A comprehensive guide to integrating Google Things to Do with the COSMIC Booking Engine
The digital tourism ecosystem is evolving faster than ever. Visibility alone is no longer enough — what truly matters today is controlled direct bookings, lower distribution costs, and a sustainable revenue structure.
With Google Things to Do, museums, tour operators, attractions, and experience providers gain exceptional visibility exactly where demand is created: directly within Google Search. Combined with commission-free direct bookings, this creates a future-proof sales model that increasingly complements — or replaces — traditional OTA structures.
GTtD is Google’s central product for displaying experiences, attractions, and tickets directly within search results.
Google Travel, meanwhile, brings together a wide range of travel and experience offers directly within Google Search.
At the center of this transformation is the COSMIC Booking Engine. COSMIC seamlessly connects tourism products with Google’s experience ecosystem and turns high-intent search queries directly into bookings — without friction, intermediaries, or media breaks.
In this guide, you will learn:
- how direct sales through Google Things to Do work
- why this model is becoming strategically essential
- how COSMIC enables measurable and sustainable revenue growth
What Is Google Things to Do and Why Is It Strategically Relevant?
Google Things to Do (GTtD) is Google’s central product for showcasing activities, attractions, tickets, and experiences directly within search results.
When users search for an attraction or activity, Google displays:
- official ticket options
- up-to-date prices and availability
- verified providers with direct booking links
As a result, Google Things to Do is no longer an additional channel — it has become a core component of the modern digital booking journey.
Google Things to Do in the Modern Booking Journey
The system mirrors real user behavior:
- A potential visitor searches for an attraction (e.g., “Basilica Cistern tickets”)
- The Things to Do panel appears prominently in search results
- Users compare prices, providers, and ticket options
- With one click, they are redirected to the official booking page
- The booking is completed without detours
Google positions itself precisely at the moment where information search and purchase decision converge.
Why Direct Sales via Google Matter
The strategic value of Google Things to Do lies in its direct sales model:
- no OTA intermediaries
- no commissions
- full control over pricing, content, and customer data
Official providers also benefit from visual prioritization, which increases trust and conversion rates.
Key Advantages at a Glance
- Commission-free direct bookings
- Higher conversion rates
- Shorter booking paths
- Stronger brand trust
- Reduced dependency on OTAs
What Does Direct Sales Mean in the Context of Google Things to Do?
Direct sales mean that users are redirected directly to the provider’s own booking page, not to intermediary platforms such as GetYourGuide or Viator.
Benefits of the Direct Sales Model
- 100% of ticket revenue stays with the provider
- A direct relationship with the customer
- Clear purchase intent
- Sustainable margin growth
How Google Things to Do Direct Sales Work with COSMIC
The COSMIC Booking Engine is purpose-built for Google-compatible direct sales and meets all technical requirements of Google Things to Do.
1. Automated Product Data Delivery
COSMIC transmits all relevant data in Google-compliant formats:
- titles and descriptions
- prices and availability
- images and categories
- currencies and content
All data is synchronized in real time. You can learn more about the COSMIC Booking Engine and its features here.
2. Visibility as an Official Provider
Your offers appear clearly labeled as an Official Site within Google Things to Do, increasing credibility and click-through rates.
3. Direct Checkout via COSMIC
Users are redirected seamlessly to a mobile-optimized booking interface designed for maximum conversion.
4. Centralized Booking Management
All bookings are managed in one dashboard:
- website bookings
- Google Things to Do
- WhatsApp and Instagram
- phone reservations
- agencies and API partners
Measurable Results: What Google Things to Do Direct Sales Deliver for Tourism Businesses
Insights from COSMIC users clearly demonstrate the measurable impact of Google Things to Do Direct Sales on revenue, visibility, and brand perception:
1. Significantly higher revenue through direct sales
By eliminating OTA commissions, providers achieve up to 30% higher net revenue per ticket—while maintaining the same end-user price.
2. Strong, free visibility at scale
Official providers are prominently positioned at the top of Google search results. This visibility is global and entirely free of charge.
3. Meaningfully higher conversion rates
COSMIC users consistently report conversion increases between 20% and 40%, driven by clear purchase intent, consistent content, and an optimized checkout experience.
Success Strategies for GTtD Direct Sales
Direct sales are not only about technical integration—they are also about strategic optimization.
1. SEO-optimized titles and descriptions
COSMIC ensures all content fully complies with Google’s requirements.
2. Clear and competitive pricing
Users compare official prices with OTA offers. Transparent pricing encourages direct bookings.
3. High-quality visual content
Engaging images increase click-through rates within experience carousels.
4. Mobile-optimized checkout
COSMIC’s fast, streamlined checkout efficiently converts Google traffic into bookings.
5. Multilingual content
Content presented in the visitor’s native language increases trust and purchase intent.
Overall, Google Things to Do Direct Sales deliver measurable, sustainable results: higher revenue, stronger visibility, improved conversion rates, and deeper brand loyalty—without additional distribution costs.
Real-World Example: How COSMIC + Google Direct Sales Transform Monthly Revenue
Example: A museum in Istanbul
- Monthly visitors: 40,000
- Tickets sold via OTAs: 6,000
- Average ticket price: €25
- OTA commission: 20% (€5 per ticket)
Monthly commission loss: 6,000 × €5 = €30,000
With COSMIC + Google Direct Sales:
- Direct bookings via Google
- No commissions
- Only €25 per month for the booking engine
- Stronger brand trust
- Full control over pricing and customer relationships
With the same visitor numbers and ticket prices, €30,000 in commissions remain within the business.
This example clearly illustrates both the financial impact and the strategic advantage of direct sales via Google for tourism providers.
Conclusion: Direct Sales via Google Are the New Standard
Google Things to Do Direct Sales are no longer a trend — they represent a new standard in digital tourism distribution.
With the COSMIC Booking Engine, tourism providers gain:
- maximum visibility
- commission-free revenue
- complete control over their sales channels
The winning formula: Google Things to Do + COSMIC Booking Engine = Sustainable Digital Revenue Growth
