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The global competitive environment today results in a more intensive use of information technologies in the service industry as well as all other industries. Tools (quality, speed, cost, flexibility etc) that are important factors in the competition among businesses are increasingly growing and differentiating. The latest developments in information technologies offer new opportunities in the fields of marketing, management and communications for businesses and all the destinations in the tourism sector while providing competitive advantages (Tutar et al., 2007).
The internet, which literally means ‘web network’, may be described as a huge computer network linking thousands of computers in the world to each other. Thanks to millions of computers linked to each other via the internet, an environment in which Internet users all over the world can communicate in a limitless, easy and low cost way has been formed (Vural and Öz, 2007).
The internet provides big opportunities for businesses which are willing to offer their goods and services to international markets, but also entails certain disadvantages in cultural, legal, social, and security related terms (Akkılıç, 2004).
We may list the advantages and disadvantages that the Internet entails as follows (Akkılıç, 2004);
Advantages;
- A.
The Internet benefits businesses which play the role of agent as well as customers who buy goods and services in terms of time and space.
- B.
A business actively using the Internet can provide service to all Internet users for 365 days of the year and 24 hours of the day.
- C.
All transactions, primarily ordering and payment, can be completed in the electronic environment, so costs belonging to traditional forms of trade are avoided and cost of sales are significantly lowered.
- D.
Since the Internet is an environment which all businesses and customers may engage with simultaneously, it provides equality of opportunity.
- E.
Internet users are able to find all kinds of information related to goods, services or operations directly from the business itself by just visiting their website.
- F.
Other advantages of using the Internet are providing direct service, rapidly calling back information and using visual communications.
Disadvantages;
- A.
The leading disadvantage of using the Internet is security issues.
- B.
Another is the consumer’s concerns related to being deceived. The negative differences between what is promised and what is actually done make consumers wary of the Internet.
Daily usage of the Internet, computerized reservation systems and the increase of global distribution channels help tourism businesses take their place in the global competitive environment (Tutar et al., 2007).