Google: aspiring to be an on-line travel agency?
The rumor keeps cropping up: Google wants to be an online travel agency.
Bruno Perez, co-founder of RevPar Guru is among the latest to say it. But he’s far from alone, says Tnooz.
Reasons: Perez cites the online company’s start-up of Google’s Hotel Finder.
“Skeptics argue that Google would not want to turn its advertising model on its head and build the infrastructure necessary to become a merchant of record and to provide customer service to delayed or sometimes-disgruntled travelers,” writes Tnooz.
Also, various government agencies including the Federal Trade Commission are taking a hard look at Google’s possible monopoly practices. That raises the question of Google being subject to much more intensive government regulation.
“Google’s excursion into the travel industry follows the company’s trend of challenging established markets,” Perez tells Tnooz.
Google is already heavily involved in travel.
That is one of its largest sectors, which means its future expansion is likely to continue to be a subject of speculation.
By David Wilkening
David
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