Internet Growth

Each and everyday, more and more people are using the internet to book their travel arrangements. Booking a vacation, hotels, cruises or a tour, often they are using their computer and the internet to find information and sources. They normally use the internet to receive rates; promotions; request information and most of the time book their flight or vacation online. In this paper I will discuss why it is important for web sites to differentiate their sites from other similar sites. I will also explain why the travel industry's internet growth will be so exponential in the years to come.

According to a survey done by PhoCusWright Travel e-Commerce states the following:

*80 percent have "looked" at internet travel sites such as www.cheapticket.com, www.travelogcity.com, www.expedia.com, www.priceline.com, etc.

*58 percent have checked prices concerning their travel arrangements

*One-fifth of the wired travelers have used the internet to book their travel online.

English: Travel Agent in Ingatestone High Street

English: Travel agent in King Street

English: McKelvey Travel, Omagh. This travel agent...

*68 percent have used the internet to do their research and plan their personal travel.

*57 percent have looked but not booked ticket information over the internet and of these 57 percent, 70 percent have bought their ticket later from another source such as their travel agent or airline. (Security)

The study also shows that even though travelers desire the best available price in the market, they are fearful of security and privacy. 82 percent worry that their credit card security might be used by other users, 79 percent are afraid of their privacy being violated, 7 percent feel more comfortable speaking with a knowledgeable salesperson, and that 48 percent would prefer their own travel agent that they know and trust. Despite the reluctance of many online travelers to make purchases, travel and travel-related services remain among the top three segments for Web purchases.

There are many different website such...