As a local experience host, you always seek ways to share your unique tours and activities with more travelers.
There is a ton of other local tourism platforms that focuses on targeting sustainable tourism with locals worldwide. Whether you offer walking tours, wine tastings, or whale watching, the right platform can make all the difference.
Here's a guide to some of the best platforms to sell your experiences, tips on what kind of tours work best with each, and some potential drawbacks to consider.
#1 Viator
Best for Varied Experiences
Viator is a treasure trove for travelers seeking diverse experiences. From historical walking tours to adventurous day trips, Viator's extensive reach and specialization in tours make it a prime spot for hosts offering a wide array of experiences. It's where curiosity meets exploration.
Tips:
- Utilize detailed descriptions to help travelers decide if your tour is right for them.
- Take advantage of the ability to sort terms by style, price point, duration, and time of day.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews to build trust.
- Offer seasonal or themed tours to attract different audiences.
#2 Getyourguide
Best for Attraction Tickets and Local Guides
Getyourguide is the gateway to the world's most fascinating attractions. If you're a host who can provide insider access to must-see spots, coupled with the rich storytelling of a local guide, this platform is your stage. It's where landmarks come to life in the global community.
Tips:
- Focus on popular tourist attractions and unique local experiences.
- Offer bundled packages that include tickets and guided tours.
- Provide clear information on what's included and excluded in the package.
- Highlight any exclusive access or special features of your tours.
Visit GetYourGuide website.
#3 Tours By Locals
Best for Customizable Private Tours with Local Guides
ToursByLocals is a platform that connects travelers with local guides for private and customizable tours in 185 countries. With a focus on authentic local experiences, ToursByLocals offers hand-picked guides and 24/7 customer support to ensure a personalized and memorable journey.
Whether it's a safari adventure, a day trip from Paris, or an exploration of American history, ToursByLocals provides a platform for local guides to share their passion and expertise with travelers worldwide.
Tips:
- Showcase Your Expertise. As a local guide, highlight your deep knowledge of the area and ability to provide unique insights.
- Offer Customizable Experiences. Tailor your tours to the interests and needs of individual travelers, making each tour a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Build Trust with Reviews. Encourage satisfied customers to leave testimonials; positive feedback can enhance your credibility on the online platform.
- Stay Flexible with Cancellations. Flexible cancellation policies can make travelers more comfortable booking with you, especially in uncertain times.
Visit ToursByLocals website.
#4 Getzeeno
Best for Food Tours and Historical Walks
Getzeeno is a feast for the senses and a stroll through history. If your tours tantalize taste buds with local flavors or guide travelers through the rich tapestry of history, this platform is your culinary and historical stage. It's where flavors meet stories.
Tips:
- Highlight the local flavors and historical insights you offer.
- Include mouth-watering images for food tours.
- Offer options for dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Share behind-the-scenes stories or exclusive access to local spots.
Visit Getzeeno website.
#5 Vayable
Best for Unique Cultural Experiences
Vayable is a hub for cultural enthusiasts seeking immersive experiences. From art and food to outdoor adventures, Vayable connects travelers with local experts for a deep dive into the culture of their destination. It's where travel meets cultural exploration.
Tips:
- Showcase unique activities that reflect the local culture.
- Offer options for private tours and last-minute bookings.
- Use engaging visuals and descriptions to highlight the immersive nature of your experiences.
Visit Vayable website.
#6 TripAdvisor
Best for: Private and Small Group Tours
TripAdvisor, a well-known name in travel, offers private and small group tours led by experienced locals and experts. With a focus on high-quality tours for a wide range of interests, TripAdvisor is a platform where expertise meets exploration.
Tips:
- Clearly define the size and nature of the groups you cater to.
- Offer tours that cater to different budgets and preferences.
- Highlight your expertise and local knowledge to attract discerning travelers.
Visit TripAdvisor website.
#7 Evaneos
Best for Tailor-Made Tours with Local Travel Agents
Evaneos is the leading online marketplace for tailor-made tours, connecting travelers with local travel agents worldwide. With 2,000 local agencies, Evaneos offers many experiences, from walking and trekking to cultural heritage and off-the-beaten-track adventures.
Tips:
- Focus on creating customized tours that reflect the interests and needs of individual travelers.
- Highlight your local expertise and ability to provide unique insights and access to local gems.
- Offer cost-efficient pricing without middleman fees to attract budget-conscious travelers.
Visit Evaneos website.
#8 GuideHop
Best for: Local Activities and Tours
GuideHop is an online marketplace that connects travelers with local hosts for activities and tours. Whether you're looking to offer city tours, outdoor adventures, or unique local experiences, GuideHop provides a platform to showcase your offerings.
Tips:
- Utilize engaging visuals and descriptions to highlight the uniqueness of your activities.
- Offer a variety of experiences to cater to different interests and preferences.
- Engage with potential customers through social media to build trust and awareness.
Visit GuideHop website.
#9 HipHost
Best for: Customized Local Tours
HipHost is a platform that provides customized tours to individuals and small groups. While detailed information about the platform is not widely available, it utilizes for tours focusing on cultural and local experiences.
Tips:
- Consider offering specialized tours that highlight the unique aspects of your local area.
