GUIDEHOP AIMS FOR AUTHENTICITY AS IT LAUNCHES ITS MARKETPLACE FOR LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

DALLAS, Texas (October 26, 2011) —GuideHop, a new marketplace launching today, allows tourists and locals to find unique activities to which they would not have access using traditional services.
“We are trying to change the typical channels people would use in booking an activity,” said Ryan J. Schmitz, CEO and Co-Founder of GuideHop. “Traditional tour agencies, hotel concierges, and travel websites work with middle-men who not only push up the prices in these instances but most often only offer cookie-cutter experiences. GuideHop offers activities that are unique, authentic and reasonably priced.”   Both professional guides and enthusiastic locals can sign up to host an activity on GuideHop. Once they are registered, Guides may create a profile and post activities for free. Travelers or locals looking for tours can then book, pay and confirm their plans through GuideHop. After the tour is complete, customers have the opportunity to review the experience which helps to improve the experience for future participants.

Schmitz says that the Guidehop team is trying to focus on independent guides as they often offer personal and memorable experiences. Unlike big, online travel agencies, GuideHop does not offer preferential treatment based on the size of the tour operator. This allows the independent guide with a limited budget to access a level playing field with larger operations. The team is also spending a lot of time finding more niche activities that may cater to an eclectic, smaller crowd as well. Co-Founder, Darren Woodson, adds, “During travels some of the most memorable experiences happen when meeting locals and seeing how the locals live. We are going out of our way to find local experts offering activities and experiences for travelers that they would not be able to experience with a traditional tour agency.” He went on to say, “We will obviously be grouped into the “travel and tours industry”, but I think our platform provides a great way for anyone to discover interesting activities and meet new people in their own community.”
How GuideHop Works

• Search for an Activity – Simply type in a destination or browse our locations.
• Read Reviews and Recommends – Check out the activities reviews and see who recommends the guide!
• Book It – Your payment is securely handled online. Feel safe knowing that GuideHop holds payment until successful completion of your activity.
• Meet-up with your guide and Enjoy your Activity!

 
About GuideHop, Inc.
GuideHop, Inc., a Dallas, Texas based company, leverages the talents of a unique group of designers, engineers, and project managers who are passionate about travel and about experiencing places like a local. Their collective enthusiasm and collaboration has resulted in a web app solution that connects professional and amateur guides, instructors and eager locals with people who desire to see an area from a new perspective.

Founding Team: Ryan Schmitz, Darren Woodson, Jeremy Roberts, T. Grove, Marshall Dougherty, Clay Teller