Here's a prediction for you; the day is fast approaching when every prime spot on Google will be paid advertising, nothing free, all organic listings pushed down the page.

It's been a long-term trend, first the ads down the side, then those across the top, three deep now, supplemented by the rise and rise of Google Maps, which occupies all the prime real estate for key accommodation based search terms.

Then there's fact that Google pushes Maps harder than any other travel tool and its motivation is always to make more money.

Speculation, sure, but the recent announcement that Google is testing a form of paid travel meta-search via Google Maps seems to confirm this line of thinking and for many the writing has been on the wall for some time now.

That is, Google wants all "above the fold" listings on its precious splash pages – the majority of which used to be free – to be paid for by advertisers.

Follow the link below to read the entire article:

www.traveltrends.biz/ttn55-google-maps-travel-trojan-horse