Online travel providers feardul of Google’s expanson plans
.Google, the world’s most popular search engine, is making online competitors nervous as it cautiously enters the field.
Last month, Google added hotel links to its Maps application, listing hotels with room rates available to some users.
Not only that, but the company is said to be in talks to pay $1 billion to acquire ITA Software, which developers fare-shopping software for online travel agencies, airlines and search sites such as Kayak.
“Incorporating fares into Google search results would keep customers more engaged in its applications while they plan for travel, a prospect that could unnerve other fare sites. Users would be able to type in their destination and travel dates, and see flights and prices,” said USA Today.
Now, Google users can plug in dates and cities, but only get links to other booking sites.
Google declined to comment about the acquisition talks to the newspaper. Said Google spokeswoman Victoria Katsarou:
"We always have travel in mind. We’re trying to make it easier for our users."
The potential acquisition, if completed, "would be a game changer and a clear signal of Google’s interest in travel," said Steve Kaufer, CEO of TripAdvisor.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt