ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. The Internet and in particular World Wide Web (WWW) is currently one of the most significant technological developments pertaining to travel and tourism marketing. The article contains estimates of users by region in the world, by country in Western Europe in absolute figures and in percent of population. Also demographic data of the users are reviewed. Selected examples of European Web-sites are discussed. The future development on the Web goes from 'information only' to more interactive Web-presentations covering the whole spectrum from information, via inquiry service to booking and payment. Marketing and strategic implications of the development on the WWW are discussed. [A rticle copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: /-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworth.comj
INTRODUCTION
The Internet is in fact a network of networks. Two of the most used functions on the Internet are electronic mail and World Wide Web, also known as WWW. The Internet dates back to 1969 to the US Ministry of Defense, and developed into a working tool for Universities and research-
ers across the world. During the 1990s the number of users and-also commercial-infonnation suppliers has exploded, primarily because of the establishment of World Wide Web with its user friendly Windows-like interface.
