Search engine and internet giant, Google, is currently going through the soft launch of its ‘Things to do’ function, which aims to make travel research and booking experience as user-friendly as possible.
Google developed the function to help users discover new things to do, as well as helping partners to promote their tours, attractions and activities and connect them with interested customers.
The tech giant detailed the benefits of this function, including building ‘compelling’ experiences for travellers and connecting them to attractions, tour operators and activity providers across the world.
Google also said that ‘Things to do’ would give businesses the chance to get their products in front of hundreds of millions of people to be discovered. Plans for the function also said: “Expand your reach with ‘Things to do ads’. Advertise on Google to promote your activities. Put your products in front of travellers looking for activities, tours and attractions. You only pay when someone clines one of your ads.”
‘Things to do’ ads will pop up when the user shows an interest in a particular area or destination.
For companies wishing to use the function, ‘Things to do’ products can include tours, activities and tickets to local attractions that may appeal to travellers.
There are a series of rules that apply to using Google’s function, including matching any pictures to the title and the activity. These images are not able to include promotional text, watermarks and logos.
Google suggested connecting with the company via one of its partners. Operators must meet the ‘Things to do’ requirements, contact the partnerships team and indicate interest, and then sign a content license agreement.
Individual attraction, tour operators and activity providers that represents fewer than 100 operators, are able to work with partners of Google, rather than integrating directly with Google.
Some of these partners include BeMyGuest, GetYourGuide, Tourism Solved and Viator.
Image: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash