Enhancing SMTEs Business performance through the Internet and eLearning Platforms

Online learning (eLearning) systems can help to deliver ICT training to Small and medium-sized tourist enterprises (SMTEs). SMTEs need to maintain and understand the importance of utilising new information technologies dynamically and to incorporate training and education into their overall strategy via online learning. They need to be innovative and adopt systems that will allow them to explore their potential. This paper investigates SMTEs in the European Hotel sector and their utilisation of the Internet and their perception on online learning systems. The paper also aims to demonstrate to SMTEs that training is imperative and that ICTs can enable them to improve their inventory management, strengthen their marketing and communications strategies and develop their internal business processes. The paper demonstrates that a course on ICT skills can assist SMTEs to further their development. The survey demonstrates that SMTEs are not utilising Information technology in their business to its full potential. They primarily see the Internet as a mechanism for promoting their hotel rather than for training, interintra-organisational and eCommerce purposes. Respondents have recognised that integrating technology with training will become a management challenge in the future, but at present it is not considered a priority for many SMTEs. However respondents did identify their highest preference for content to be incorporated into the online course modules to be ICT trends and issues. Therefore it can be concluded that SMTEs are willing to engage in online learning and that the ability of SMTEs in embracing eLearning which can become crucial determinants of their success.