure that the African travellers can stay updated on happenings around Africa while also getting the best available hotel deals out of over 200,000 hotels. It is important to generate a continuous and productive debate on technology, innovation and participation in the world of tourism across platforms, Africa must continue to work on integrating new technologies in daily management of tourism businesses and destinations.
By Chinelo Ngene
