Research Opportunities

Destinations and the Public-Private Sector Interface in eTourism

Arguably destination-oriented information and reservation systems have been among the earliest adopters of eTourism through Destination Management Systems (DMS) although there have been a great many more failures than successes. Ironically, however, among the most successful new business models emerging in eTourism are those in the electronic distribution arena yet they have left the world of Destination distribution facing significant challenges. Small businesses have to date effectively been locked out of global distribution on cost grounds and while the web removed the greatest barrier, the paradox is that instead of DMS gaining advantage from this newly available and affordable technology, it has been a new breed of travel intermediary – eMediaries, such as Expedia, Travelocity, eBookers etc. which dominates this marketspace. DMS operators adopt a range of funding solutions from public to private and have also adopted a range of transaction models from pure information sites to full service sites. This research which ties in closely to existing work and expertise in the eTourism group seeks to answer questions about the nature of the marketspace in which these intermediaries compete and to explore the relative merits of the models in operation, in particular the balance of public/private participation in DMS activities and funding. The work should have important insights to offer those charged with operating DMS and how the public and commercial interests may be productively reconciled.

Please contact: Professor Andy Frew or Dr Peter Falconer, School of Business and Enterprise, Queen Margaret University .