Metasearch Engine

Definition: A metasearch engine is a system that combines information from multiple search engines to give complete and relevant answers to a query. It doesn’t have its own database but depends on others to help its users, so it’s more like a ‘search engine’ than an independent one. In the hospitality industry, metasearch engines gather hotels’ inventory, rates, and availability from their websites and online travel agencies (OTAs), and show them in one place for potential guests to compare. - Characteristics of Metasearch Engines - Aggregation: Metasearch engines gather information from different places to show users a complete list of choices. Comparison: They let users compare prices, see pictures, read descriptions, and read reviews without having to go through multiple travel platforms. - Advertising Revenue: Metasearch engines make money mainly from ads or referral commissions. They use different cost models like CPC (cost per click), CPI (cost per impression), CPA (cost per action/acquisition), PPS (pay per stay), and hybrid models to generate revenue. - Connectivity Options: Hotels can link up with metasearch engines using connectivity partners, open APIs, or through OTAs. - Top Metasearch Sites - Google: Offers ad placement bidding and a “verified” check mark for credibility. - Tripadvisor: Displays rates from various channels and is known for its extensive monthly web visits. - Kayak: Owned by Booking Holdings, it covers hotels, flights, rental cars, and more. - Trivago: Owned by the Expedia Group, it has an international user base.