Google Launches 4 New Features for Travel and Tourism

2nd April 2025

2 minutes read

Google Launches 4 New Features for Travel and Tourism

Google has introduced four new features across its search, Google Maps, and Gemini platforms, some of which are powered by artificial intelligence.

These new features aim to simplify and enhance how users plan their summer vacations.
Google Search now benefits from a major AI-powered upgrade, allowing users to generate travel ideas for entire regions or countries.

Users can now start searches such as “create a travel itinerary for a country” and receive AI-generated suggestions.

Google states that this feature enables users to explore images, reviews, view locations on an interactive map, export travel itineraries via Google Docs or Gmail, or save them as custom lists in Google Maps.

Hotel Price Tracking

Google is introducing a new hotel price tracking feature, building on the success of its flight price tracking tool.

Users browsing google.com/hotels will now find an option to monitor hotel prices for their selected dates and destinations.

The system will take into account the filters chosen by the user, such as star ratings or proximity to the beach.

If prices drop, Google will send email alerts to users.

This feature will be rolled out globally this week on mobile browsers and desktop devices.

Screenshots

Google Maps now has the capability to turn users’ screenshots into actionable travel plans.

The app will automatically recognize, with the user’s permission, locations mentioned in screenshots.

Users can then review these places, save them to a list, and display them on a map to facilitate trip planning and sharing.
This feature will begin rolling out on iOS in the coming days, with an Android version to follow soon.

Overviews

Google Lens for Android and iOS can now provide AI-generated overviews in response to users’ queries about their surroundings.

Users can point their camera at an object and ask questions like “What is this for?” to receive AI-generated information and relevant web resources.

Google also states that Lens is improving its translation capabilities, allowing users to translate text on signs, menus, and other materials in real time.

Currently, the AI overview feature in Lens is available for English queries, with expansion to other languages coming soon.

AI-Powered Travel Assistance

Google is making its “Gems” feature in Gemini free for all users.

Gems allows users to create custom AI assistants for various purposes.

For example, they can generate a personal travel planner to help choose a destination.

Gemini can also be used for broader travel inspiration, such as finding the cheapest flights or suggesting YouTube videos with budget travel tips.

The Gems feature is now available to all users on desktop devices.