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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.

Experience industry leaders still see room to grow in changing landscape
News / Online
Experience industry leaders still see room to grow in changing landscape
By D.J. Catron | August 19, 2024
At Phocuswright Europe, leaders from Viator, Tiquets and TourRadar spoke about how travel experiences could continue thriving even as Google and others play bigger roles in the sector.   Read More
How Google’s monopoly ruling impacts travel search and bookings
News / Online
How Google’s monopoly ruling impacts travel search and bookings
By D.J. Catron | August 5, 2024
Travel companies have been complaining for years about Google’s digital search and advertising dominance. The biggest online travel agencies spent a combined $16.8 billion on sales and marketing last... Read More
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2024
News / Startups
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2024
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | July 2, 2024
For the second year in a row, we have compiled data on the top venture capital investors in travel technology and asked some of those investors to share details on their strategies and outlook. Read More
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
News / Startups
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
By Linda Fox | June 14, 2024
Viator founder Rod Cuthbert shared the Phocuswright Europe 2024 Center Stage with Thayer Ventures' Chris Hemmeter to discuss how the tours and activities company came to be, selling it to Tripadvisor... Read More
Google’s algorithm leak and what it means for travel SEO
Opinion / Technology
Google’s algorithm leak and what it means for travel SEO
By Brennen Bliss - Propellic | June 5, 2024
The Google API documentation leak offers valuable insights for travel industry executives, highlighting the importance of strategic, comprehensive SEO practices. Read More
With “innovationism” as its new philosophy, Trip.com Group comes roaring back
News / Online
With “innovationism” as its new philosophy, Trip.com Group comes roaring back
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | June 3, 2024
At its event last week, Trip.com Group leadership outlined the company's goal to be the number one OTA for flights in five years, powered by growth driven by higher-tier members and younger generations. Read More
SilverRail integrates with Google on rail search
News / Online
SilverRail integrates with Google on rail search
By D.J. Catron | May 30, 2024
Google is launching United Kingdom rail directly into its search engine, while directing users to book tickets via SilverRail’s retailing platform. Read More
Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers
News / Technology
Expedia designs travel media network as “one-stop shop” for advertisers
By Morgan Hines | May 24, 2024
The retail ad platform, housed within Expedia Group Media Solutions, provides new capabilities and access based on its first-party data and existing partnerships. Read More
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
Opinion / Online
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
By Javier Delgado - Mirai | May 14, 2024
One day after the European Union added Booking.com to its list of "digital gatekeepers," Mirai's Javier Delgado analyzes the effect of Google's Hotel Ads changes on hotels. Read More
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
News / Online
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
Tripadvisor announced it is not selling amid first quarter earnings results that included revenue of $395 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6%. Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car, and booking a flight was nearly as nerve-wracking as getting a mortgage. Read More
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
News / Technology
How technology is helping to fuel wellness opportunities for travelers
By Morgan Hines | April 26, 2024
Travel tech leaders focused on wellness have an eye trained on the future - with predictions as to how technology may impact traveler wellness and wellness tourism. Read More
Preparing travel for the future of AI search
Opinion / Technology
Preparing travel for the future of AI search
By Mario Gavira | April 23, 2024
In the second of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at how travel marketers can prepare for the potential impact of AI on search marketing. Read More
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
Opinion / Technology
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
By Mario Gavira | April 22, 2024
In the first of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at trends in search marketing for travel and how artificial intelligence might impact the landscape. Read More