1.0-Introduction
Technology plays a critical role in any industry including the tourism and hospitality industry. Because of advances in technology, customers and companies in travel industry benefit from quick reservations, transactions, communication, and other services reservations and other services systems. According to Davies (2017), technology has streamlined most of travel activities from the booking of airlines to payment of services to enhance safety of money for traveling. Travelers who are looking for easy access to their finances while travelling overseas are advised to use travel money cards due to convenience, safety, and accessibility (Davies, 2017). Evidently, international travelling requires money in different currencies depending on the destinations; in most cases, existing travel enables, such as debit or credit cards do not have the capability of loading different currencies. This paper seeks to help overseas travelers make the most of their international adventure and experiences memorable through travel money card. A Travel Money Card is a portable card that allows users, mainly international travelers, to load foreign currency onto it and use to withdraw cash at ATM, through phone, or online while travelling to many destinations. The card allows load up to 13 different currencies (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2017). To do this the researcher compares and provides in-detail information about benefits of travel cards as compared to other methods used by travelers while on their explorations.
Travelers are always looking for technologies that are convenient, safe, and secure to make their travelling more enjoyable. According to a study by UC San Diego in 2017, Travel Cards are one of the most recent technologies used in travel industry due to associated benefits, such as reduction of theft rates, overcoming current problems of existing travel enablers, such as debit card or credit cards, and facilitate effective management of many international travelers. These cards eliminate or reduce out-of-pocket traveling expenses, facilitate easy account reconciliation and allow for convenient cash advances (UC San Diego, 2017). Jolly (2016) and other scholars explain that due to travel cards, international travelers can purchase foreign currencies using their cards for convenience, managing and controlling travel money, safety, and overcoming current problems such as delays due to cash payments and limitation of credit and debit cards based on the number of currencies that could be loaded onto the card. Travel companies can also efficiently manage their international travelers through travel cards (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2017). Apart from the convenience, cost-efficiency of the cards since travelers can use the cards to exchange currencies when the rates are most favorable is another advantage (Jolly, 2016; (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2017). Wait (2017) claims that travel money cards have the capacity of loading several currencies; therefore, travelers can conveniently use them while traveling to multiple destinations. In addition, the cards have mobile application system to increase accessibility and security of the transactions since the management of the travel card is purely done through the mobile app (Wait, 2017). The integration of the card functions to mobile application makes it easy for travelers to make payment and other transactions while at the comfort of their rooms or while at anywhere. These advantages confirm the significance of technology in the travel sector.
In summary, secondary research revealed that travel cards are safer and more secure than cash (Sivamani, 2016), work on prepaid basis (Wait, 2017), accept many currencies (Beattie, 2016), and a traveler can determine travel expenses. From these findings, it is evident that travel cards have changed the travel experience for consumers and largely improved the travel sector as a result. However, these findings have limited empirical support since many few scholars have explored or investigated the significance of travel money cards in the industry, therefore, need more testing in practice to verify and validate.
1.1-Research Question
What is the significance of technology in the Travel Sector, particularly travel cards to manage money/travel expenses and do these technologies manifest their importance in the travel industry?
The researcher designed research instruments with relevant questions that tested the importance of travel cards to consumers and industry itself. The concept was based on a realization that the significance of technology in the industry cannot be measured accurately without analyzing its impact on consumers.
1.2-Research Objectives
The main objective of this research project is to establish the role of technology in transforming the travel industry.