- Engage with customers to understand their preferences and tailor the experience to their interests.
- Utilize social media and online platform marketing to reach potential customers and showcase your offerings.
Visit HipHost website.
#10 Airbnb Experiences
Best for: Unique and Personalized Experiences
Airbnb Experiences is a canvas for creativity and personal connection. As a host, you can paint vivid experiences beyond typical tourist routes. From hands-on workshops to intimate cultural immersions, this platform is where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Tips:
- Highlight what makes your experience unique and personal.
- Use high-quality images and storytelling to attract leisure travelers.
- Offer options for different skill levels or interests.
- Engage with guests before the experience to build rapport.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform to sell your local experiences is crucial for reaching more travelers and growing your business. Consider the type of tours you offer, the audience you want to get, and the unique features of each platform to find the best fit for your experiences.
By understanding the pros and cons of each platform and tailoring your offerings to suit their strengths, you can maximize your success and share your passion for local experiences with more travelers worldwide.
People also ask:
1. What is Local Experience in Tourism?
Local experience in tourism refers to engaging with a destination's culture, traditions, and daily life through authentic and immersive activities. It involves participating in activities typical of the local community rather than traditional tourist attractions. This approach allows travelers to understand the place they are visiting, connect with local people, and experience the destination more meaningfully.
2. What are Examples of Local Tourism?
Examples of local tourism include activities that allow travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Some examples are:
- Participating in a traditional cooking class with a local chef.
- Joining a community-based tour guided by a resident.
- Visiting local markets and artisans to purchase handcrafted goods.
- Volunteering with a community project or local organization.
- Staying in a homestay or local guesthouse to experience daily life.
3. What Does it Mean to Travel Like a Local?
Traveling like a local means embracing a destination's culture, customs, and practices rather than sticking to typical tourist routes and attractions. It involves:
- Using local public transportation options.
- Eating at local restaurants and trying traditional dishes.
- Engaging with residents and participating in community events.
- Exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and neighborhoods.
- Adapting to local customs and etiquette.
- Traveling like a local offers a more authentic and enriching travel experience, allowing visitors to see a destination through the eyes of its residents.
4. What Are Travelers Looking to Experience?
Travelers looking to experience local tourism often seek authentic, meaningful, and immersive experiences that connect them with the heart and soul of a destination. They want to:
- Engage with local communities and understand their way of life.
- Participate in unique cultural activities and traditions.
- Explore hidden gems and local favorites beyond typical tourist attractions.
- Enjoy personalized and small-group experiences that offer more profound insights.
- Contribute positively to the local economy and environment. Travelers seeking local experiences value authenticity, connection, and responsible travel, aiming to create lasting memories and meaningful connections with the places they visit.
5. What Are Some Popular Platforms for Hosting Local Experiences?
Some popular platforms for hosting local experiences include:
- Airbnb Experiences
- Vayable
- TripAdvisor
- Blink Collective
- Evaneos
- Tours by Locals
- Guidehop
- HipHost
- Headout
- LocalGuiding
- SideTour
- Spots
- Triip.me
- Tripbod
- Triptrottin
- ZOZI
These platforms cater to various interests and budgets, allowing local hosts to offer unique experiences like walking tours, food tastings, art classes, and more.
6. How Can Local Experience Hosts Choose the Right Platform?
Local experience hosts can choose the right platform by considering the target audience, type of experiences offered, commission fees, marketing support, and user reviews. It's essential to align the platform's features with the host's goals and the nature of the experiences they wish to provide.
7. What Types of Experiences Can Be Hosted on Platforms Like Airbnb Experiences and Vayable?
Platforms like Airbnb Experiences and Vayable allow hosts to offer various experiences, including cultural tours, cooking classes, outdoor adventures, art workshops, and more. These platforms emphasize unique and personalized experiences that give travelers an immersive insight into the local culture and community.
8. Are There Any Cons or Challenges to Using Platforms for Hosting Local Experiences?
Yes, there can be challenges to using platforms for hosting local experiences. These may include competition with other hosts, commission fees, adherence to platform policies, potential liability issues, and the need for consistent quality and customer service. It's advisable for hosts to carefully review the terms and conditions of each platform and consider seeking legal advice if needed.
9. How Can Local Experience Hosts Maximize Their Success on Hosting Platforms?
Local experience hosts can maximize their success on hosting platforms by implementing several key strategies:
- Offering Unique and Engaging Experiences: Creating one-of-a-kind activities that showcase local culture and traditions.
- Setting Competitive Pricing: Pricing experiences align with the market while offering value to guests.
- Providing Excellent Customer Service: Ensuring clear communication, flexibility, and attention to guests' needs.
- Utilizing Professional-Quality Photos and Descriptions: Using high-quality images and compelling descriptions to attract potential guests.
- Actively Seeking and Responding to Reviews: Encouraging feedback and addressing concerns to build trust and credibility.
- Leveraging Social Media and Other Marketing Channels: Promoting experiences through various marketing channels to reach a broader audience.
- Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: Regularly evaluate performance, adapt to customer feedback, and stay updated with market trends to maintain relevance and success.
By focusing on these strategies, local experience hosts can enhance their visibility, attract more guests, and build a successful presence on hosting platforms, contributing to a thriving local experience tourism business.
