The folks at Google are trying to solve for “X” again with a Google Maps feature called “Mapping Thanksgiving.”
Digi.travel Cyprus Kicks Off in Nicosia
Today the Digi.travel Cyprus Conference & Expo kicks off from the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia. Organized for the first time, in co-operation with the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents, this session puts technology providers alongside travel and hospitality professionals for networking, business intelligence, and problem-solving. Argophilia Travel News reports from Cyprus.
Former Google Exec Dr. Stefan Tweraser Named SnapShot GmbH CEO
Hotel tech startup, SnapShot GmbH has announce the selection of former Google Germany director, Dr. Stefan Tweraser as the Austrian company’s CEO. Borrowing from the talents of this technology company manager, SnapShot hopes to fast forward development of a much anticipated new produce, as well as building a powerful business presence in the space.
Google Starts “Grow Greek Tourism Online” Initiative
In a new initiative announced by Google Greek tourism stands to gain in a collaborative effort in between the search giant, the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT), and the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE).
Travelers’ Hotel Choices: No Choice At All
When Google acquired ITA flight software a couple of years back, a group of competitors went ballistic warning of unfair practices by the Internet search and ad giant. Most people back then blew off what FairSearch was contending, this author included. As it turns out, a half dozen court cases won and a lot of water under the hotel search bridge, and potential guests really have no choice at all. Google has rigged the hotel booking game into an ad recommendation one.
Google Earth Collaborates to Show Us Earth Timelapse
For the geographer or climatologist among you out there, Google has helped develop a fascinating time-lapse view of our planet. Just released today, the stunning perspective via Google Earth, and in collaboration with Time, NASA, and the USGS, offers the most comprehensive view of our planet over time ever.
Frommer’s Back in the Travel Game
Arthur Frommer has decided at age 83 that his world famous travel books should not be slated for obsolescence. The travel publishing legend will re-acquire the brand sold by Wiley & Sons to Google last year. The Frommer’s Guides appear to be alive and well in their founder’s hands again.
That’s Gúgl to You Slovakians, Google to Enlish Speakers
A wonderful initiative by Google did not make the headline news like most of the Mountain View Internet giant’s moves. But the “Google on a Slovak note” program will not only help preserve some fantastic Slovakian culture and folklore, it will also help inform people of this magical country’s customs and history.
Big OTAs and Big Hotels in Price Fixing Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit naming the likes of Expedia, Orbitz, Booking.com, Travelocity, Trump International Hotels Management, Intercontinental, Kimpton, Sabre Holdings, Priceline, Marriott, Starwood, and Hilton alleges the companies conspired to fix hotel room prices. According to the news from Reuters, the suit claims the travel giants did so in an effort to fend off competition from smaller online retailers.
Should Google Buy Travelzoo?
What could Google do with Travelzoo (NASDAQ:TZOO)? This is the question some insiders may be asking if reports of the beleaguered travel deal company’s sale ring true. Having had shared plummet over 70 percent since last year, Travelzoo would seem ripe for the picking, but just who’s plucking online booking portals these days? Reuters has it the company is seeking advisers on a potential sell.
Development of Mobile Banking Products Released
We live in such a busy world, there’s a constant rush, and we have more and more needs. We have contributed to the evolution of technology and technology offered us in return, a more convenient life.
Who’s the Big Bad Wolf of Hotel Marketing?
Just out, the Distribution Channel Analysis study via the American Hotel Lodging Association (AH&LA) and STR, has been released. The detailed study, supposedly aimed at helping “all” hoteliers better understand hotel room distribution, discusses distribution channel mix, among other salient hotel profitability instances. But, is the study really meant for all hoteliers, or just the fat cats?
Google Hotel Finder Adds “Search by Travel Time”
Google Hotel Finder has finally rolled out some of its much-anticipated ‘innovation’, in the form of a new search parameter than allows us to search for hotels by travel time from key attractions and destinations
HotelMaps: Clean, Clear Alternative for Hotel Finding
Sparkly clean accomodation finder HotelMaps is a welcome surprise to the space being dominated by Google and Hipmunk currently. The German startup affords users an interactive experience that leads to a no nonsense booking experience. For those in search of simplicity and accuracy in hotel finding, HotelMaps appears to be a winner.
Will Expedia’s “Verified” Reviews Fly?
Last week, Danny King over at Travel Weekly hit the nail on the head with his assessment of Expedia’s so called “verified” review system. Expedia Verified Reviews attempts to qualify hotel reviews using “use” of Expedia as a criteria. Having pushed TripAdvisor from the OTA nest on its own, Expedia seems intent on milking the last drop from the user review teat.