Google search error hurting independent hotels
A problem with the way Google processes information for its hotel listings has put a serious dent in online bookings for some providers, according to new reports.
Acadia’s Oceanside Meadows Inn told WGME that bookings have fallen 50 per cent this year because Google search has confused tourists.
When the property pops up on the search engine, it is accompanied by a box that claims there is “no availability for these dates” even though this is not the case.
The owner of the inn, Ben Walter, told the news channel: “Many of our repeat customers who know our property are not coming to us because they think we’re fully booked.”
While the wording of Google’s pop-up makes it seem as though the property has no rooms available, it means to indicate that Google itself only has knowledge of availability for hotels that are partnered with an OTA.
WGME clarified that after it brought the issue to Google’s attention, the tech firm changed the wording of its pop-up to “check website for rates and availability”.
Let accomnews know what your property’s experience with Google listings has been like by commenting below.
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