Travel related queries on Google Search will now show COVID-19 related restrictions and advisories for the destination and also the percentage of open hotels and flights operating in the area.
Most of the countries worldwide have enforced strict lockdowns and restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic, which can be an issue for those who are travelling.
The update is scheduled to roll out through next week and following its release, if users search for information like hotels, flights or things to do on Google, they’ll also see COVID-19 travel advisory or restriction in and around the destination.
Users will see trendlines for hotel and flight availability on google.com/travel when they tap on a trip they’re planning, or search for hotel, flights and things they can do at the destination. They’ll also see links to local resources that provide data such as COVID-19 cases in the area.
“Because the impact of COVID-19 on destinations can vary, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest travel-related information for places you may want to visit. As restrictions and advisories begin to lift, we’re adding information about travel resuming in a specific destination on Google Search,” Richard Holden, VP, Product Management, Travel at Google announced.
Following the pandemic, hotels have relaxed their cancellation policy at many destinations and users will also be able to filter hotels when planning trips depending on whether or not they offer free cancellation.
“The uncertainty of COVID-19 makes it hard to navigate travel decisions. We’ll continue to share the most relevant information so you can make informed decisions and travel safely when the time comes.”
Earlier this year, in May, Google had also rolled out driving alerts for Google Maps, that notified the users about COVID-related information on their routes as well as on public transports.
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