The travel and tourism industry has been an early adopter of the Internet. Numerous small tourism businesses derive a large portion of their income from Internet bookings. Large tour operators and brokers have been using the Internet as a marketing tool and information channel between themselves and their agents around the world. The research aims to determine the technical quality of websites, their ability to facilitate doing business with 4 kinds of important customers both local and international. Lastly the study will look at companies’ email responsiveness. The research is being conducted by BlueRiverStone in association with Japie Swanepoel and Ingrid Rubin of Longtail, both experienced experts in the industry. The same methodology as developed for the Best Corporate Website Awards by BlueRiverStone is being adapted and applied to the South African travel and tourism industry.The Sponsors intend that research findings will be utilised to support and increase the quality of online services in the industry, leading up to the 2010 World Cup, to match if not exceed global standards. This research will be conducted on one hundred (100) South African Tourism businesses segmented into the following categories:

• Airlines
• Car rental companies
• Accommodation
• Game Experience
• Tour operators

The report based on the research will be released at Indaba in May 2007 at the South African Tourism Online Marketing Educational Seminar. The report will set the benchmarks in company practice, uncovering trends, conventions and plain good ideas. Ultimately it seeks to be a resource and reference point for the Internet in South Africa, increasing awareness of the value of the Internet for Travel and Tourism companies, not only for themselves, but also as ambassadors of South Africa in the global travel and tourism industry.Contacts Details:Ingrid Rubin - rubin@mwebbiz.co.za 083 641 6668 Ian Kruger (BlueRiverStone) ian@blueriverstone.com 0834083248 Japie Swanepoel japie@24.com 082 433 3033