If you have no guides on your website, why would travelers come? And for the guides, if you have no travelers, why bother signing up? In retrospect it actually was really good timing because ToursByLocals is that kind of chicken-and-egg story. Isn’t starting a business in the teeth of a recession risky? We went through various iterations and then in 2008 launched the first version of ToursByLocals. And, of course, the great thing about the internet is that it tells you when you’ve got a terrible idea quite quickly. We reinvented ourselves because at that time it was all “gold rush” days for the internet and lots of companies were coming and going.

The most significant business prior to Tours By Locals was an educational software company providing software for schools we left that business around the year 2000. We’ve been in various technology-related businesses, and have always had a passion for travel in our down time. What were you doing before starting Tours by Locals? Learn how this company helps travelers connect with experienced local guides in this edition of Take 5. Inquisitive as to how they found work, the interaction inspired the creation of Tours By Locals.

Petersburg, Russia, Paul Melhus befriended a local guide. What if you could hand-select local guides based on their knowledge base, languages spoken and past customer reviews? What if this service were available in 1,200 destinations worldwide?

But finding and vetting local guides is a pain point most organizers deal with like a trip to the dentist. Competent local guides can turn a drab city tour into a memorable experience.

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