Núm. 15, enero-junio (2009)

One of the most relevant characteristics of entrepreneurial activity in the present XXI century is that it is highly conditioned by internationalization and by the role played by new information and communication technologies; they have enabled corporations not only to operate with grater speed and efficiency, but have also opened doors to new business models and ways of competing which were unthinkable before. Hotel management is one of the business sectors which have largely benefited from such technology, this can be seen in the radical changes that are taking place in the way the hotel industry promotes, reserves and sells its product. Mexico has roughly 15,000 establishments, and over 580,000 rooms which account for nearly 15 % of the gross national tourism product. The main goal of this article is to describe the characteristics and highlight the role played by the new Information and Communication technologies in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success in Hotel Industry. Even though there is no consensus as to the magnitude of the benefits derived from adopting these technologies, what does seem to be clear is the need of maintaining a correct alignment with business strategies so as to generate a source of value creation and competitive advantages.