Virtual Tourism; Discussing the Necessities and Needs of Tehran City

Recently, the internet has affected all sectors of tourism industry so extensively that the virtual tourism has become the most important and basic factor in tourism industry. By this type of tourism, referring to a valid site of E-Tourism, a user can receive all needed services for his/her travel in a favorable quality, speed and price due to having access to integrated and packaged information according to his/her standards and expectations. Hence, tourists can plan their trip that offers the highest utility. Operators and tourism agencies will find opportunity to provide better products exactly and user-friendly in a wide virtual space for a wide range of global users. Services provided in E-Tourism are as follows: - informing clearly, accurately and reliably - arranging all visa formalities - booking into hotels and recreational and tourism centers - reserving and renting vehicles - getting plane, train and bus tickets - purchasing travel programs and various tours - many other services which are offered every day In fact cyberspace facilities which are increasing day by day allow us to provide digital pictures, videos and beautiful graphics of ecotourism, folk and cultural attractions and all services for users, but unfortunately this field has not been considered appropriately. This paper aims to study the necessities and needs of Tehran virtual tourism. Therefore, theoretical aspects of the research were studied. Having the theoretical results, experts' opinions and experiences of other countries merged, several questions were designed and asked. The data has been analyzed using descriptive statistics. The sample includes citizens who referred to electronic system of Tehran municipality and completed the questionnaire. By 26 Dec. 2011, 245 questionnaires were completed. Final results indicates that virtual tourism and on line services can be solutions to reduce trips within the city and reduce citizens' confusion about planning for leisure due to the main problems of Tehran City such as traffic, pollution, crime, inflation, fuel shortage and so on. Tehran citizens believe that it is necessary for authorities especially Tehran Municipality to provide virtual tourism services and to establish infrastructures and facilities. Also some of the most important reasons for undeveloped virtual tourism in Tehran City are as follows: 1. Lack of consideration and obligation of authorities in Tehran Municipality 2. Absence of codified regulations about emphasizing on the role of Tehran Municipality and taking them responsible for virtual tourism 3. Absence of virtual tourism center in the structure of Tehran Municipality 4. Absence of comprehensive and complete tourism website about Tehran City