The future of Spotted by Locals Without Founders Sanne & Bart

We’re writing to let you know that a wonderful team of long-time fans will continue to stream Spotted by Locals.

We (Sanne & Bart) will be leaving, 13 years after founding Spotted by Locals. To say it was not an easy decision is a huge understatement. But we think it’s the best decision we can make for Spotted by Locals and for the community we love so much. We leave filled with warm feelings about the incredible times we have had with our Spotters, proud of what we have achieved and full of confidence in the future of Spotted by Locals.

Why are we leaving?

It’s been a tough few years for the travel industry. We have survived the pandemic, but we believe that now Spotted by Locals needs new energy, ideas and investment to thrive as we did before 2020. The time has come to conclude that the best thing for the future of Spotted by Locals would be for us to step down.

What will happen now?

We really found a “dream team” to succeed us. Marcel Beemsterboer is the new owner. He’s a (very) longtime fan of Spotted by Locals. Some of our Spotters already know him. He always enjoys reaching out and meeting the Spotters in person wherever he travels with the Spotted by Locals app.

Jorn van der Eng (jorn@spottedbylocals.com) will be handling day-to-day things as the new Community Manager. Jorn is an experienced entrepreneur, community manager and avid traveler. He is tall and blond like me, but much younger (35 years old – the average age of a Spotter & visitor)!

Spotted by Locals will have more impact than ever

When we started in 2008, we didn’t dare dream that one day we would be a living community of over 500 people in 81 cities, across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Spotters meet regularly all over the world, we had 4 Spotters Weekends, 3 weddings and 3 babies!

We are very proud that your incredible work is having a real social impact on tourism and local economies.

• We help reduce overtourism. Over the past 5 years, we have only expanded to cities that are non-touristy and where tourism has a positive impact on the economy and the lives of locals. In a number of cities, you manage the only city guide with up-to-date advice.
• You have all helped many local spots thrive and protect themselves and cities from Starbucksification.

The new team will continue in the same spirit. They are working on some very exciting new ideas to increase the impact of Spotted by Locals. A Spotters weekend is on the horizon again! And their absolute priority is to get to know all our Spotters as soon as possible. Jorn plans to host a series of sessions to listen and hear their ideas to move Spotted by Locals forward. We think it’s a brilliant idea.

Thank you very much and stay in touch!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your loyalty and your trust in us for all these years! Do not hesitate to contact us at sannevanpoll@gmail.com & bartvanpoll@gmail.com.