Modelización de los cambios en el sistema de distribución del sector turístico debidos a la incorporación de las tecnologías

The last few decades have been characterized by the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT). This phenomenon has been particularly intensively used by the tourism industry, affecting the functions of distribution and marketing of its products/services and generating changes in its distribution system. Based on a review of the literature and qualitative analysis, this study identifies three criteria for these changes: the structure of the system, the position held by operators, and the production processes and product-service resorts. The application of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to a database of Spanish tourism intermediaries allows a cause-effect model for each criterion of change to be validated. The results indicate that virtual wholesalers have an advantage in the distribution channels, whereas the movements in the number of traditional intermediaries and providers are not perceived as important.