NileGuide has integrated recent acquisition Localyte into its main platform, allowing users to ask questions from companies and individuals in a destination.
NileGuide purchased Localyte for an undisclosed fee in May 2010, a deal which was inevitably going to lead to the two systems combining in some way.
Visitors to NileGuide can now access an Ask Locals channel on its destination pages. The system works by allowing users to post a question about a particular area, topic or product and then Localyte’s army of tens of thousands of local experts can respond with tips and advice.
The idea is that over time a particular Localyte will earn the respect of travellers for their help and obtain a better star rating.
Although the experts are not paid for their advice, they are able to offer services.
Localyte is similar in some ways to existing and smaller services such as UK-based TripBod, although the latter charges users for the advice and guides they receive.
Nevertheless, the consumer Q&A idea for travel has taken another twist in recent months with the launch of Facebook Questions, a system where users can pose a question about any subject area and the Facebook community can respond.
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