The Use of the Internet for Searching/Booking a Holiday

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Mrs Elitza Iorda for her advice, and support throughout the process of this dissertation as it has been invaluable. Her help has shaped this dissertation to an extent that I would have not been able to do on my own devises. I would also like to thank my family, for supporting me throughout the hard times. I want to thank them for all the times for giving me strength and encouraging me to work hard. My friends have been a massive support throughout the year; I would like to thank them all for being there for me and giving me advice to take each step as it comes. Without their support and advice, this study would have not been up the standards it is now, and I would not be proud of the effort I have made throughout the year. Of course, this study would not have been complete without those who kindly took the time out to participate in this study. I would also like to thank the students from Bucks New University for taking part. Above all, I would like to thank Allah SWT, for giving me faith and making me a strong individual and to think positive.

ABSTRACT

The internet is a major tool in the tourism industry; however, it is being used by many travellers. In this study a quantitative approach was made in order to understand what influences travellers to use the internet while they are planning to travel. A number of participants took part. However there have been many different responses based on their experiences and their gender and age group. However, this research work provides detailed information on traveller's impacts and satisfaction.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSii

ABSTRACTiii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Introduction1

1.2 Rationale for the Research Work1

1.3 Purpose for Research Study2

1.4 Research Aims and Objectives3

1.5 Research Questions3

1.6 Outline of the Research Work3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

2.1 Introduction5

2.2 Tourism Industry and Internet5

2.3 Use of internet6

2.4 Importance of Internet in Tourism Industry6

2.5 Impacts on tourism industry7

2.6 Impact on Travelers/Tourist and Behavior8

2.7 Barriers to Internet Purchasing13

2.8 Chapter Summary14

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY16

3.1 Introduction16

3.2 Research Approach16

3.3 Research Method16

3.4 Research Design17

3.5 Sampling strategies18

3.6 Research Setting18

3.7 Stages of Research19

3.8 Data analysis20

3.9 Ethical Issues21

3.10 Chapter Summary22

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS23

4.1 Introduction23

4.2 Data Analysis23

4.3 Analysis of results23

Table 1.1 Numbers of Participants in Each Gender23

Table 1.2 Numbers of Participants in Each Age Group24

Table 1.3 Shows the Number of Participants in Each Gender and Age Group Combined24

Figure 1.1 Occupations of Each Participant25

Table 1.4 Male/Females Responses to Occupation25

Figure1. 2: How Often Participants Use the Internet When Researching or Booking For a Holiday26

Figure 1.3: The Time Spent Browsing On the Internet by Each Participant26

Table 1.5 Numbers of Participants Who Use the Internet as Their First Option27

Figure 1.4 Responses for the Statement 'The Information Available On the Internet Gives a Better Picture Of The Destination Than My Actual Experience While On A Holiday'27

Figure 1.5 Distributions of Responses Stating How Likely They Are Using the Internet Every Time They Are Thinking ...