Google Maps abused by rivals to divert clients: travel agencies

Several travel companies in HCM City have said that their rivals manipulated contact information on Google Maps in an alleged tactic to steal clients, with contact numbers deliberately changed as an act of business sabotage.

Truong Duc Hai, CEO of Pearl of the Far East, was quoted by VnExpress as saying that the phone numbers of his company and some others listed on Google Maps had been changed to that of Asia Travel.

At least 18 travel agencies were affected. Tourists often search on Google to find information about tours and services, and incorrect listings are harmful, he said.

Representing the companies, Hai filed a complaint with the city’s tourism administration earlier this week, publicly accusing Asia Travel of sabotaging their business.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday (22 December), VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuan said that cyber-sabotage acts were illegal and would be strictly punished.

Any company found to have changed the Google listings of other travel films will have its business license revoked, he added.

Source: VNS