E-tourism: what exactly is it?
In a world where technology moves at breakneck speed, a new way of travelling has emerged: e-tourism.
What is e-tourism? It covers the online search for information, bookings and exchanges related to travel, for both users and professionals. The digital evolution of travel is explored in “E-Tourisme 2024: How the Digital Revolution Is Transforming Travel”.
Online booking is only one step in e-tourism. It also includes searching for information, comparing prices and exchanges before, during or after the stay.
For users
E-tourism covers every activity linked to tourism online.
From our point of view as users, e-tourism means:
- Looking up informationabout a destination (weather, currency, language and so on)
- Booking astay online(on any booking site)
- Comparing the pricesof several airlines
The exchanges between internet users about their various trips are also considered part of e-tourism (reading blogs, online comments or direct exchanges on platforms).
Guests practise e-tourism when they research, book or tell the story of their stay online.
E-tourism for industry professionals
From the point of view of professionals, here is what can be counted as e-tourism:
Online travel agencies such as Lastminute and Havas Voyage, price-comparison platforms and airlines that sell their tickets online are engaged in e-tourism. Hosts who offer online booking are as well.
If you host guests, booking alone is not enough. Make the property address, check-in times, access instructions and useful destination information available online. Also indicate how you can be contacted during the stay.
After booking, send the guest a message that gathers this information or a link to consult it. Before their arrival, check that times and access instructions are up to date. During the stay, answer their questions via the messaging service you use with them.
Local tourism can also be planned online. Guests can search museum opening times and directions online, but that does not tell you how many will book with you. To know whether online booking is worthwhile for your business, compare its cost to the bookings it brings you.
E-tourism involves both travellers and professionals engaging in online activities. Here's what each does:
Before setting off, a guest looks for information about their destination and compares flight prices. They then book their stay online and consult the access instructions before arrival. During the stay, they communicate with their host via messaging. On their return, they share their review online.
| Actor | Online activities |
|---|---|
| Travellers (touristonautes) | Destination research, booking accommodation, comparing flight prices, sharing on blogs and forums |
| Online travel agencies | Booking packages and travel services |
| Airlines | Selling flight tickets online |
| Price comparison platforms | Publishing offers to enable price comparison |
| Hosts offering online booking | Making properties available for online reservation |
Frequently asked questions
What can an online accommodation provider offer after booking, during the stay?
You can provide the guest with destination information after their booking. During their stay, you can also answer their questions through a direct exchange on a platform.
Is a listing on a platform enough to be present at every stage of the guest’s online journey?
No. It allows online booking, but the guest may also search for destination information and compare prices before booking. After their stay, they can share their experience in comments or on a platform. A listing therefore does not, on its own, cover all these stages.
What is the difference between e-tourism and online booking? Online booking is used to reserve a stay or buy a ticket. E-tourism also covers information searches, comparing offers, access instructions and exchanges during the stay.
Is e-tourism really a promising sector today? Without dated figures on online bookings, it is impossible to say that this channel is profitable for your property. For your activity, compare the cost of this channel with the bookings it brings you.
What information should you send to the guest before check-in?
Send them the property address, check-in times, access instructions and useful information about the destination, either in a message or as a link. Also tell them how to contact you during their stay. Before check-in, check that the times and access instructions are up to date.
Do you need a specific tool to respond to guests during their stay?
No. Reply to their questions via whatever messaging service you use with them. The guest should also know how to contact you during their stay.
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