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by LifeAfterCubes 5302 days ago
Thanks! I mentioned this below, but we're running a small test with essentially this approach. We're giving away the itinerary for free and then trying to upsell/cross-sell other related services -- such as a San Francisco CityPass, tours and p2p experiences. If you'd like to take a look you can check it out here (you'll have to enter your email address to get the free itinerary) -- http://bit.ly/enWxWz

My concern with partnering with restaurants and retailers is that I feel like it's a slippery slope to disingenuous recommendations. Plus, why would a restaurant offer a coupon to a traveler (at least a coupon of value)? There's no chance of repeat business. Just some thoughts, would love to get more feedback, if you have any.

1 comments

> Plus, why would a restaurant offer a coupon to a traveler (at least a coupon of value)?

Because it brings in business. I see restaurants advertising for tourists all the time. Look in any in-flight magazine or any of the free guidebooks that are given away in tourist areas. They're full of ads and coupons for tours, restaurants, museums and attractions. That's a business model worth investigating.

The downside is it's a real boots-on-the-ground business that requires a heavy investment in sales effort to make it work. The upside is that once you sign up a customer (assuming they have a positive experience) it is highly likely they will repeat. You could start with just one city and if it works grow it from there.

Good luck to you!

Fair enough -- I was thinking more along the lines of a Groupon type coupon.