Question

If F2F meetings become rare, what additional impacts do you see on the travel industry? Describe travel industry investments that make sense and those that do not.

Answer 1

`Hey,

Note: Brother if you have any queries related the answer please do comment. I would be very happy to resolve all your queries.

I agree that it may be more efficient to have business meetings using things like Skype,
and even training should be done online. Online training modules have been effective in my
experience. When employees are able to complete them by a certain deadline I believe they are
more focused than running out of a room for a text every 5 minutes. However, on the other hand
I do not believe that face to face (F2F) meetings will completely disappear. For example, when
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) were initially launched the thought was that they would take
the place of tellers. Many people became angry and said they would not do business at a bank
that does not provide F2F service. If F2f meetings become rare in the travel industry, I believe
business will be lost.
In my opinion, if I were to book a trip where I was spending hundreds or even thousands
of dollars I would either want to purchase my tickets in person where I could ask questions face
to face, or over the phone to a live person. I guess it will depend on a person’s preference. Part
of the population I teach are older adults. Older adults that are 55 and over, have worked in
manufacturing over 40 years are intimidated by computers and technology in general. This
population has trust issues regarding technology and some absolutely refuse to use it for personal
things like checking bank accounts and paying bills online.
Travel industry investments that make sense are those that are made up of airlines, hotels,
car rental companies and a host of other organizations. When the travel industry bundles these
services it’s easier on travelers if it’s all one transaction. The problem from the customer’s
perspective is when they have to pretty much engage these companies separately to get to where
they are going.
Promising investments in training will be utilizing the internet. There now are many
online training programs where individuals can complete them at their leisure. Cardinal Stritch
University also offers online training for individuals that cannot function or do not have the time
to sit in class. Not everyone can function online especially if they have not been trained in the

necessary software programs. It amazes me that some individuals even in my BSBA program
are not Microsoft Office proficient. I see it all the time in PowerPoint, too much text on slides or
some people just are afraid of the program. This will not be able to happen going into 2038.
Everyone will need to be technically savvy in order to function in day to day transactions.
LL Bean uses a type of virtual value chain model. LL Bean was the first one to use
electronic technology partnered with IBM for an electronic catalog. Their competitive strategy
consists of providing superior customer servicing while utilizing technology to gather
information, organize merchandise, synthensize and then distribute products in a timely manner.
LL Bean has basically created a virtual company that has the personal touch of great customer
service

Kindly revert for any queries

Thanks.