Transcript Creating Functional Databases for Regional Tourism

Offline and Web-based tools
development to support the
TSA
By Reymar Gooding
Overview
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Session 1:
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Understanding web-based applications & advantages
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Supporting the TSA
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System Requirements
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Findings & Recommendations
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Process flow for compilation of web-based TSA
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Questions & Answers
Session 2:
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Walk-through of web-based TSA tool
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Questions & Answers
What is a web-based application?
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A web-based application is any application that uses a website as the
interface (the ‘front-end’). Users access the application from any computer
connected to the Internet using a standard browser, instead of using an
application that has been installed on their local computer.
What are the advantages?
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Cost effective development
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Accessible anywhere
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Easily Customizable
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Accessible for a range of devices
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Improved Interoperability
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Easier installation and maintenance
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Adaptable to increased workload
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Security
Cost Effective Development
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With web-based applications, users access the system via a uniform
environment—the web browser. While the user interaction with the
application needs to be thoroughly tested on different web browsers, the
application itself needs only be developed for a single operating system.
Accessible Anywhere

Unlike traditional applications, web-based systems are accessible anytime,
anywhere, via a PC with an Internet connection, putting the user in charge of
where and when they access the application. In some cases, a secure VPN
may be required to dial into the organization's network to access an offline
application.
Easily Customizable

The user interface of web-based applications is easier to customize than it is
in desktop applications. This makes it easier to update the look and feel of
the application, or to customize the presentation of information to different
user groups.
Accessible for a Range of Devices

In addition to customizing content for user groups, content can also be
customized for presentation on any device connected to the internet,
including tablets, mobile phones, etc., further extending the user’s ability to
receive and interact with information.
Improved Interoperability

Using internet technologies based on industry-wide standards, it’s possible to
achieve a far greater level of interoperability between applications than with
isolated desktop systems. Web-based architecture makes it possible to rapidly
integrate enterprise systems, improving work-flow and other business
processes.
Easier Installation & Maintenance

Installation and maintenance becomes less complicated. Once a new version
or upgrade is installed on the host server, all users can access it straight away.
There is no need to upgrade each client PC. Rolling out new software can be
accomplished more easily, requiring only that users have up-to-date browsers
and plugins. And as the upgrades are only performed by an experienced
professional to a single server, the results are more predictable and reliable.
Adaptable to Increased Workload

Increasing processor capacity also becomes a far simpler operation. If an
application requires more power to perform tasks, only the server hardware
needs to be upgraded. The capacity of web-based software can be increased
by running the software on several servers simultaneously. As workload
increases, new servers can be added to the system easily—Microsoft, for
example, runs on thousands of inexpensive Windows servers. If a server fails,
it can be replaced without affecting the overall performance of the
application.
Security

Web-based applications are typically deployed on dedicated servers, which
are monitored and maintained by experienced server administrators. This is
far more effective than monitoring hundreds or even thousands of client
computers, as is the case with new desktop applications.
Supporting the Tourism Satellite Account
(TSA)
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The TSA follows the concepts and definitions in the Tourism Satellite Account:
Recommended Methodological Framework (TSA: RMF 2008)
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Jamaica was used as a case-study to design the “blue print” for the webbased application/tool to be used through out the Caribbean.
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Objective to create a web-based tool to monitor TSA process in participating
Caribbean countries.
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Aim to create a common framework and procedures for participating
Caribbean countries to publish TSA information faster and easier.
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System designed to work both offline and online.
System Requirements
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Compatible Browsers
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Mozilla Firefox
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Safari
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Microsoft Internet Explorer (9 and above)
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Google Chrome
Browser Settings
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Make sure cookies are enabled in your browser so all elements of our application work as
expected.
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Pop-ups and JavaScript should be enabled in your browser so you can view errors, alerts, and
preview screens.
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The minimum screen resolution should be set to 1024 x 768 for optimal viewing. If you're using
a Netbook, try setting the resolution to 1200 x 800 if you're seeing things out of place in the
application.
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The latest version of Flash is required to view any of the videos on our site.
Findings & Recommendations
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Implementation of electronic data capturing technology such as tablets and
kiosks which are placed at strategic points at Airports, piers or sent
electronically via E-mail for tourist to complete shortly after their stay.
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A central repository or web-portal should be setup which allows key
stakeholders to log in securely to provide statistics needed for the
compilation of the TSA. For example, Tourist Board should be able to key in
results for Visitor Expenditure online instead of providing a read-only PDF
publication.
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Web-based tool should be flexible to allow specific country customizations
and allow users to make notes and adjustments and display alerts which can
highlight mistakes or missing information.
Process flow for Web-based TSA tool
Questions and Answers
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Feel free to ask any question about the web-based tool for monitoring and
creating TSA.
Prototype Walk-through
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Demonstration of Web-based tool prototype covering:
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Setup: Setting up TSA Product Groups, etc.
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Create: Creating and Saving TSA
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Publish: Publishing TSA
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Dashboard: Open/View/Monitor TSA
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Report/Comparison of TSA
Prototype Questions and Answers
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Feel free to ask any question about the web-based TSA tool walk-through.
Thank You!
Reymar Gooding
Chief Applications Architect
[email protected]
1-246-243-4065