United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Google’s message at ABTA gets lost in translation
Technology was one of the main themes of this year’s ABTA Travel Convention, but true to form it didn’t always work properly during the presentations.
Slides refused to load, the sound quality was poor on videos, but perhaps the most embarrassing gaff was during a presentation by none other than technology giant Google.
Unveiling some of its latest innovations, Google head of travel UK and Ireland Nigel Huddleston asked his colleague in the gallery to demonstrate a new voice activated version of Google Translate.
With the screen of his mobile projected onto the stage for all to see, the demonstrator tested out the Spanish translation technology with the phrase: “Where is the beach?”
After a short pause, Google Translate worked its magic and revealed the Spanish translation:
“Dondé està la b****”
Luckily Huddleston was able to see the funny side.
“As you can see, we’ve developed millions of pounds worth of Google technology so we can swear at each other in different languages!” he joked.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike