Nikolovska, Biljana (2021) The representation of information technology in the operation of travel agencies in the Republic of North Macedonia. Knowledge International Journal Vol. 46.5.
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THE REPRESENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE OPERATION OF TRAVEL AGENCIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA.pdf Download (528kB) |
Abstract
The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic plays a particularly large role in causing changes in people's behaviour in general, especially in their daily habits, which has further caused economic changes. In this regard, a number of sectors in their daily functioning face a number of challenges and suffer losses in the work process, and yet there are sectors that are experiencing financial growth. According to a series of analyses intended for the general population, it can be seen that one of the most endangered sectors from the Covid-19 pandemic is the tourism sector. However, there is some adaptation of certain businesses in this domain, with economic benefits in the field of electronic commerce and online product offerings, i.e., online sales. As for the restaurant and catering sector, according to a study conducted by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, Economic Chamber North-West Macedonia, Macedonian Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies - MASIT and the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce, regarding the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, it is pointed out that in the period August-September 2020, there was a mass cancellation of arrangements and there was a drastic decline in the number of tourists expected from abroad in North Macedonia. Moreover, according to official data of the Macedonian e-Commerce Association, it is seen that the citizens of North Macedonia in the first three months of 2020, spent a total of 28.9 million euro online, and only in March 10.1 million euro. This is a significant increase in e-commerce, the first month of the announcement of the pandemic. Thereby, there was an increase of 17.9 million euro (61.5%), compared to the parallel period in the first three months of the previous year. Additionally, based on the attached data, it is seen that e-commerce, in March, grew by 99% compared to March 2019. The purpose of this paper is to provide a clear overview of the current situation with the representation of information technology in the operation of travel agencies in the Republic of North Macedonia. Finally, it is of particular importance to have a direct insight, through the application of empirical data, into how satisfied the tourism managers in the country are, from the aspect of the application of information technology in the work of the travel agencies, with special reference to online payment, online sales, online booking and so forth. More precisely, the important thing is the context of facilitating the process of scheduling travel arrangements and thus achieving greater effectiveness. Regarding the methodological framework, the paper uses qualitative (content analysis method, comparison method, generalization and specification method) and quantitative methods (application of a questionnaire and additionally, descriptive analysis method). Namely, for the purpose of consistent analysis, the research will apply quantitative research framework, conducted within the travel agencies, based on insight into payment preferences of users of their services, as well as customer satisfaction, on the other hand. The main conclusion and recommendations arising from this paper refer to highlighting a significantly higher level of Internet application, more specifically the application and representation of information technology in scheduling travel services and arrangements, especially in the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to prevent direct contact, and to the benefit of greater diligence and fulfilment of the tourist offer and service itself.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Social Sciences > Other social sciences |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Tourism and Business Logistics |
| Depositing User: | Zlatko Jakovlev |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Sep 2021 10:03 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Sep 2021 10:03 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/28394 |
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