The Contracts of E-Tourism Companies Amid The Control of Cyberspace Technologies ( An Analytical Study on Tourism Market)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Alexandria University , Faculty of Tourism and Hotels , Department of Tourism Studies , Alexandria- Egypt

Abstract

Tourism companies are nowadays promoting their programs mainly through their websites, as well as concluding tourism deals online.This type of contracts is called "e-tourism contracts" which can be defined as a contract that involves the exchange of messages and information between a tourism company and its customers through pre-prepared forms that are processed electronically and that result in contractual obligations.
The research aims to identify the status of the electronic tourism contract in terms of achieving a balanced relationship in the contracting processes between the client and the tourism company,as well as to identify the legal position in case of conflict between the client and the tourism company. Furthermore, the research seeks to identify the problems that may face the customer while shopping for tourism services online so that the customer is not exposed to material damage, fraud.
The research tested the research hypotheses using a descriptive analytical research methodology. It also relied on data selection tools like structured interviews, survey questionnaire and a case study to arrive at recommendations and a framework for tourism companies in Egypt to rely on when using this new emerging pattern of online contracting.
The research concluded, that the Egyptian legislator must take the initiative to issue a legislation regulating electronic arbitration, in order to assure the customer of the existence of a fast system that resolves any issues in the occurrence of a dispute . It is also necessary to conduct awareness campaigns especially for tourism companies and customers about electronic tourism contracts.

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