Information Technologies: Leading Innovative Factor for the Development of Independent Tourism

Abstract

Independent travel has blossomed and become an important movement in modern tourism. However, past research has never explored the use and impact information and communication technologies have on independent tourists.The purpose of the research is to analyze the results of two surveys held in the Russian Federation that show the way different travel search engines, booking systems change the concept of modern tourism. This study illustrates that independent vacation planning is booming today’s travel market, which is becoming more personalized, digitalized and independent from giant tour operators.  The article discusses how internet users’ requests in the search engines have changed within only one year and how these changes influenced people choice of accommodation and destination.