Specific objectives include:
- To determine the convenience, safety, and security levels of travel card technology to international travelers and managers in the travel industry
- To establish the role/benefits of travel cards and why they have gained significant popularity in the recent past among millennial
- To compare travel cards to other alternatives, such as cash, debit, credit cards, and checks, to determine their advantages and disadvantages before making recommendation
- Output – provide recommendations for international travelers using travel cards when travelling abroad
2.0-Final Methodology
The mixed methods research approach was chosen as the best methodology for this study due to its triangulation features. Primary data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey of a population sample generated through random sampling. The use of the mixed method was appropriate since the variables determining significance and benefits of technology can be probing or statistical in nature. The qualitative research seeks exploratory responses through participants’ opinions while quantitative research is most suitable for statistical variables. Denzin and Lincoln (2017) explain that qualitative researchers study phenomenon or events in their natural conditions, and attempt to interpret events to make sense to readers. On the other hand, Creswell (2013) explains that a quantitative approach is a methodology in which the researcher mainly employs post-positivist responses for amassing knowledge, such as the use of hypotheses and questions. The mixed method incorporates both the quantitative and qualitative research methods hence a researcher benefits from the advantages of each of the methods. The implication was that a mixed-method approach offered the ideal mechanism to analyze the significance of technology in the travel industry.
The researcher conducted a survey (quantitative approach) through questionnaires and exploratory investigation (qualitative approach) through interviews to test and validate secondary findings (Creswell, 2013). The primary research was guided by the research questions and objectives as highlighted below. The researcher depended on both the qualitative and quantitative research approaches, and a combination of these approaches is referred to as a mixed-method approach. The researcher chose this method due to its benefit of exploiting the best of both methods (Creswell, 2013). The approach allows the researcher to compile in-detail data for interviews while questionnaires allow for collecting more data from participants for generalizability purposes.
The researcher used questionnaires (See Appendix B) and interviews (See Appendix A) to collect primary data. Questionnaires were used due to their convenience and suitability for different questions with predetermined responses (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The questionnaires can be distributed through an online platform, and this feature makes it one of the ideal survey tools for the millennial group, such as international travelers between the age of 18 and 25 years. Correspondingly, semi-structured interviews have convenient structure to facilitate answering research questions in a convenient manner. Interviews were suitable since they allowed respondents to elaborate on their answers hence the researcher gaining more information during the session. The interviews were conducted through an online platform, Skype, or telephone since these methods are convenient and quick for reaching international travelers who cannot be reached through face-to-face due to geographical barriers. The interview was appropriate for amassing information from the selected managers of Travel Corporations. Interviews are richer in data since respondents are allowed to give their opinions and perspectives, and a researcher can collect more data from such responses than questionnaires, which are controlled. However, their demanding natures restrict or limit the scope; therefore, questionnaires are important for collecting more data (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The two instruments were also used due to their conveniences; a researcher must not necessarily be present, physically, to collect data since they are administrable through email or social media platform (Mitchell & Jolley, 2010). In addition, they are cost-effective and simple to use while successful in reaching a large population of respondents.
2.1-Sample Population
The applied research method promoted the quality of data amassed. The selected sample comprised of millennial groups who are travelers with travel cards and managers of travel corporations. This population is knowledgeable about the significance of technology in travel industry due to either experiences or leadership role. The millennial group has used travel card so they could compare them with other travel enablers, and provide accurate responses. On the other hand, managers have participated in technology implementations are aware of their impacts on the industry. Random sampling was used because it reduces researcher bias since all legible sample population is given equal chance of inclusion in the study (Levy & Lemeshow, 2013). This, in turn, helped to improve the general excellence of the information gathered.
The study included 65 (N= 65) participants, of which 55 (n=55) were a millennial group that consisted of travel card owners who are between the age of 18-35years old. This group participated in the survey, questionnaires. While the remaining 10 (n-10) were managers from Travel Agencies, and they took part in interviews. Their ages varied from 18-45years old. The gender ratio was 40:60 females to males. The data collected from these participants are relevant and beneficial to this study since the selected individuals are either knowledgeable or experienced in this field so they provide factual data.
A set of 5-questions interviews were administered to respective managers before the interview day then through either Skype or mobile, the interview was conducted. On the other hand, 10-questions questionnaires were distributed to survey participants through email, online survey too (Survey Monkey), and other social media platforms. These platforms are chosen because they bridge distance barriers and can be used to reach a large population within a short period.
