Title: E-commerce solution as a support to business activities of the large hotels in Croatia: a survey

Authors: Daniela Garbin Pranicevic, Maja Cukusic, Zeljko Garaca

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, University of Split, Matice Hrvatske 31, Split 21000, Croatia. ' Faculty of Economics, University of Split, Matice Hrvatske 31, Split 21000, Croatia. ' Faculty of Economics, University of Split, Matice Hrvatske 31, Split 21000, Croatia

Abstract: Nowadays, the integration of a global economy, in which each subject is interconnected with others and competes on international markets, is significantly supported by development of e-commerce. Global competition results in more transparent offerings and prices. These are often presented/supported by different e-commerce solutions in various business areas and in tourism in particular. Tourists in the role of customers, to a greater extent, register their preferences through hotels| websites, make online reservations and, if it is possible, pay for the accommodation immediately. The mentioned activities/functionalities additionally indicate higher quality level of hotel services and create new business opportunities thus resulting in better hotel turnover as a whole. The objective of our research is to examine and measure the provision and benefits of the e-commerce solutions of the large hotels in Croatia, which are usually a part of the larger hotel chains.

Keywords: electronic commerce; large hotels; Croatia; maturity models; e-commerce trends; e-commerce provision; leisure; tourism; hotel chains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLTM.2009.021989

International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 2009 Vol.1 No.1, pp.29 - 43

Published online: 15 Dec 2008 *

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