ABSTRACT
In recent years numerous researchers have focused on the ability of information technology (IT) to transform the tourist industry. Some commentators have stressed the intra-firm impacts of IT (Tourism Canada 1988; Haywood 1990; Bennett 1993; Pohlmann 1994) while others have presented more far-reaching analyses, arguing that IT is altering entire distribution networks and industry structures (Bennett and Radburn 1991; Mowlana and Smith 1992; Stipaniuk 1993; Go and Williams 1993; A.P.Williams 1993; Canadian Tourism Commission 1995). Indeed Auliana Poon (1993:12-13) in her influential book Tourism, Technology and Competitive Strategies argues that IT changes the rules of the tourism ‘game’—forcing all actors involved in the industry to adopt a new managerial and strategic ‘best practice’ (see also Poon 1988b, 1989).
