CRI听力:New Tech Trends for the Tourism Industry

Technology application has become an inalienable part of our life. By now we have seen an increasing presence of technology in almost all aspects of travel, as well as in promotions of various travel destinations.

Shuang Feng has the story.



Reporter:

Thrilled by the world's largest 3D theatre at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo? Amazed by the big electronic scroll of Chinese paintings at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics?
 
New technology is more widely used to boost images of travel destinations, and to promote tourism brands.

Nina Willdorf, editor-in-chief with Budget Travel presents her suggestions on promotion at the 10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Beijing.

"Social marketing is employable, as the younger adapt earlier, consumers and agents travel more, and share their experiences with their trusted social networks. Technology is a critical ambassador in the public and private sector of the global travel industry."
 
China now boasts 404 million internet users, with 233 million gaining access to the internet through mobile phones.

As the generation born after 1970s and 1980s has become the main buying power of tourism products, a new consumption trend is also formed. They will use technology to obtain travel information, book tickets and hotels online, and check social media sites to see comments made by other tourists on particular locations.
 
New technology will allow the customer's to find better travel options, and will raise their expectations in terms of receiving more customized tourist information.

China faces great opportunities yet more challenges ushered in by the new trend to make more tourist destinations known to more travelers.

Nina Willdorf explains:

"What you see is travelers using mobile devices, using applications where they can look for background help. When you travel to China as an American traveler, there are challenges. What can the Chinese tourist industry do to break the barriers down, for example, translation tools, and different ways to help you navigate."

It's of great necessity to build a technical infrastructure to facilitate the travel and tourism industry. However, as Zhang Guanghui, General Manager of Capital Airport Holding Company says, "We can't be blind in investing too much."

"The application of new technology should adapt to the development of society and industry. I think it should go with actual demands. When demand expands to a certain phase, technology infrastructure should also develop at the same pace."

For CRI, I am Shuang Feng.