The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

GOOGLE TRANSITIONS TO 'THINGS TO DO' AND BRINGS LIVN ON AS ITS CONNECTIVITY PARTNER

  • Written by The Times

As Google ends its 'Reserve with Google' (RwG) function, replacing it with a new pilot program called 'Things to Do', travel connectivity hub Livn has been confirmed as the latest partner to facilitate the move. 

 

Previously, online bookings for tour, activity and attractions operators were captured in Google business listings through the "Buy Tickets" button. Online travel agencies (OTAs) processed the bookings for Google on the back end, leaving operators with high commissions of up to 30%. Operators did not have the opportunity to participate in this model outside of an OTA partner.

 

With the 'Things to Do' pilot program, operators can now list their own website’s product booking pages alongside the other listings to get direct bookings straight from Google search results for free, avoid intermediates/commission and regain control over distribution, content, and the customer journey.

 

Google announced its new approach to the sector back in March 2021 stating, "This is part of our larger effort to ensure people have access to all offers available to them by providing free and easy ways for businesses to connect with people on Google. We made it free for partners to participate in Google Flights early last year, and in April we opened our Shopping tab to free listings for online retail. Over time, we'll continue building this open platform, so that all partners will have even more opportunities to highlight their information and help people book a flight, find a place to stay, or explore a new destination."

 

From sports stadiums and themed entertainment tickets to historical activities and nature and wildlife tours, 'Things to Do' will allow users to easily compare options for visiting their favourite attractions and will be able to click through to the operator's website to complete the transaction. It means more booking options to customers and puts control back in the hands of small, medium, and large tour operators.

 

Livn's role is to claim, create and power the 'OFFICIAL SITE' button that takes potential customers directly to the operator's website from Google Search results. This provides a level playing field between operators and large OTAs, minimises intermediaries, reduces cost of sale, and increases the operators’ bottom line. 

 




Steve Martinez, Founder and CCO of Livn has been instrumental in making the partnership happen, saying, "It's exciting to see the result of years of engagement with a Livn and Google partnership that can give tours, activities and attractions operators better brand control over distribution as well as a much-needed boost given the events over the last 18 months".

 

As Livn is not a reservation system or an Online Travel Agency (OTA) they take no commission, but instead act as a connection between the operator and consumer. Operators retain ownership of the official site tickets button, the customer, and end-to-end analytics to better manage the entire customer booking journey and experience. 

 

The result for operators? Lower costs, increased direct bookings, and full ownership of customer acquisition. Additionally, with 83% of mobile bookings being completed after a smartphone search, 'Things to Do' allows operators to be where their audience is. 

 

Livn CEO Mark Rizzuto expressed the partnership as a highlight for 2021, stating, "We are thrilled that Livn can help play a part in the revival of travel and help attraction and tour operators be ready for the bounce back and resurgence of digital bookings."

 

Tour, activities and attractions operators can find out how they can be part of Google 'Things to Do' and register for a free trial here: https://livn.world/google

 

About Livn:

Livn is an Open Connectivity Hub for creators and sellers of tours, activities and attractions.

 

Through a single integration with the Livn API, partners can connect to 15,000 tour operators with over 700,000 day and multi-day experiences from all over the globe. 

 

Livn harmonises the content and offers live pricing, availability and bookings via an emerging industry standard. 

 

For more, visit: www.livn.world

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping