Local Market Network platform for sustainable micro destination development of hospitality businesses
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Roombler AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 570 145 |
| Project duration | March 2020 - June 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovation projects in enterprises |
| Call | Innovation projects in small and medium-sized companies - autumn 2019 |
Important results from the project
The aim of the project was to develop an inclusive service that reduces small and medium-sized accommodation´s dependence on the large booking platforms by harnessing the power of the destination´s own local network to generate direct bookings. Through continuous collaboration with a number of representatives from the three user groups destination actors, accommodation owners and visitors, we have confirmed the power of these networks, identified each group´s specific needs in a local recommendation procedure and have been able to validate that the product is commercially viable
Expected long term effects
According to the needs and constraints of the different groups, we have designed and implemented a product with three interfaces that support recommendations and curated inquiry procedures in networks both with and without a destination actor. We consider the outcome of the project to be very successful as we have, in continuous collaboration with our user group, had our thesis confirmed, completed a fully functional product in three interfaces and been well received by potential customers. When we have larger quantities of data, further and more quantitative conclusions can be drawn
Approach and implementation
Iterative in-depth interviews and prototype tests with 9 accommodations, 2 event companies and 7 destinations confirmed the thesis about leakage and shed light on why this still happens. A booking system where everyone is involved is not possible. Small accommodations have unstructured procedures and long response times. Sometimes a destination actor is missing. To be able to include everyone, the service (Loci) therefore instead supports a curated inquiry procedure, with or without the help of an agent´s recommendation. The next step is to also include restaurants, activities etc