The perfect marriage; Tourism weds E-commerce
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
The Holy Bible in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
The institution of marriage is one of the oldest in life. Its influence cuts across all institutions including the economics, science and religion. ‘’Save the date’’ is arguably the most seen phrase these days. Every week, there is one out there.Marriage is a mutually beneficial institution and if you end up with the right person, the rest is simply magical. A big wedding is coming up and you are specially invited to this ceremony. Jumia Travel, Africa’s leading online travel website invites you to the solemnization of economic matrimony between Tourism and E-commerce. Now you may be asking yourself how, this is even possible? Join us as we unravel the answers to these questions.
E- Commerce has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Tourism Industry. The lasting effects of E- Commerce are improved accessibility, a higher level of competition, and a larger market of consumers and businesses around the globe. How is this possible? Below are a few ways Tourism and E- Commerce have benefitted from each other.
E- Commerce incorporates various marketing technologies such as the use of Digital Presentations as a tool to present a multimedia view of the area, including a simulated walking tour, a virtual view of popular landmarks, and lists of fun things to do while guests are in town. This information will help potential tourists decide whether or not they want to visit a specific location. Let’s say you plan on going to Akosombo this weekend, and you have no idea how to make that stay comfortable. You don’t have a clue where to lodge, or places of leisure. That is where online portals come into play. Just a few clicks on your mobile phone or laptop and you will have access to millions of options as well as relevant information that helps you choose. The best part is that prices are usually cheaper online than they are offline because of competition and discounts.
In addition, there is an increase in accessibility with the bond between e-commerce and tourism. Mobile apps are a great incentive to the online market. These mobile applications help visitors easily access information about their flights, reservations, and trip itineraries. Supposing you plan on traveling outside Ghana, preferably areas around Asia or the Far East or a dream trip to Dubai which you are not familiar with, you will rely heavily on maps and apps to take you around. Having online food delivery companies that enable you order food from the comfort of your hotel room makes you not even miss home. You can choose from the various menus and restaurants while getting it delivered at your doorstep. This is an extra incentive for travellers.
With E- Commerce ,Online Travel Agencies provide Exclusive deals. Travel and tourism is expensive sometimes so much some bucket lists are never fulfilled. People draw plans and never execute them because the costs involved are so high. Anytime tourism is mentioned, many people assume that it is a preserve for the rich and well to do in society. Ecommerce today makes it possible for the low to middle income person to visit his or her dream destination without breaking the bank. Discount sales and other reduction campaigns allow travellers to get otherwise expensive hotels and flights at very affordable prices. Booking online also comes with the advantage of booking in advance and securing your booking with electronic receipts which can hardly get missing as compared with hard copies which may be soiled or damaged.
With respect to payments, tourists usually are not comfortable carrying huge sums of money around especially to unknown locations. Currency exchanges may also be tricky and tourists may lose some money if they have to change money every now and then. Along comes ecommerce and online payment options. How easy it has become to load mobile wallets, make hotel and flight payments online and secure all bookings in advance. Tourists don’t have to worry about carrying huge sums of money because debit and credit cards allow them transact business and spend in any country worldwide.
Amazingly, because of social media and many websites, people can now see different cultures and know exactly how a group of people dress, eat or even dance. This makes it easier to adapt and prepare adequately for your stay in any destination. Research into various tourist sites and destinations has also been made easy by the marriage between ecommerce and tourism.
There are many more ways in which this marriage has improved lives. The rate at which ecommerce is growing and tourism is evolving this marriage will only blossom. We wish the a happy ever after.
Credit : Jumia Travel
