Marion County, Florida, known for its outdoor recreation and thoroughbred industry, has achieved record tourism tax revenue of $5.3 million in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. A key factor in this success is the launch of the free OcalaMarion Travel Guide App, developed by Local Explorers. With over 2000 downloads, the app is proving popular among both tourists and locals. The app also streamlines the process for local businesses to share time-sensitive information and promotions, and was praised for its effectiveness in connecting visitors with local businesses and attractions.
Ocala Marion Travel Guide App available in iOS and Android
Local Explorers has partnered with Taste of Nova Scotia (TONS) to create a powerful mobile passport app. This app aims to promote Nova Scotia’s culinary offerings, including seafood chowder, lobster, restaurants, and various craft products and beverages. The app features three trails – the Lobster Trail, the Chowder Trail, and the Good Cheer Trail – allowing users to discover over 200 local establishments, plan experiences, collect loyalty points, and earn prizes. Emily Haynes, executive director of Taste of Nova Scotia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “They’ve helped us bring our vision to reality with a fully customized app that showcases our restaurants, producers, processors, farmers, chefs, artisans and more.” The app not only supports TONS’s mandates of promoting Nova Scotia’s products internationally and as a culinary destination but also bolsters the province’s “Buy Local” initiatives, which have become increasingly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Taste of Nova Scotia App available in iOS and Android
Local Explorers, a leading developer of mobile loyalty apps for the tourism and hospitality industry, has partnered with GO Laurel Highlands to launch a mobile passport app for their popular Pour Tour. The app allows users to participate in a self-guided tour of 62 craft beverage venues in the Laurel Highlands region, earning points and competing on a leaderboard. GO Laurel Highlands chose Local Explorers for their versatile and reliable platform, which seamlessly integrated with their existing Simpleview CRM system. Laura Argenbright, senior director of creative strategy and marketing for GO Laurel Highlands, praised Local Explorers’ customer service and ability to customize solutions. The app, launched in January, has already made a significant economic impact, with an estimated $94,680 brought into the region. Susan Erickson, Co-Founder and Product Manager of Local Explorers, expressed pride in helping visitors explore the Laurel Highlands while supporting the local community.
GoLaurel Highlands App available in iOS and Android
When the Texas Craft Brewers Guild partnered with Local Explorers to create a mobile passport app aimed at drawing craft beer enthusiasts to its member breweries, the initial objective was to increase foot traffic to Texas taprooms. However, with the onset of COVID-19, the guild adapted and utilized the app to boost take-out sales and enhance brand visibility for its members. Founded in 2009, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild represents over 300 craft breweries and related businesses across the state. Recognizing the success of similar apps elsewhere, they saw this as an opportunity to support their members, especially during the pandemic when in-person visits were limited. Local Explorers’ Trail App platform provided a cost-effective solution, allowing breweries to update information in real-time, helping users find nearby breweries, plan tours, and earn rewards. Launched in September 2020, the app was well-received, with 4600 downloads and over 19,000 passport stamps by November 2021, proving effective in promoting sales and offering valuable marketing insights to participating breweries.
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Texas Brewery Passport available in iOS and Android
Craft & Cultivate, representing Maryland’s agricultural producers, sought to replace their outdated printed map of breweries, distilleries, and wineries with a digital solution. Local Explorers developed a mobile app using their Trail App platform, which incorporated three separate trails for beer, wine, and spirits while maintaining distinct branding for each. The app allows users to explore craft beverage locations, view events, earn points through passport programs, and access up-to-date information about participating establishments. This digital upgrade provides visitors with a more engaging and interactive way to experience Maryland’s craft beverage scene, addressing the challenges of costly print production and rapidly changing information in the growing industry.
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The Maryland Craft Beverage App available in iOS and Android
The Ohio on Tap app, developed by Local Explorers for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, has become a popular tool for craft beer enthusiasts in Ohio. Launched in May 2017, the app has been downloaded by an impressive 38,000 users. Its main feature is a virtual passport that allows users to collect stamps as they visit different breweries across the state. The app gamifies the craft beer experience, offering various rewards for completing challenges, including plaques for those who visit all participating breweries. Additional features include a map of breweries, tour information, and detailed pages for each location. The app’s success demonstrates how digital passport programs can effectively engage locals and tourists alike, encouraging exploration of regional attractions while supporting local businesses.
Ohio on Tap App available in iOS and Android
The Ohio Wines VIP (Visitor’s Incentive Program) app, developed by Local Explorers for the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, has become an essential tool for wine enthusiasts exploring Ohio’s diverse viticultural landscape. Since its launch, the app has garnered significant attention from locals and tourists alike, eager to discover the state’s nearly 300 wineries. The app’s core feature is a digital passport that allows users to collect tickets and earn points for each visit to participating wineries and businesses. This gamification approach encourages repeat visits, as users can accumulate points throughout the year, with a limit of one ticket code per winery per day. The program not only rewards wine lovers for their exploration but also promotes Ohio’s thriving wine industry. With features like a winery map, event information, and detailed pages for each location, the app serves as a comprehensive guide to Ohio’s wine country. The success of Ohio Wines VIP demonstrates the power of digital passport programs in driving engagement and supporting local businesses in the wine tourism sector.
Ohio Wines VIP App available in iOS and Android
Discover Connecticut’s vibrant wine scene like never before with the revolutionary Connecticut Farm Wineries Passport app! This cutting-edge digital platform is transforming how wine enthusiasts explore the state’s 35 participating wineries. Launched in May, the app has already captivated over 3,000 users, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional wine tasting. With features like real-time winery offerings, customized trip planning, and an exciting rewards program, it’s the ultimate companion for your Connecticut wine adventure. But that’s not all – the app seamlessly integrates with local attractions, restaurants, and shops, creating a comprehensive guide to the best of Connecticut. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this free app promises to elevate your wine country experience, support local businesses, and unlock the hidden gems of the state. Join the digital revolution in wine tourism and download the Connecticut Farm Wineries Passport app today – your gateway to unforgettable experiences and award-winning wines awaits!
CT Farm Wine Passport App available in iOS and Android