3.0-Analysis of Results
The results are collected from international travelers of millennial group (age 18 to 35), who participated in survey, and managers from multinational travel agencies, who participated in interviews.
3.1-62 Response Rate and Demographic Statistics
The response rate was computed based on the number of questionnaires and interview feedbacks received. Returned responses refer to the feedbacks completed, sent back, and met the inclusion criteria while unreturned either did not meet inclusion criteria or were not returned.
Table 1 and Figure 1 show that the successful response rate was 95.38%; this figure included all the interview feedbacks and 52 out of 55 questionnaires. The three (4.62%) represents the unreturned feedback; they were discarded because the respondents had not used travel cards, thus, contravening the inclusion criteria of the survey (participants must have used the cards or owned one). The response rate shows that the travel cards are widely used within the travel sector. The three unused feedbacks were associated with the random sampling that was used to select participants.
Table 1: Response rate
| Response rate | Frequency | Percentages (%) |
| Returned Responses | 62 | 95.38 |
| Unreturned responses | 3 | 4.62 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
Figure 1: Response Rate
Source: Aminat Azdamirova
The demographic statistics represent the participants’ formation. Table 2 and Figure 2 show that majority of the participants, 80.64% were between the age of 18 and 30 years (the millennial group). The other percentage mainly represented the managers who participated in the exploratory survey (interviews).
Table 2: Demographic Statistics
| Age | Frequency | Percentage (%) | |
| Age Group | 18 – 25 | 15 | 24.19 |
| 26 – 30 | 35 | 56.45 | |
| 36 – 45 | 12 | 19.35 | |
| Gender | Male | 37 | 59.68 |
| Female | 25 | 40.32 | |
| Total | 62 | 100 |
Figure 2: Demographic Statistics
3.2-Interview Findings
The interview results are self-explanatory since Table 3 presents the interpreted data that can be well understood by the readers. It is evident that most of the managers interviewed, acknowledged use of travel cards in their agencies. In addition, the managers had a consensus on the benefits of these cards and agreed that technology has significance in the industry. They agreed that even though travel cards are more secure and convenient compared to other travel enablers, such as cash, debit, and others, the cards have some limitations.
Table 3: Interview Questions and Response Interpretation – Managers from Travel Agencies
| Interview Question | Response Interpretation |
| 1. Does your Travel Agency allow consumers to use travel cards? | All of the managers acknowledged acceptability of travel cards in their Travel Agencies |
| 2. In your opinion, what are the benefits of using travel cards in the Travel Sector?
|
Majority of the managers identified these as the benefits: convenience, currency flexibility, Zero International Transaction Fee, 24/7 online support on website and on social media platforms, cost-efficiency, and acceptability by many consumers. |
| 3. For financial security and conveniences, how would you rate Travel Cards against other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards? | All the interviewees agreed that they are more secure and convenient |
| 4. Now, what can you say about the significance of technology in the Travel Sector? | Technology has improved the travel industry operations since corporations can manage the influx of international travelers more effectively |
| 5. As a manager, have you noticed any limitation of traveling cards? Explain your Answer | Yes, not effective in cash-based nations and are not for credit facilities |
3.3-Questionnaire Findings
The questionnaire results are numerical in nature since the participants were given response options. These options made it possible to find the percentages and represent the findings in graphs and charts formats.
Question 1
Table 4 and Figure 3 represent the inclusion criterion that was used to select valid participants. The graphs show that an overwhelmingly 94.55% of the participants met the criterion with only 5.45% contravening. The percentages show that travel cards are common among the millennial group.
Table 4: Are you an international traveler, who owns or have used travel cards during your expeditions?
| 1. Are you an international traveler, who owns or have used travel cards during your expeditions? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Yes | 52 | 94.55 |
| No | 3 | 5.45 |
| Total | 55 | 100 |
Figure 3: Are you an international traveler, who owns or have used travel cards during your expeditions?
