Data scraping

Data scraping (or web scraping) is the process of extracting information from online sources with the help of a special digital tool. These tools gather data by visiting multiple web pages, then locating and extracting the desired information.

Data scraping helps collect different kinds of information, e.g., text, prices, product details, contact information, etc. Gathered data is then arranged into a structured format like a .csv file or Excel spreadsheet and used for various purposes, such as research, analysis, or business insights. 

In travel, data scraping can be used to monitor competitor activity, collect rate information to adjust pricing strategy, gather reviews for sentiment analysis, or discover trending keywords to enhance marketing content.

While data scraping can be an effective tool for gathering information, there are related legal and ethical considerations. Some websites may have service terms prohibiting scraping their data without permission. Additionally, scraping too aggressively or in a way that disrupts the functioning of a website may be considered unethical or even illegal in some jurisdictions.