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PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of travel search, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on Google, other search engines, strategies, executives and role in the market.

Google pauses “vast majority” of commercial activity in Russia, adds tools for hotels
News / Online
Google pauses “vast majority” of commercial activity in Russia, adds tools for hotels
By Jill Menze | March 10, 2022
In addition to pausing commercial activity in Russia, Google will allow hotels in countries neighboring Ukraine to indicate if they’re offering free or discounted accommodations. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Cray is a social-selling video app for travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Cray is a social-selling video app for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2022
Founded in June 2021, Cray pays a commission to video creators when a booking is made through their content. Read More
borrow-a-boat-beds-on-board
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat acquires accommodation platform Beds on Board
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2022
Beds on Board connects boat owners with people who want to stay on a boat without using it in open water.   Read More
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
News / Distribution
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
By Mitra Sorrells | February 25, 2022
Google says it has seen relatively low usage of the Book on Google option for hotels, in terms of both consumer engagement and partner interest.  Read More
tripadvisor-q4-fy-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor makes moves to spin off Viator
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2022
In its Q4 and full-year 2021 financial report, Tripadvisor says it has filed a confidential S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to a possible initial public offering of... Read More
ATPCO pushes for flight shopping standards
News / Distribution
ATPCO pushes for flight shopping standards
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | December 9, 2021
ATPCO is endeavoring to get its Next Generation Storefront initiative approved and published by January 1. Read More
Six ways COVID has changed the airline industry
News / Distribution
Six ways COVID has changed the airline industry
By Jill Menze | December 2, 2021
Moving into 2022, airlines will need to focus on convenience and predictability to meet consumer demands. Read More
VIDEO: BeMyGuest on the tech opportunity in tours and activities
News / Distribution
VIDEO: BeMyGuest on the tech opportunity in tours and activities
By PhocusWire | November 30, 2021
Speaking in the PhocusWire Studio during The Phocuswright Conference, BeMyGuest CEO Blanca Menchaca explains how the pandemic has opened up operators and distributors to connectivity and partnerships. Read More
Holidu acquires vacation rental platform Spain-Holiday
News / Online
Holidu acquires vacation rental platform Spain-Holiday
By Jill Menze | October 21, 2021
Holidu will expand its presence in Spain by merging Spain-Holiday with subsidiary Bookiply. Read More
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
Opinion / Online
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
By Chris Torres - Tourism Marketing Agency | September 27, 2021
To grow a successful brand, online travel agencies need to refocus how they brand and market their services. Read More
google-sustainability-things-to-do
News / Online
Google launches sustainability initiatives, confirms "Things to Do" changes
By Mitra Sorrells | September 22, 2021
Google, in addition to adding "eco-certified" badges to hotels and joining the Travalyst coalition, has confirmed updates to its search and booking functions for tours and activities. Read More
Travel + Leisure debuts travel subscription service
News / Online
Travel + Leisure debuts travel subscription service
By Jill Menze | September 8, 2021
Called Travel + Leisure Club, the subscription service offers members access to preferred pricing, concierge services, exclusive experiences and a magazine subscription for $9.95 per month. Read More
What do Gen Z travelers want from online travel brands?
News / Online
What do Gen Z travelers want from online travel brands?
By Jill Menze | August 31, 2021
According to new research, Gen Z travelers favor online travel agencies as well as travel brands that echo their values. Read More
The state of digital advertising in travel
News / Online
The state of digital advertising in travel
By Jill Menze | August 24, 2021
A new report from Sojern seeks to understand how COVID-19 has impacted budget, ad spend, allocation by channel and how advertisers are thinking about the future of ad tech. Read More
Tripadvisor and Airbnb join Google as local search powerhouses
News / Online
Tripadvisor and Airbnb join Google as local search powerhouses
By Kevin May | August 23, 2021
Google is the web service of choice for the vast majority of consumers looking for information on local businesses and activities - but a new survey indicates other brands are definitely in the... Read More
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