Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

The evolution of information and communication technology (ICT) has metamorphosed the business environment, culminating in a new information economy that is digital in nature. Since 1998 much has changed with the introduction of web based retailers and the introduction of web based players seeking to maximize their market share and global presence.Tourism system is also influenced by new business environment created by the diffusion of ICTs, enabling customers to search for and purchase customized hospitality and tourism products.Suppliers develop, manage, and distribute products without limits and geographical constraints to support globalization of the industry. Thus, the study seeks to analyze the strategic role of information technology in reshaping the value chain in the tourism industry in Nigeria and in the process, find out how consumers gradually adapt to the new values, lifestyles and new tourism products. The methodology applied is a critical review of Selected tourism and hospitality destinations in Nigeria their effectiveness and use of ICT tools for service delivery in their organisations with a finding that only 45% of selected samples of study are IT complaint and others are just in the process of incorporating IT tools in their operations and services. Since Its application in tourism industry is also increasing being a service that is required by guests in any destination and offering seamless operational procedures for organisations. It was recommended that an integrated information technologies be put in place in tourism and hospitality establishments in Nigeria to enhance the access of tourist information by the users.