US site targets free time

A service to help travellers plan their evening and weekend free time has been launched in the US.

A service to help travellers plan their evening and weekend free time has been launched in the US.

Goby is based on a search engine that will ask visitors three questions – what, where and when – according to co-founder and chief executive Mark Watkins

It will offer 200 categories of content, covering accommodation, exhibitions, beaches, restaurants and concerts. Pictures and maps will help users put information in context.

Goby will take revenue from pay-per-click advertising and distribution partnerships, but has enough financing for the next year.

Watkins has no plans for a marketing push, but said integration into social networks such as Facebook and Twitter is in the pipeline.
An itinerary building tool is also in development.

“The bigger travel sites in the US such as Expedia, Kayak and Travelocity are focused on the logistics of travel and not on the experience,” said Watkins. “When people travel they want to pursue the same things as when they are at home.”