Information control - Essay Example

Internet is not anymore an unfamiliar context or a new phenomenon to many people as many are now connected online. The internet trend is paving the way, reaching each people with the internet connectivity. And, activities online such as online purchasing are just at the fingertips. One of the top activities done by online shoppers is doing online travel planning which includes booking airlines, hotels or planning vacation trips for holidays. It has been obvious how internet services and tools becomes an integral part of user's life.

Internet has been an important channel for online travel planning, resources online is available instantly without the hassle and online travel industry is growing. It is reported by a research conducted by Nielsen//NetRatings that "55% of internet users book holidays online - only 7% of internet users book on the high street. Two thirds of internet users take two or more holidays a year. Silver surfers are enjoying more regular holidays and late bookings online." "Online travel sales increased by as much as 34% from 2004 to 2005 and reached EUR 25.

2 billion in the European market in 2005 - or 10.3% of the market (up from EUR 18.9 bn. or 7.9% in 2004). A further increase of about 25% during 2006 to about EUR 31.5 billion may be expected (12.6% of the market). The European online travel market could increase by 6 or 6.5 bn. EUR per year after 2006. The UK accounted for 35% of the European online travel market in 2005, with Germany in second place at 20%. The direct sellers accounted for 66% of online sales in the European market in 2005, intermediaries 34%.

In 2005 the breakdown of the market by type of service was as follows: Airtravel 56%; Hotels 16%; Package tours 16%; Rail 10%; Rental cars 2%. Concentration in the European online travel agent market has increased following several acquisitions." In relations to this facts presented on how the trend of online travel industry is doing, Opodo Ltd., another travel agents opted to offer consumers with online travel services though their website www.opodo.co.uk which offers various travel-related services.

The company was brought up by top European airlines, including British Airways, Air France, Alitalia, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Austrian Airlines and Finnair. The technology behind the services offered by Opodo's website is provided by Amadeus IT Group, leader in travel management solution system. Opodo does not only offer online airline bookings but includes hotels, car rentals, holiday packages, event tickets, etc.Opodo's website offers flexible online booking options at affordable rates.

All products and services offered online is from their partner hotels, resorts, airlines, and others which brings a one-stop online travel agent which assists travellers to plan their trip with ease and secured. Travel packages are also offered from the various listings they have in their catalogue. The website is also equipped with tools which allow travellers explore how the site is used via the HELP page. For consumers who which to send feedbacks, comments and suggestions, they can do so with the SUGGESTION page.

Online travel has never been easy with Opodo's