Shaon Talukder, a young technorepreneur from London, knows how to pitch. When I first met him at the WIT 2015 conference, he raised an interesting question: what if your business idea puts others out of work? Not that GeoTourist, a location-based social media platform has any dark ambitions. In fact, it has already been adopted by a number of local tourism boards in the US and UK hoping to stir interest in historic sites.
Shaon Talukder, GeoTourist CEO
Comparisons can often be unflattering and incomplete, but Talukder is happy for GeoTourist to be compared to YouTube. In fact, he says, the model is very similar. “We’re not selling anything. Anyone can access the information,” he explained. Like YouTube, the platform relies on user-generated content, reviews and comments.
Using the GeoTourist app, travellers, tour guides or local experts and associations can record an audio clip and ‘drop’ these onto a map. If you’ve ever used an audio guide in a museum, you’ll already have a very good picture of how it works. Right now, the app is available in 21 languages – including Mandarin – but more will be added based on user feedback.
The idea behind it isn’t new. But the portability of information is one of GeoTourist’s biggest selling points. Said Talukder, “Insider knowledge can already be found in guide books and in magazines, but who’s going to carry those around?”
For travellers seeking a more authentic experience, this platform can help to bridge the gap between official guides and local blogs. I imagine myself following enthusiastic food bloggers on virtual tours around a city. Talukder says this is precisely the type of content they are hoping to attract to the platform.
“For the first six years, I thought Singapore was just one big shopping mall and one giant food court,” he said. It took an insider to acquaint him with the pleasures of pineapple tarts and foot massages.
Ultimately, he adds, it is about enabling a ‘human-to-human’ transfer of knowledge.
The idea for GeoTourist sprouted during a trip to Melbourne. Talukder had planned to visit Ayers Rock and an online search yielded the name of highly rated local guide. Unfortunately, the guide had the day off. Fortunately, it provided Talukder and his partners with a spark of inspiration. “We really wanted to know what the guide had to say.”
For now, the user needs a working Internet connection to stream the audio guides; something, I point out, that might deter travellers from using it. Talukder, having considered all possibilities, explained that one of GeoTourist’s co-founders, based in Silicon Valley, is already exploring the offline model.
Currently located in the UK, the company is looking to set up its next base in Asia Pacific. Singapore might be on the cards – Talukder explains he is here by invitation of the Singapore Tourism Board: “It seems to be at the forefront of adopting things early.”
When we spoke in October, Talukder said the team is focussed on building B2B relationships. Part of the plan, he added, is to monetize the app through location-based advertising and premium content.
GeoTourist has not yet launched but when it does, it will bring a whole new meaning to pocket guides.
