Exploring Solutions and the Role of GDS Technology in Crossing the Current Pandemic Context in Tourism

Abstract

In the current pandemic context, tourists increasingly need to receive assurances from the tourism and hospitality industry that their safety and health will not be endangered during their trip or their stay. Tourists increasingly prefer to plan their own trips and information technology is playing a very important role in the hotel and tourism industry. This study uses strategic management methods and comparative analysis to formulate strategies, measures, and solutions to maintain the safety and the health of tourists at the level of the tourism and hospitality industry. The aim of the paper is to provide solutions for the tourism industry in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, through a strategic managerial approach and by involving information technology and global distribution systems (GDSs) as a decision supporting tool. The results of the study are useful for small and medium enterprises to act efficiently in this pandemic context, but are also useful for GDS providers to reflect on possible improvements in system functionality to implement solutions and to support the decisions of tourists.

SME resilience as a catalyst for tourism destinations: a literature review

“…Collective actions should incorporate resilient culture and values (Becken, 2013 ; Yang et al, 2020 ; Prayag, 2018 ; Puri et al, 2019 ) in community-centered socialized tourism (Higgins-Desbiolles, 2020 ). Articles within the COVID-19 era underscored tourism MSME support and more collaborations (Dayour et al, 2020a , 2020b ; Ngo et al, 2020 ; Haneberg, 2021a , 2021b ; Pyke et al, 2021 ) and networking (Orhan, 2021 ; Coles et al, 2021 ) towards system transformation (Kastenholz et al, 2021 ) through technological connectivity (Foris et al, 2021 ) while navigating the new normal.…”

“…This may come in the form of training (Tanana et al, 2019 ) subsidies (Yang et al, 2020 ) and social safety nets, caring, and networks (Higgins-Desbiolles, 2020 ). Struggling with COVID necessitates governance focusing on policies tackling economic support (Nuñez & Musteen, 2020 ; Dayour et al, 2020b ; Pyke et al, 2021 ; Palrão et al, 2021 ) and safety measures (Foris et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2021 ; Duan et al, 2021 ).…”

Examining brand transgression, behavioral responses and the mediating effect of perceived brand betrayal

“…Customers and hotels increasingly turn to travel agencies and booking services to plan their trips and do business (Foris et al , 2021). Travel agencies develop services by fostering collaboration and sharing responsibilities with key suppliers, such as hotels (Zhang et al , 2010).…”