Information communition technology (ICT) factors that influence tourism Marketing activities and tourism growth in Tanzania

The study investigated Information Communication and Technology (ICT) factors that influence tourism marketing as well as tourism growth in Tanzania. The study used interview and questionnaire as data collection methods from organizations, individuals and institutions that participate in the tourism industry. They included tourism stakeholders such as hotels, tour companies, airlines, tourists and people from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. A total of 90 respondents were involved in the study. Books, journals and relevant literature sources related to the study were used. Findings revealed that companies realized the importance of ICT factors in marketing of tourism products. Factors include Internet, mobile phones, media technology and teleconferences. All influence to get information on tourism attractions and places to visit. Internet was the most used ICT factor in communication followed by advertisements as part of promotion in marketing tourism of various products in Tanzania. Results also revealed that ICT accessibility, cost and the technical support were of high importance that negatively affected smooth application of ICT costs should be reduced so as to allow more companies, small and medium, to have easy access to ICT.