Monday, June 24, 2024 Google, the world’s leading search engine provider, spearheads our online activities and has even become synonymous with internet searching. Regardless of the platform, the term “Google” defines our quest for information online. Google has pioneered AI-driven travel solutions like Google Flights and Google Maps, Google hotels which aid in itinerary planning and navigation.
Travel agencies including Expedia and Booking.com have heavily invested in AI-based recommendation engines and customer service platforms to improve user experiences Before the internet became integral to our lives, travel agencies dominated the travel industry. Prospective travelers would spend hours at agencies, browsing through catalogs and seeking advice from agents.
However, with the advent of the internet and online shopping, the travel industry swiftly transitioned online. Online travel agencies (OTAs) have flourished, causing traditional brick-and-mortar agencies to fret over their future. Recently, even OTAs have felt the pressure as major tech companies, including Google, enter the travel market.
Google now simplifies the process of searching and booking travel arrangements by enabling users to directly access flights, hotels, and travel packages from its platform, eliminating the need to visit external websites. This feature puts Google’s offerings at the forefront, overshadowing even prominent travel brand advertisements from Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and T.
