Google bought Frommer's travel guides

Google acquired Frommer’s guides from the publisher John Wiley & Sons , Mashable writes . The amount of the transaction was not disclosed.

Google most likely integrates hotel reviews and places from Frommer’s in the same way that it used to use restaurant reviews from Zagat in search and maps. Thus, when users search for places to visit, they will read reviews on Google — where Google can show them targeted ads — instead of switching to resources such as TripAdvisor or Fodor’s .

“ Frommer’s team, as well as the quality and coverage of their materials will be a great addition to the Zagat team,” said a company spokesman. Wiley put Frommer’s on sale in early March.
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This acquisition is a threat not only to other online guides, but also to companies such as Kayak who have integrated Frommer’s materials into their own websites.

As for the Frommer’s printed guidebooks, according to The Wall Street Journal , Google has not yet decided whether they will continue to be printed or will be completely electronic.