It’s a trend that’s gathering such momentum across the industry that even Google has changed its metasearch to support local enterprise. Accommodation providers could be next in line to benefit.
These startups use word of mouth to link tourists with communities, urging visitors to boost the local economy rather than line the pockets of multi-national corporations.
A lot has been written recently about how accommodation providers could partner up with local businesses and attractions to boost service and profit margins.
These ideas all demonstrate innovative ways it is possible to make recommendations to guests. In no particular order:
1. Strollopia works like a virtual tour guide, where users can create their own maps to help visitors and other locals explore. You can also track each interactive tour to keep tabs on which routes or activities are most popular.
2. Pocket Nomad works like a concierge desk, allowing visitors to download it and find local listings for activities, attractions, restaurants, local tours, etc. It also has booking capabilities for guests to use if they want to book activities or tours online.
3. Skedadel allows users to share their favourite places and check out local areas via Instagram before visiting. It harnesses social media to help find local places to visit while travelling.
4. City Notes works as a mobile guide-book, collating interesting places to visit in key locations around the world. Currently only available for San Francisco and New York City, it presents an interesting idea for hotels looking to provide a more comprehensive and unique service to guests.
5. Stray Boots is another apps that lets users create one-of-a-kind tours, scavenger hunts, events and more by building maps online. Organisations or individuals can create on the app and users can also recommend, track and bookmark whichever ones they like.
accomnews will be keeping you up-to-date with any new startups you might be interested in so stay tuned!
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