Google has made its next big push to take on the big online travel agencies at thie own game.
The company has announced more details of the Google Hotel Ads commission program and changes to the Instant Booking service with more information in search results such as the availability of Wi-Fi, breakfast, a swimming pool, parking and business facilities.
The service began been testing earlier this year with some independent hotels, charged on the ‘industry-standard commission basis,’ rather than the usual pay per click business model.
With the in-search upgrades Google has discontinued its dedicated Hotel Finder meta search site.
"In 2013, we launched Book on Google on mobile devices to make it easier for users to book hotel rooms directly from their phone. Now we’re expanding the availability of Book on Google, bringing it to desktop and tablet devices and making it easier for more hotels to participate," said Google Travel senior program manager, Tom Mulders.
"We’re also committed to helping partners connect with travelers when they are ready to book, across devices and Google platforms. We hope the changes announced today will make planning that next trip an even easier click away."
The service offers seamless integration for hotels which already use distribution services from the likes of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Seekda and TravelClick.
