Tourism Digital Transformation and Innovative Travel Facilitation Solutions Based on COVID-19: A Case Study of “Fit2Fly” Testing

Angelina Giakoumi and Constantinos Halkiopoulos ()
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Angelina Giakoumi: University of Patras
Constantinos Halkiopoulos: University of Patras

A chapter in Recent Advancements in Tourism Business, Technology and Social Sciences, 2024, pp 189-207 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 epidemic has transformed global tourism. The pandemic has greatly affected travel to Greece, particularly the Ionian Islands, stressing the need for alternative tourist transport systems. Most nations required PCR and lateral flow (rapid) tests for travel during the epidemic. The private medical industry found new ways to expedite over a million COVID-19 tests because the public health system struggled. The “Fit to Fly Test” is a new term or “Fit2Fly Test.” Before the pandemic, this testing was standard in the medical and aviation industries, confirming that a passenger is healthy and can fly safely. During the pandemic, this term has gained broader significance and is now used to ensure that travelers can board not only planes but also ships, trains, or buses without posing a risk to the health of others. This paper presents a case study of a medical company on Zakynthos Island that swiftly developed an online platform called “Fly Test Center” for “Fit to Fly Testing.” The innovative platform enabled tourists to conveniently book their tests online and subsequently visit designated medical centers at the scheduled date and time for testing. The company utilized Google Ads and social media campaigns to enhance the platform’s visibility and reach, strategically incorporating relevant target keywords. This ensured that individuals seeking “PCR” or “lateral flow tests” could quickly locate medical centers across Zakynthos Island and obtain the necessary certification for travel. In conclusion, innovation and the creation of new technological solutions are highly recommended for tourism enterprises that want to compete, grow, and increase productivity and management.

Keywords: Digital transformation; Fit2Fly; Tourism business; Greek tourism; Digital marketing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L86 O32 O33 Z32 Z33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-54338-8_12

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