Local Explorers adds promo codes to travel guide apps

By AI, Created 11:22 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Local Explorers has rolled out a flexible promo code feature for its destination marketing organization apps, starting with the OcalaMarion Travel Guide app in Florida. The update is designed to help local businesses drive visitor traffic, track promotions and give travelers more reasons to open the app.

Why it matters: - The new promo code feature gives destination marketing organizations a simple way to turn app traffic into visits, purchases and local spending. - Local businesses can create offers that fit seasonal campaigns, product launches and special events without needing a separate promotion system. - The feature also gives participating businesses trackable feedback on engagement and return on investment.

What happened: - Local Explorers, part of Daruma Tech, introduced a promo code feature for its mobile app platform for trade guilds and destination marketing organizations. - The feature is already live in the OcalaMarion Travel Guide app for the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. - The app currently includes 33 coupons and 52 deals from participating local businesses, with new offers being added regularly.

The details: - Businesses can use the promo code feature to offer incentives ranging from discounted admission to a free glass of wine. - The feature is designed to help businesses promote foot traffic and brand recognition. - Jessica Heller, marketing and communications director for OcalaMarion, said the participating businesses span golf courses, restaurants, museums, hotels, escape rooms and family entertainment centers. - Heller also said outdoor offerings include bike rentals, zip lining, horseback riding and paddle sports. - Other participating businesses include horse farm tours, food tours, boat charters, petting zoos and performing arts experiences. - Heller said the promo code section is intuitive and highly visible inside the app, which makes it easy for users to discover and redeem offers. - The OcalaMarion Travel Guide app serves visitors to Ocala, Florida, and the surrounding region. - The app lets users book hotels, take self-guided walking tours with augmented reality assets, plan trips across multiple destinations and find restaurants, shops and attractions. - Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World and is surrounded by natural areas for rafting, camping and hiking. - Local Explorers apps are custom branded for each community and come with support from development through training, maintenance and updates. - The company says the goal is to help communities better connect with visitors and local consumers. - The full company website is available at More information. - Local Explorers also shared social links to LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The feature appears aimed at making DMO apps more useful to both travelers and local merchants, not just as trip-planning tools but as ongoing promotion channels. - The broad mix of participating businesses suggests Local Explorers is positioning the promo code tool as a tourism and small-business growth feature, not a niche discount add-on. - Susan Erickson, vice president and co-founder of Local Explorers, said OcalaMarion’s experience shows the feature can be a cost-effective way to increase foot traffic and visitor engagement in other communities.

What’s next: - Local Explorers is positioning the OcalaMarion rollout as a model other DMOs can follow. - New promo codes can be added at any time, which should keep users checking the app for fresh offers and give businesses more chances to reach visitors. - Local Explorers is expected to continue supporting community apps with updates and training as more partners adopt the feature.

The bottom line: - Local Explorers is turning its travel guide apps into more active marketing tools, with promo codes that can help communities, visitors and local businesses benefit at the same time.