Planning for the Web Sites of Hostels in Melbourne, Australia

Planning for the Web Sites of Hostels in Melbourne, Australia

Carmine Sellitto, Stephen Burgess
Copyright: © 2006 |Pages: 10
DOI: 10.4018/jcec.2006100104
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Abstract

This case examines the implementation and maintenance of Web sites by six “backpacker” establishments in the city of Melbourne on the south coast of Australia. Specifically, the case examines the approach of the owners and managers of the businesses to planning for the Web sites, gathering the expertise required for their effective implementation, what features they put on the Web sites, how they measured success, and how they promoted the Web sites. Many of the businesses faced similar problems to small businesses in general when setting up and maintaining their Web sites. Some of these problems could have been overcome with more effective planning, but overall the majority of the businesses seemed to build capacity by trial and error. While taking longer, it appeared that the owners and managers had a more sophisticated knowledge of Web sites and their use than when they commenced. However, there still seemed to be a need for further knowledge in how to measure the success of the Web site and how to balance the booking of rooms across manual booking, online booking through the Web site, or online booking through third party operators. This article is an outcome of an Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism Project.

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