The story of Hans and Wil, initiators of LocalGroningen
Our story began in the middle of corona time. With our company Hayema Heerd, we came to a standstill by necessity. So there was more than time left to finally take stock of what the Groningen Ommeland has to offer beyond what the general brochures report.
At that time, all kinds of local initiatives by small entrepreneurs in the recreation and tourism sector emerged. All looking for an alternative how to cope with the uncertainties of the corona crisis.
"What if we start helping each other a bit in this, instead of each continuing to dabble on their own little islands? "
After asking each other that question a few times, we took the plunge. We made various contacts, sounded out the needs and wishes of the small businessmen and - despite the crisis - we were able to turn 1 + 1 into 3 or more.
What struck us was the pride and enthusiasm of every entrepreneur about their own place, about their own region, about their own business. No brochure can compete with that.
This was the beginning of a whole new journey, which continues to this day.
Collaborate with local entrepreneurs
Many local entrepreneurs expressed a desire to do more together with other entrepreneurs, e.g. in the form of a package deal. Convenient because it allows one to inform one's own customers about the tourist offer in the region. This increases service, and together you organise a larger influx of customers.
But outside the daily hustle and bustle, small entrepreneurs are not ample in their available time. Consequently, ideas and wishes do not get off the ground, or do so with difficulty.
From LocalGroningen, we started working on this. This resulted in the offer of car puzzle tours cq road trips in Groningen. This has gradually been extended to the rest of the Northern Netherlands, and expanded with complete packages.
When designing the routes, we involve entrepreneurs from the region. For many of our routes, we have managed to attach a super fun start and finish location. Riders receive numerous tips for excursions, restaurants, etc. along the way.
Every route a mini-vacation
That's it: 'a mini holiday' That's what it is for us, while mapping out the route and looking for all the stories about special places, unique people, we experience each new route as a mini holiday close to home.
Driving a route, making a day trip out of it, with fun excursions in between, also gives every route rider the feeling of a mini holiday. We enjoy every time, when we get responses back of: "WOW, never knew it is so beautiful in the north".
Such a mini holiday feeling can be extended with extras: snacks for the road, overnight stays, up to a complete package.
Green and sustainable tourism
Is it environmentally responsible to offer car puzzle routes? Surely walking or cycling is much better? Driving less on petrol/diesel is of course 'best'. Our car puzzle tours are also increasingly driven electrically.
But if you don't have money for an electric car AND you can't or don't want to do longer walking or cycling tours (anymore), AND you still want to see a bit more than just a little diversions? For them, our car puzzle tours are a great alternative.
Our car puzzle tours show that there is so much beauty to discover in the north. In doing so, we encourage holidaying in your own country/close to home. After all, that's the best thing for the environment.
