Hospitality businesses e-commerce: a case study of a tourist destination in Argentina

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) laid the grounds for commercialization tools such as electronic commerce. This study examines the rate of Adoption of E-commerce (RAE) by hospitality companies in Sierra de la Ventana, a tourist destination near Buenos Aires, Argentina. An online survey was conducted to determine RAE; and Jones, Alderete y Motta (2013) and Molla y Licker (2005) methodology was applied to identify the organizational factors that promote to adoption.  Results show a high rate (53%) of adoption by hospitality businesses. E-commerce is not only restricted to buy-sale transactions, but also expands to reception of orders and booking. Results suggest that there is direct correspondence between higher rates of adoption and companies’ previous use of technologies (number of computers, intensive use of booking system), companies’ older age and awareness of ICTs’ benefits.