i-Beacons techniques in the Egyptian Destination: Requirements & advantages

Many tourism destinations have to use i- Beacons technique to remain competitive and attractive. This technique is a smart marketing tool that facilitates all aspects of tourism, travel and transportation. It can achieve many advantages for tourism organizations, make a direct communication with customers and provide a distinctive customers experience through providing accurate proximity information and personalized offers and suggestions to loyal customers to improve their experience and increase loyalty. The aims of this research are to explore the requirements of applying i-Beacons technique in the Egyptian destination, identify the positive aspect of applying i-Beacons technology, and explore the obstacles to applying such technique. Based on convenience sample, the primary data has been collected using qualitative in-depth interviews with information technology specialists in tourism organizations. The study figured out that the available network at the Egyptian destination is efficient to provide multiple technological services to tourists, and able to accommodate the introduction of new smart techniques such i-Beacons. But, there is a lack of awareness of this technology due to the novelty of its use in Egypt. So, the awareness should be raised through promotion influencing users, whether visual, audio, and print. As well as, conferences, workshops and training for Egyptian employees in information technology and tourism field. These findings have important insights for tourism policymakers as it can enable them to identify the current situation of technological facilities and assist them to emerge i-Beacons technique in the marketing strategies, in order to enhance the customers' satisfaction. The study suggests the improvement of employees' awareness on the importance of using new technologies in their tourism business.