The top-level domain (TLD) “.reise” is a German term that translates into English as “travel.” Developed by the dotREISE GmbH, it is designed specifically for the travel and tourism industries in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As such, it provides a clear identification of businesses related to tourism and travel, creating a recognizable space for consumers interested in these services.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that “.reise” is a relatively new addition to the list of TLDs (1). ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the international governing body for domain names, has recently approved numerous new TLDs to supplement the traditional “.com,” “.org,” and “.net” among others. They did this to address the expanding need for new domain names as the internet grows and evolves.
Thus, companies in the German-speaking travel industry can now register their domain with “.reise,” allowing them to explicitly and immediately communicate the nature of their business to internet users. For instance, a travel agency could have a domain name like www.abenteuer.reise (“adventure.travel”) that readily signals it caters to adventurous travel experiences (2).
Using “.reise” can help businesses in the travel industry stand out from the competition, improve search engine optimization, and drive targeted traffic to their website. According to Registry Services, LLC (the administrator of this TLD), “.reise” helps businesses gain “…visibility among German speaking customers and distinguishes…[them] from competitors. After all, many customers will be searching for a .REISE domain to find the best travel opportunities (3).”
It’s essential, however, that businesses wishing to use “.reise” must adhere to ICANN’s rules and registration policies. According to the dotREISE GmbH, the “.reise TLD is subject to a set of criteria that restrict eligibility to register domain names to bona fide members of the German-speaking travel industry (4).”
In conclusion, “.reise” is an effective TLD for businesses within the travel industry in German-speaking regions. It offers the potential for improved brand visibility, improved search engine optimization, and access to a targeted audience of German-speaking travelers. As the internet continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see more such industry- and language-specific TLDs being developed.
Sources:
1. (2021) “About .reise domains.” GoDaddy. https://www.godaddy.com/help/about-reise-domains-12186
2. (2019) “With a .reise, Pave the Way for German-Speaking Travellers.” Register.Com. https://www.register.com/resources/tld/tld-reise
3. (2021) “General Information on the .REISE TLD.” Registry Services, LLC. https://www.registry.pro/pro-c/registrar/general-information-reise
4. (2020) “dotREISE GmbH – Travel Specific Domains.” PRWeb. https://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10697887.htm
