
Registration requirements guide for Google 'Things to do'
The rapid growth of digital presence in the experiences sector has made getting the traveller's attention much more competitive. Many operators find connecting with their target audience more challenging than ever. 2023 is the perfect time for operators to utilise Google's 'Things to do' program.
As a global connectivity partner, Livn can quickly help set you up on the program. But Google does have some prerequisites and requirements to be aware of. This post will delve into them for tours, activities and attractions operators.
Registration Requirements for Attractions & Tickets Providers
When Google launched 'Things to do', attractions and ticket providers were first introduced to the program. In the below video, you will see how 'Things to do' works for attraction businesses and how it can benefit and enhance your customer experience.
Attractions operators have already been leveraging these benefits and have seen results early on. Luke Reilly, Head of Sales at THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD said of the program, "We have used Google's 'Things to do' to leverage our online searches and drive more direct bookings to streamline our customer journey. The program has become the second-largest channel to our website, with 72% of the traffic generating new users."
To appear as the 'Official Site' (if you are the attraction owner), or to have your attraction tickets listed under the "Admission" section on Google Search results, attractions and ticket providers must meet Google's minimum requirements, which include and are not limited to:
You must provide a landing page URL that goes directly to the product details of the specific experience. The product must be prominently displayed on this page and include details such as product name, description, highlights, inclusions, etc.
Your price must be easily identifiable on your landing page.
The price sent to Google must include all fees and taxes included and final checkout and be kept up-to-date and accurate at all times.
Your product must be available for booking within the next 30 days, and products with generally restricted availability are not eligible.
Your product must also be bookable with instant confirmation. Products that are on request are not eligible.
Your products must meet Google's minimum requirements, as Google does remove products that do not comply.
Want to get your attraction or attraction tickets published in Google’s ‘Things to do’ program? Register or enquire with us here: https://go.livn.world/register.
Registration Requirements for Tours & Activities Providers
On the back of the success for attractions operators, tours and activities have been incorporated into Google's 'Things to do' program. In the below video, you will see how 'Things to do' works for tours and activities and how it can help you regain distribution power and brand presence on Google.
For tours and activities, the program is centered around Global Points of Interests (POIs). Google has categorised these POIs as, for example, monuments, beaches, museums, national parks, attractions etc.
Although the programme is centered around POI's, the Point of Interest must contain a ticketing module, and it is also up to Google to decide what POIs are eligible.
Suppose your Tour or Activity product provides a meaningful experience to an eligible POI in addition to physically visiting it. In that case, you can publish your product against this particular POI. If your tour visits more than one POI, you can publish your product against multiple POIs. This significantly increases your reach and helps your business become more discoverable.
You must provide a landing page URL that goes directly to the product details of the specific experience. The product must be prominently displayed on this page and include details such as product name, description, highlights, inclusions, etc.
Your price must be easily identifiable on your landing page.
The price sent to Google must include all fees and taxes included and final checkout and be kept up-to-date and accurate at all times.
Your product must be available for booking within the next 30 days, and products with generally restricted availability are not eligible.
Your product must also be bookable with instant confirmation. Products that are on request are not eligible.
Your product must provide a meaningful experience to an eligible POI in addition to physically visiting it. If the POI requires an entry ticket, this must be included in your ticket price.
The point of interest must also be clearly mentioned on your product landing page. Simply adding the POI as a 'highlight' on your landing page is not sufficient.
Your products must meet Google's minimum requirements, as Google does remove products that do not comply.
2023 is the perfect opportunity for tours, activities and attractions to leverage 'Things to do' and become more competitive in the digital space. And as Google's global connectivity partner, we'd love to help you get there!
If you would like to leverage POIs and become more discoverable on Google 'Things to do' as a tour and activity operator, register your interest with us here: https://go.livn.world/register.