HyperLocal Tourism

A New Business Model for the Future of Travel & Local Commerce
Paris today, Rome tomorrow, Berlin on Wednesday, London on Friday. Your dream vacation packed into seven rushed days or less… and then you’re back at work, with all the memories of crazy airport security, cramped economy class and photographs of questionable quality. (Did you use your flash?)
It doesn’t make much sense, yet it’s the way a large majority of our society travels, grazing the surface and never really getting the insider’s view. As Southern Oregonians, we have the opportunity to experience the depth, richness and beauty of living in such a nice place.{{{gold}}}
Sure, it’s a dream come true to see Michelangelo’s David in person, but what about the idea of making real connections and real contacts? The revolutionary idea of staying in a hotel for three days or more at a time has simply become a mandatory and relevant element to any substantial tour.
New ideas of HyperLocal tourism provide business models which can develop into profitability and sustainability for local economies. It’s an opportunity to provide really cool jobs and experiences for all involved. It also is a model that avoids the dichotomy of tourists vs. locals. Seriously, it’s those tourists who keep Southern Oregon’s economy vibrant, but the question remains the same. How do both coexist in a win-win fashion? (If you disagree, please send your letters to Kyle; he loves heated debate.)
HyperLocal Tourism is simply the idea that you, “The Local,” become the host and tour guide to what you know best. Where would you take your guests to give them a good feel for what makes your community special? HyperLocal tour guides take their guests to their favorite places – their favorite restaurants, galleries, music venues, offbeat attractions (Can you say “House of Mystery”?). What makes your life interesting? Sure, you could show your guests Crater Lake, but wouldn’t they like to see what you like to do when they’re not around?
You live here, so make up a list of all the things you find unique and interesting, then turn it into your tour itinerary. When you’re all done, put a price tag on your tour and market it. (We know a few of you are going to turn this into your new job ;))
People don’t want to graze the surface anymore; they want the real deal, to connect to life as it really is, to glimpse our reality if only for a couple days. You can attract people who you hold similar qualities and values as yourself. You can not only help create these connections, but also can enhance our commerce as well. HyperLocal Tourism does not need to be a one-sided or singular experience. One size does not fit all. We all have different perspectives to offer.
TAKE US ON A TOUR of what you love, or what you pay attention to; I bet it’s worth it. Share your ideas for HyperLocal Tourism with us at LocalsGuide, and how you’re implementing those models.