The contribution of the internet to tourism small enterprises (SEs) in developing their strategic positioning: the case of hosting service providers
The diffusion of ICT in small businesses remains low (Eurostat 2010) and yet among IT applications, the Internet offers opportunities for such businesses to develop their business activity (Scaglione, Schegg et Murphy, 2009). One issue is whether the Internet can be used effectively by these small structures and how the use of this technology can improve the strategic position of small businesses. Our qualitative methodology is based on a study of four companies working in the area of tourist accommodation, a sector which is very advanced in the use of ICT in general and the Internet in particular (Kalika and Rival, 2009; Aldebert et Loufrani-Fedida, 2010). Our research shows that small businesses can use the Internet as a tool for differentiation, notably in areas related to customer relations (marketing, distribution). The successful use of a website depends on a very wise choice of technology linked to the marketing position of the company. The implementation of a strategy must be the result of a deep reflection on the activity of the business because it determines the services and features offered by technology. Finally, it is not so much having a technophile profile that is important, but rather the ability of leaders to perceive the usefulness of technology through their innovative and risk-taking profile.