Exploring the Impact of Google Maps on Tourism Flourishment

Abstract

Google Maps is one of the most popular mobile applications used to find locations, navigate, and even track self-location. In the Google Play Store, the mobile application of Google Maps has more than 10 billion download counts, so it can be guessed how much people prefer to have this application on mobile to get digitized map services. Google Maps uses GIS, GPS, satellite images, and aerial photographs to show locations. In this research, the authors have tried to take out the public opinion about Google Maps’ services from the tourists or travelers who take help from Google Maps to make their tours. Considering the research methodology, this is a mixed type of research (qualitative and quantitative) where we have collected data from more than one hundred students who are studying for a Bachelor's in Tourism and also frequent travelers. Secondary data- research articles were collected from different sources. In this study, it is found that most people prefer Google Maps but there are a few small issues with the application. If the application could be developed considering the suggested features and services then it will be more helpful for tourists. Furthermore, Google Maps can act as an initial tour guide in the future.