Question 2
Table 5 and Figure 4 demonstrate that most of the participants (67%) frequently use travel cards during their international traveling, with 29% use it moderately and only 4% reported that they are not frequent users. The frequency of these cards can only be associated with their benefits and significance in the industry.
Table 5: If the response to question one is “Yes,” how frequent do you use the travel cards?
| 2. If the response to question one is “Yes,” how frequent do you use the travel cards? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Very Frequent | 35 | 67.31 |
| Moderate | 15 | 28.85 |
| Not Frequent | 2 | 3.85 |
| Total | 52 | 100 |
Figure 4: If the response to question one is “Yes,” how frequent do you use the travel cards?
Question 3
Table 6 and Figure 5 demonstrate that an overwhelmingly 92% of the millennial individuals who participated in the survey use the cards to book reservations and access the travel agents. Only 8% had not used the cards for booking and access to travel agents.
Table 6: Do you use the travel card to book and access the travel agents?
| 3. Do you use the travel card to book and access the travel agents? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Yes | 48 | 92.31 |
| No | 4 | 7.69 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 5: Do you use the travel card to book and access the travel agents?
Question 4
Table 7 and Figure 6 illustrate that most (53.85%) of the millennial travelers, who have used the travel cards are very satisfied with them, 30.77% are fairly satisfied, while 15.38% are not sure or dissatisfied. A positive feedback based on an experience is potential in verifying the significance of these technologies.
Table 7: From your experience, how satisfied are you with these cards
| 4. From your experience, how satisfied are you with these cards | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Very Satisfied | 28 | 53.85 |
| Fairly Satisfied | 16 | 30.77 |
| Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied | 4 | 7.69 |
| Rather Dissatisfied | 4 | 7.69 |
| Very Dissatisfied | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 6: From your experience, how satisfied are you with these cards
Question 5
Figure 7 and Table 8 demonstrate that most of the participants (61.54%) strongly identify with what literature has highlighted as the benefits of travel cards. 26.92% agree with the consensus while 11.54% are not sure without any (0.0%) disagreement.
Table 8: What is your take?
| 5. Earlier researchers are in consensus that convenience, security, cost-effective, and flexibility are the major benefits of travel cards. What is your take? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Strongly Agree | 32 | 61.54 |
| Agree | 14 | 26.92 |
| Neutral | 6 | 11.54 |
| Disagree | 0 | 0.00 |
| Strongly Disagree | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 7: Earlier researchers are in consensus that convenience, security, cost-effective, and flexibility are the major benefits of travel cards. What is your take?
Question 6
Figure 8 and Table 9 display the accessibility or acceptability of these cards internationally. Most of the respondents (92%) agreed that they had used the card anywhere they went with only 8% disputing. The findings demonstrate that the cards are worldly acceptable.
Table 9: Can you use your travel cards anywhere?
| 6. Can you use your travel cards anywhere? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Yes | 48 | 92.31 |
| No | 4 | 7.69 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 8: 6. Can you use your travel cards anywhere?
Question 7
Figure 9 and Table 10 demonstrate that significance of technology in the travel industry has been emphasized by the use of travel cards. An overwhelmingly 92.31% agreed that travel cards have enhanced the significance of technology in the travel sector, only 7.69% were not sure.
Table 10: From your experience, do you agree that travel cards have enhanced the essence of technology in the travel industry?
| 7. From your experience, do you agree that travel cards have enhanced the essence of technology in the travel industry? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Strongly Agree | 32 | 61.54 |
| Agree | 16 | 30.77 |
| Neutral | 4 | 7.69 |
| Disagree | 0 | 0.00 |
| Strongly Disagree | 0 | 0.00 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 9: From your experience, do you agree that travel cards have enhanced the essence of technology in the travel industry?
