California Offers Online Bookings

The state of California is getting into the online booking business. You can now book about 350 California hotels, B&Bs;, RV parks and other lodgings through the California Division of Tourism’s Internet site (https://gocalif.ca.gov). And officials hope to expand it to 1,000 or more listings in the next few months.

State tourism spokesman Fred Sater said he believes California is the first state to set up its own booking service, although some states have granted franchises to private companies, and some cities, including San Francisco, operate such services. Beginning next month, the state also plans to offer telephone bookings on its tourist line; telephone (800) GO-CALIF.

Not everyone is pleased about the new service. Last week, state officials met with irate travel agents who fear the state is taking away their business. “It’s just one more whack at us,” said Coranne Gibson, president of the California Coalition of Travel Organizations.