Destination search engine to launch

A NEW destination-based search engine launches in the UK next year with plans to take the concept to the lucrative German and Chinese markets. Globaltravelmarket.com will soft launch its Australia search facility in the UK in December before going live in January. Founder and managing director Dave Simmons said the engine will focus on destination-specific…

A NEW destination-based search engine launches in the UK next year with plans to take the concept to the lucrative German and Chinese markets.

Globaltravelmarket.com will soft launch its Australia search facility in the UK in December before going live in January.

Founder and managing director Dave Simmons said the engine will focus on destination-specific product from travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, tourist boards and airlines who will be charged on a pay-per-click basis.

He said: “Traditional search engines might have the technology, but they lack knowledge of the travel market. We are coming at this from the other direction. We know what cyber-surfers are looking for when organising their holidays and have tailored our technology to meet their needs.”

Simmons and finance and IT director Lawrence Hunt expect the site to attract 100,000 visitors per month. Australia has been chosen for the launch due to strong growth, the breadth of product available and the independent nature of visitors.

Deals have been signed with Lonely Planet, Holiday Extras, Australia Travel Data Warehouse, Needitnow.com.au, Travelmate.com.au and Hotelbank.com.au.

A strategic relationship with Tourism Australia has also been formed.