Spot Local is the first to create a platform which is 100% powered by the people who either live in the “Spot” or are travellers’ to the “Spot”.

“The current websites are attractive and succeed to serve the community with a local business directory, classifieds and forums, but we decided we wanted more out of our application. Our idea was to add a Travel Booking Engine to the existing Community Portal, power it 100% by people and spice it up with some AJAX. Since moving to the Red Sea from Canada in 1996, I have dreamt about creating a site, which would allow people to meet, share, buy and sell. As well as empower the destination itself to target a larger market.” said Mohamed Aly A.Fattah , a Management Consultant from Egypt.

“In addition, our users require a dynamic and flexible site, that is very adaptable to their ever changing world, so we have built our application around RichFaces, an AJAX-enabled JSF component solution, from Exadel. RichFaces has allowed us to integrate various internal and external systems to offer not only a world class end user experience, but provide rich business functionality for our customers, all in a very short time.”  continued Mohamed.

“We decided to start with Dubai, Maldives, Red Sea and Seychelles, because they are close to our hearts in one way or another. All of these locations have a unique atmosphere because they are inhabited by so many different kinds of multinational people who have decided to make these “Spots” their home because of tourism & lifestyle choice”. said Tamer Mohktar, Egypt Internal Development Director.

“It’s really exciting and challenging to bring so many elements together and still display it in a fresh and consistent way. It has been a fun challenge as a designer to embrace new techniques.” said Sebastian Kokoszko, a Creative Director in Poland.

Anina Dippenaar, a Customer Care executive from South Africa said “Visitors who arrive at any of the Spot Local sites can expect to find a colorful, friendly site filled with offers from hotels, diving and wind/kite surfing centers plus many others. With real-time booking functions and a powerful search engine, visitors can search, compare and save. We provide our suppliers with an easy to use control panel where they can upload their products and services. Our suppliers also gain the ability to accept credit card payments when they sell through Spot Local.”

Marie Dieulot, HRD, France said “Travel buyers and local residents who contribute to the site will be recognized and awarded not only for sharing their knowledge and opinions but also for helping to improve and rank the quality of the content. Our goal is to have high quality information on each business, travel article and product/service, which users can rely on to make their choices.”

Milena Vercesi, an Italian Marketing Executive said “As a new resident in the Red Sea, I am patiently waiting to use the features we have created. I want to share my stories, ratings and comments about some of my hangouts. I’m also hoping to learn more about my new home from all the others out there.”