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The article explores the means for the travel industry to deliver quality shopping and buying experiences in the midst of facing fragmented travel content. It emphasizes that in travel distribution, there is an aggregation and delivery of structured data to the point of sale. It mentions the need to develop a standards-based system using a hybrid approach. It also notes the use of specialized software to convert custom data into structures.

The article discusses the implication of the customer Web for the travel industry and the proper approach of companies to customer feedback. The six stages of the travel value chain are explained including discover, learn, and shop. Among the key criteria that influence the context for the information needs of travelers are appropriateness, accessibility and depth. Business model is cited as one of the major impediments to an integrated application that serves more of the needs of travelers.

The article offers information on the European online travel industries. It cites the importance of independent travel distribution in providing employment across the European Union. It highlights the economic impact of independent travel distribution which extends far beyond direct employment and reaches across the European travel economy. It discusses key trends in travel distribution and potential implications for the broader European travel economy.

The article discusses the major domains of online travel including online travel agencies (OTA), supplier websites, online tour operators, online corporate booking tools, non-transactional/media travel sites, and emerging media and channels. OTAs offer a range of travel products for purchase including flights, hotels, car rentals, tours and packages. Online corporate booking tools are solutions that deliver online booking services within a corporate intranet to help companies and travel agencies manage travel more efficiently.

A list of web sites that provide information on the culture and arts in Costa Rica is presented including www.gorin.com/phrase for travel and tourism, www.national-anthems.net/ for national anthem and www.oanda.com/cgi/world_holiday.pl?hdnAction=search_countries for holidays.

The article offers a political, economic and business risk assessment for Guatamela as of November 2009. An overview of the on-going campaign to fight drug syndicates is draining Guatamela's coffers as the government is undergoing severe economic crisis. It is suggested by the Guatamelan sugar producers that a re negotiation of the country's trade deal with the Mexican government be made. It is reported that Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) launched a new web site to boost the country's tourism industry.