Problem: When vacationing, the goal is to relax, have fun, and not worry about whatever responsibilities are weighing on your shoulders. However, planning a trip or attempting to have an authentic experience with no previous knowledge of the destination is the opposite of relaxing. Figuring out the small towns where no one speaks your language is impossible, and travel agents or guides can be too much additional cost to the already expensive vacation. On the flip side, many small towns in touristy countries that share or surpass the beauty of big ones do not share the same benefits that the big cities receive. For example, small towns in a country like Spain do not receive business from tourists like Madrid would.
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Solution: Live Local would be an app and service that connects locals to tourists who are looking for a more authentic experience. The app would take user data and match the specifics of tourist and local users. In essence, it is a local tourist dating app that aligns the interests of both parties for a mutually beneficial exchange. To emphasize this mutual benefit, both sides would get the right to choose. Both users would input data about their goal, and the app would generate a list for the tourists and the ability to decline for the locals. For example, tourists who specifically value history would be matched with someone more well-versed in the history of the destination and would be more cost-effective than an official tour guide. Preferences would vary, but the app would work to create the best match. The app could also use a model similar to Airbnb, where the tourists stay in the homes of the tour guides for extra cost.
To be successful, the app would need to build a reputation as trustworthy. All tour guides and tourists would need some sort of verification, and after each session, the review from each party would also need some sort of verification. The goal of the app is to provide an authentic experience therefore, the app would lose value in the eye of the consumer if the app itself lacks authenticity.
Marketing: The marketing for this would most likely be centered around the adventurous nature of the service and the authentic experience it provides. In terms of a more concrete plan, the app could enlist ambassadors to encourage sign-ups in new cities. Outreach to tourism boards and travel brands that can drive adoption in key markets. The app could also enlist the help of relevant travel social media influencers setting up free programs for them to make their own content on the app and spread the app to their individual followers.
Monetization: The tourists would pay the tour guide for their time, and the app would take some commission for that service. Furthermore, the app could provide premium features at a higher cost. Another possible stream of revenue is advertising specific guides at the expense of the guides or advertising travel-related companies and even local businesses while the specific travelers are in those areas.
Contributed by: Yuval Krispin (Billion Dollar Startup Ideas Intern)