Yahoo News: OurExplorer Launches User-Rated Tourist Guide Booking Tool

Explore the World Through Local Eyes: OurExplorer Launches User-Rated Tourist Guide Booking Tool

Thu Jul 31, 3:01 AM ET

Hailed as "the travel service innovation of 2008" by the Irish Times July 16 - OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Sydney, NSW, Australia (PRWEB) July 31, 2008 -- Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, "I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?" OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide. OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide -- making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure. You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide? Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends," said Mahatma Gandhi.

"Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local," according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that "direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy".

"Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally," said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20080731/bs_prweb/prweb1159894_2