Making Google work for travel

Aside from its animal inspired updates, Google is finding more ways to infiltrate our internet lives. Here Travel Daily looks at some of the latest examples in the travel sector.

There’s no getting away from it; Google defines the internet experience. Whether you realise it or not the search engine is everywhere when it comes to online marketing and advertising. But aside from its search engine, the company is expanding in other directions that the travel industry is getting its hands on.

Initially the company posed as a threat when it launched Google Flights, which brings up the cost of flights based on selected fields. The system is easy to use and visually pleasing but does not offer Ryanair, easyJet, Thomas Cook or Aer Lingus flights or displays as many booking options. With customers continuously searching around sites for the best deal, the additional function has perhaps not made as big an impact as expected.

The maps tool in Google’s plethora of apps has been the most popular with the travel industry, for obvious reasons. Visit Florida is the latest partner with Google Maps to get images of its beaches on Street View, meaning that users who zoom right in will be able to see a 360o view of the area. Two people are to spend four months covering the 825 miles of beaches in the state, with tourism officials hoping the images will inspire people to book up and see it in person.

Explaining the partnership, Governor Rick Scott said: “This technology from Google will allow anyone in the world to see how vast and beautiful Florida’s beaches are, which will create more opportunities for tourism. While this technology will better connect the world to Florida’s beaches, there’s no substitute for the real thing. For anyone who’s interested in Florida’s beaches, this will ultimately be a great tool so they can better plan

for their next trip to the Sunshine State.”

Another new travel tie-up is Emirates’ cards for Google Now, an app that Google has devised for Apple and Android products that show up information “before you know you want it”.

Based on settings or what the user would look for, the app automatically alerts users with weather, traffic and public transport information in the morning; will show up maps with meeting or restaurant reservation alerts; local attractions and bring up sports results.

Emirates’ new partnership means its passengers will be able to see their flight information on a ‘card’ with the departure terminal and information for the destination on the other side without having to search.

Considering that its finger is in all the digital pies, Google continues to be one to watch. It might not always be the first with its tools, but when it does pick up on a project it does it well. There are of course thousands of online, app, mobile and tablet options, the trick is picking what is best for your company.