The Next Shot Across the Bow

They are getting closer and closer.

This week, Google freaked out the online travel community by testing a new feature on its already killer Google Maps...hotel search and price functionality.

As I've said before, when Google figures out travel, the relevance of DMOs will come into question. 

Of all the breathless posts on Google's grand experiment yesterday, Kevin May nailed it on tnooz.

I think you need to read it.

Really...

Comments

[renaissance costume]

Thanks for this great information.. :)

[John Groh]

OK. So, what do we do with this? How do we partner and/or get out of the way? If google is going to provide these services, does that mean I don't have to commit the time and money on a website that while leading edge, will never get the kind of traffic google can command? Perhaps.

So, I am fine with getting out of their way and getting in to entire new and expanded roles in our community.

[Bill Geist]

Great point. European DMOs had a similar sentiment at their conference last fall. But...I'm not sure it's time to abdicate the field quite yet. But it will be interesting.