Question 8
Figure 10 and Table 11 show that (62%) most participants consider technology as a major contributor to the improvement in the travel sector while 38% of respondents rated the significance moderate. It is evident that the participants acknowledged the significance of technology in the travel industry.
Table 11: How would you rate the significance of technology in the Travel Sector?
| 8. How would you rate significance of technology in the Travel Sector? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Significant | 32 | 61.54 |
| Moderate | 20 | 38.46 |
| Not Significant | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 52 | 100.00 |
Figure 10: How would you rate the significance of technology in the Travel Sector?
Question 9
Figure 11 and Table 12 show that travel cards have some limitations. The figure demonstrates that 92.31% have experienced some limitations of the card with only 7.69% of participants saying they have not witnessed limitations of the cards.
Table 12: Have you witnessed some limitations of travel card when you compare it to other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards?
| 9. Have you witnessed some limitations of travel card when you compare it to other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Yes | 48 | 92.31 |
| No | 4 | 7.69 |
| Total | 52 | 100 |
Figure 11: Have you witnessed some limitations of travel card when you compare it to other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards?
Question 10
Figure 12 and Table 13 demonstrate that most of the participants (71%) are not deterred by the limitations of the travel cards, 19% are somehow likely to be affected while 10% of the respondents were either unsure or likely to be affected.
Table 13: How likely would you be discouraged by these limitations?
| 10. How likely would you be discouraged by these limitations? | ||
| Frequency | Percentage | |
| Very likely | 1 | 1.92 |
| Somewhat likely | 2 | 3.85 |
| Neutral | 2 | 3.85 |
| Somewhat unlikely | 10 | 19.23 |
| Very unlikely | 37 | 71.15 |
| Total | 52 | 100 |
Figure 12: How likely would you be discouraged by these limitations?
4.0-Discussion of Findings
The primary findings have resonated with most of the secondary findings vindicating the study as viable and reliable. Under this section, the findings are analyzed and evaluated based on the objectives and research questions.
4.1-The Significance of Technology in the Travel Industry
The significance of the technology has been extensively demonstrated in this research paper by both secondary and primary findings. From interview results, all of the managers acknowledged that technology has enhanced the industry operations due to its conveniences, easy facilitation of travel transactions, and its acceptability by international travelers. The interviewees also made this assertion after analyzing various aspects, such as portability, safety measures, and much currency capability, of technological impacts on their travel operations. This assertion was supported by the questionnaire findings where 62% said that technology is a significant improvement factor in the travel sector. The travel sector can now handle travelers’ requests and financial issues in a convenient way since no matter the region, the card can load local currencies. These primary findings echoed what earlier researchers had reported. Langelund (2007) and other researchers, for example, agreed that travel cards have completely transformed the traveling experiences from reservation to access of agents to destination confirmation. This finding is confirmed by a 92% of the millennial participants who acknowledged usage of travel cards for their overseas travels to conveniently access services. Most of the earlier researchers believed that technology improves efficiency in travel sector by facilitating faster booking and increasing the accessibility of travel agents (Lewis, Semeijin, & Talalayevsky, 1998).
In general, there is a consensus on findings that technology has significance in the travel sector. Both the primary and secondary data have demonstrated that technology has led to significant improvements in the sector. The findings prove the main aim, objective, hypothesis, and research question; therefore, it is reasonable to say that the study is reliable and valid since even if another research were to be done today with similar criteria, the outcomes will be comparable and similar with the current findings.
4.2-Significance of Travel Cards in the Travel Industry
The objectives were analyzed through a case study of travel cards. The primary data indicated that most international travelers own or have used travel cards in their lives. That frequency or accessibility is associated with benefits of these cards. During interviews, the respondents identified convenience, cost-efficiency, and acceptability by many consumers as some of the advantages of the travel card. The managers’ feedback was overwhelmingly supported by over 87% of millennial participants who agreed that the aforementioned benefits apply to travel cards. The questionnaire participants overwhelmingly agreed that travel cards have improved the implication of technology in the travel industry. The significance of these cards cannot be overemphasized when one looks at the feedback of 84.62% of the millennial travelers, who said they are satisfied with the services offered by travel cards. In addition, the millennial travelers who participated in the survey acknowledged that they had used the card anywhere they went, indicating acceptability level of the cards.
The primary findings support earlier researcher findings. For example, Jolly (2016) explained that currently, travel cards are the most fashionable, secure, and convenient means of purchasing foreign currency for international travelers. In addition, Wait (2017) reported that the cards could load several currencies making it easier for travelers to use them comfortably in different destinations. For example, a customer using Revolut can send USA dollars into Australian dollars with the help of a mobile app that supports the card usage (Wait, 2017). In addition, The Commonwealth Bank (2017) acknowledges that the travel card is acceptable globally. The findings regarding travel card benefits emphasize the importance of technology in the industry. Travel money cards are appropriate since they are some of the contemporary technologies being used in travel sectors. The findings have adequately answered the second objective and in-detail demonstrated the significance of technology in the travel sector.
The third objective was tested the significance of the travel cards in relation to other travel enablers. The secondary data explained that these cards may not be readily acceptable in cash-based countries or they could be costly due to additional charges (Sivamani 2016). Managers and millennial travelers also identified these limitations; however, most of the participants said that they are not likely to be deterred by the limitations. The limitations are circumstantial and just like other travel enablers; every method has advantages and limitations. Analysis has shown that the advantages of travel cards outweigh disadvantages; therefore, they remain significant technology to be used in the travel sector. The study has adequately analyzed and discussed the objectives based on the primary and secondary data. It is relevant to say that the validity and reliability of this study have been tested and approved.
5.0-Conclusion
Technology is an important phenomenon in any industry or sector due to associated advantages. The current study concentrated on the significance of travel cards as one means of determining how technology has influenced the sector. Purposely, the main aim of the research was to establish the function of technology in changing the travel industry by concentrating on the benefits travel cards and comparing them with other conventional travel enablers. Travel money cards were chosen as point of interest in this study because the technology is new and has benefits, such as convenience, safety, and security of traveling money, for international travelers. The study incorporated a systematic review of academic and non-academic sources as a method of amassing secondary data and used mixed method approach to collect primary data. Primary data, for example, used an exploratory-based case study approach, to acquire the opinions of managers through interviews, and international travelers of a millennial group were asked to participate in the survey through questionnaires. Both the secondary and primary findings confirmed the importance of technology in the travel industry. The objectives were addressed adequately and the findings demonstrated study’s reliability and validity.
Concisely, the empirical and primary findings acknowledged that convenience, cost-efficiency, security, and acceptability are some of the advantages of the travel money cards. In addition, a typified feature (loading a number of currencies) of travel money cards technology has made it a better enabler for international traveling compared to conventional enablers, such as cash, debit, and credit cards. The millennial group is the main user of travel money cards but older travelers have also shown interest in this technology, and its convenience and accessibility has been enhanced though an integration mobile app. Following the outcome of this study, it is relevant to conclude that travel money cards is one of significant technologies in the travel industry that has improve international traveling through ease of transactions and security of traveling money.
6.0-Reference List
Bryman, A. and Bell, E., 2015. Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Commonwealth Bank, 2017. Features and Benefits of Travel Cards. Available at: https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/international/travel-money-card/features-benefits.html [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018].
Creswell, J.W. 2013. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Davies, J. 2017. Are Travel Money Cards worth it? Canstar Available at: https://www.canstar.com.au/travel-money-cards/the-pros-and-cons/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018].
Denzin, N.K.. & Lincoln, Y. 2017. Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In N.K. Denzin & Y. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of qualitative research (2017). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Jolly, W., 2016. What is a Travel Money Card. Available at: https://www.canstar.com.au/travel-money-cards/what-is-a-travel-money-card/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018].
