The Case for Localhotels as a Community-Driven Tourism Website

Short History of Localhotels.com — And Why It Matters in the AI Era

In 1991, while earning my master’s in mechanical engineering in the US, I imagined using the internet for travel marketing — years before the web existed.

In 1998, I launched Localhotels.com as a free global directory for independent hotel and travel companies. One of our earliest listings was booking.nl — later acquired and scaled into Booking.com.

For decades, Localhotels remained a trusted (and deliberately free) resource for local businesses — even as giants like Expedia, Travelocity, and Booking consolidated power and pushed OTA commissions to 20–30%.

Today, I’m actively rebuilding and upgrading the platform for modern travelers and creators, because a true local-first alternative has never been more needed.

Why Choose Local Over Global for Travel Bookings?

Localhotels lets travelers book directly with destination-based companies, skipping global intermediaries. That means lower prices for guests, fairer revenue for locals, and real competition in a market long dominated by a handful of players.

Tourism in the Age of AI

AI is transforming travel discovery, but it’s still a black box controlled by its owners — often prioritizing Big Tech partners and affiliates.

A dedicated local platform delivers transparent, unfiltered access to authentic, community-driven options that AI frequently overlooks.

Content Creators: Let’s Build This Together

With constant algorithm shifts, fierce competition from generic and mass-produced content, and shrinking organic reach, many travel bloggers, YouTubers, and guide creators are understandably fatigued — and looking for stable platforms that truly reward authentic work.

I’m inviting you to collaborate: share links to your city or hotel content, and I’ll feature the best on relevant Localhotels pages with full backlinks to drive traffic your way.

Start simple: mention Localhotels.com in your next piece. As we grow, early partners will get priority for revenue-sharing and deeper collaborations.

This is a genuine ground-floor chance to shape a local-first travel ecosystem. Let’s make it happen.