GOOGLE is now allowing anyone to add pins and markers to Google Maps, an opportunity for industry members to highlight local attractions, businesses and places of interest, pointed out tourism research company MyTravelResearch.com.
Before this, only businesses with a Google My Business page or companies that Google had picked up from other listings were added to Google Maps.
Google Maps’ free-for-all approach now allows destinations, regional tourism entities and local governments to post geo-specific information online for travellers.
“In one stroke, Google has liberated Google Maps,” said Bronwyn White, co-founder of MyTravelResearch.com. “It is now a highly effective way for businesses to attract customers – and for local governments, visitor bureaus and regional tourism offices to stimulate their local visitor economies.”
After pinning, Google’s internal verification process takes approximately a week to check the legitimacy of the pin before it goes live.
White explained that Google expects more searches to be done on mobile devices than on desktops by end-2014. The more red pins and markers displaying hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions and activity centres, the more travellers will stay and spend.
“Businesses need to realise that Google Maps are an increasingly useful sign post on the path to purchase,” said White.
Google has so far liberalised Google Maps for Australia but will roll out the function to other countries in the near future.
MyTravelResearch has posted a video to guide travel businesses on how they can add pins and markers to Google Maps available below or at this website.
