State Suspends Its Online Bookings

The California Division of Tourism last week stopped taking hotel reservations online and by telephone just weeks after beginning the controversial services. The state had been criticized by travel agents, who feared the service was taking away their business. State Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego) said the division agreed to suspend the services for 60 days while it holds hearings on the issue and then reports back to her Assembly committee. Officials believe California is the first state to offer booking services.