Langelund, S. 2007. Mobile Travel. Tourism & Hospitality Research, vol. 7, no. 3/4, pp. 284-286.
Levy, P.S. and Lemeshow, S., 2013. Sampling of populations: methods and applications. John Wiley & Sons.
Lewis, I., Semeijin, J., &Talalayevsky, A., 1998. The Impact of Information Technology on Travel Agents. Transportation Journal, vol. 37, no. 4. Available at: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/article/Transportation-Journal/21089568.html [Accessed 27 Jan 2018].
Mitchell, M. L., and Jolley, J. M. 2010. Research design explained. Australia: Wadsworth.
Sivamani, S. 2016.Comparison of Prepaid Forex Travel Cads vs. Cash, Debit & Credit Card. Available at: https://www.extravelmoney.com/blog/travel-cards-vs-cash-debit-credit-card/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018].
Tang-Taye, J., & Boyer, M., 2014. The Impact of the Internet in Travel and Tourism: A Research Review 2001-2010. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 82-113.
UC San Diego 2017. Travel card use and benefits. Faculty & Staff. Available at: https://blink.ucsd.edu/travel/before/travel-card/benefits.html [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018].
Wait, R., 2017. What is a Prepaid Travel Card. Available at: https://www.moneysupermarket.com/prepaid-cards/what-is-a-prepaid-travel-card/. [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018]
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (2017). How to use a travel money card. Available at: https://www.commbank.com.au/guidance/consumer-finance/how-to-use-a-travel-money-card-201607.html [Accessed 27 Jan. 2018]
7.0-Appendices
7.1-Appendix A: Interview Template
Part A: Personal Information
| 1) Age group 18 – 25 30 – 35
26 – 30 36 – 45 |
| 2) Gender: Male Female |
| 3) Occupation __________________________________(Optional) |
Part B: Interview Questions
1-Does your Travel Agency allow consumers to use travel cards?
Yes No
2-In your opinion, what are the benefits of using travel cards in the Travel Sector?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3-For financial security and conveniences, how would you rate Travel Cards against other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
4-Now, what can you say about the significance of technology in the Travel Sector?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
5-As a manager, have you noticed any limitation of traveling cards? Explain your Answer
Yes No
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.2-Appendix B: Questionnaire
Questionnaire Guide for Participants
Note: It is voluntary to participate in this survey. Identify of respondents will be protected.
Part A: Personal Information
| 2) Age group 18 – 20 30 – 35
21 – 29 |
| 3) Gender: Male Female |
| 4) Occupation __________________________________(Optional) |
Part B: Questionnaire Questions
Kindly choose the response prompt that accurately answers the questions based on your understanding.
1-Are you an international traveler, who owns or have used travel cards during your expeditions?
- Yes
- No
2-If the response to question one is “Yes,” how frequent do you use the travel cards?
- Very Frequent
- Moderate
- Not Frequent
3-Do you use the travel card to book and access the travel agents?
- Yes
- No
4-From your experience, how satisfied are you with these cards
- Very Satisfied
- Fairly Satisfied
- Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied
- Rather Dissatisfied
- Very Dissatisfied
5-Earlier researchers are in consensus that convenience, security, cost-effective, and flexibility are the major benefits of travel cards. What is your take?
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
6-Can you use your travel cards anyway?
- Yes
- No
7-From your experience, do you agree that travel cards have enhanced the essence of technology in the travel industry?
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
8-How would you rate significance of technology in the Travel Sector?
- Significant
- Moderate
- Not Significant
9-Have you witnessed some limitations of travel card when you compare it to other travel enablers, such as cash, credit, and debit cards?
- Yes
- No
10-How likely would you be discouraged by these limitations?
- Very likely
- Somewhat likely
- Neutral
- Somewhat unlikely
- Very unlikely
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