A senior Google executive insisted the search giant has no plans to become an online travel agent (OTA), but conceded he could Òsee why people thinkÓ it will. ÒWe are not becoming an OTA, but I can see why people think the Book on Google feature makes us an OTA,” said Oliver Heckmann, Google Head of Engineering for Shopping and Travel.
WhoÕs afraid of Google?
Google, whose mantra used to be ÔDonÕt be evilÕ (until it dropped it for the motto ÔDo the right thingÕ), is almost omnipresent in our lives these days.
A closer look at the Google Trips app
This app is designed to to take the stress out of planning a holiday itinerary by providing travelers with easy access to information like things to do and see.
Does page two in Google even exist?
If a property’s vanity site can’t be found on the first page and near the top, Google’s algorithm is insinuating that this hotel probably isn’t what this particular guest is looking for.
Hilton integrates HHonors app with Google Maps to assist room selection
Google Maps now integrates into the HHonors app’s room selection function, enabling Hilton guests to visualize where their hotel room is in relation to city streets, public transit, parks, bodies of water and soon, points of interest – all before picking their exact room of choice.
Google update strengthens case for location marketing
If your hotel makes use of the AdWords location extension, you can expect to see an increase in website visits by about 10 fold.
How to measure your website’s ROI
While website metrics are not perfect, don’t rely on ‘hope’ marketing, especially in the digital age.
What all hotel owners need to know about SEO
Hoteliers who want to get more direct bookings must apply proven SEO principles to a site’s design and content so that its visibility in search engine results is greatly improved.
Google drops right side PPC ads: Implications for hotels
Brands should expect to see cost-per-click rise across the board and certain keyword strategies that might have worked in the past, may become cost prohibitive to continue as a viable strategy in the future.
Nathalie Corredor named Hilton Worldwide Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy
Prior to joining Hilton, Corredor spent much of her career working in Silicon Valley, most recently at Google as Global Head of Vertical Search Ad Development & Sales.
