Modern Technologies And Innovation – Source Of Competitive Advantage For Tourism Smes

Tourism represents a fundamental drive for economic growth, having the potential to aid in poverty reduction through its capacity of generating jobs and incomes based on both tourism and related services industry. Tourism, the fastest growing industry in Europe, mainly represents a private sector industry, based on small and medium enterprises, especially within the destination areas. Inside Europe, and not only, SMEs are considered as an important factor for economic and competitiveness growth, innovation, creating jobs and social integration. The effects of the latest economic crisis have definitely marked the evolution of the modern SMEs. Despite these negative aspects, the analysis of the indicators related to the tourism field entrepreneurial activity indicates a net growth in Romania during the last years. The fact is due to the innovative potential, flexibility and adaptability, all essential traits of the SMEs field, traits that proved extremely useful in overcoming the latest economic crises. The fast and continuous development of the information technologies brings profound implications for the entire hospitality industry. The present day tourists are well informed and responsible, becoming more and more demanding and generating a whole new level of pressure on the tourism enterprises in order for them to adapt to this new situation. The IT & C infrastructure and services are now a key element which can rapidly propel a tourism SME, or in other cases can cause irreparable damage to a business in this field. A good software for location management, a nice website and a good reservations and support online system can make all the difference now.