GVI NETWORK. As travelers increasingly look beyond conventional sightseeing for authentic local experiences, Udaipur-based entrepreneur and Student of B.Tech at CTAE College  Nitin Choudhary has launched CityHost, a bootstrapped travel-tech platform designed to connect tourists directly with local homestays, independent guides, artisans and cultural experiences.

The platform aims to make it easier for visitors to experience Udaipur through its local communities while giving small tourism service providers greater digital visibility. CityHost is positioned around a simple idea: helping travelers discover the people, homes, skills and stories that make Udaipur unique.

Connecting Travelers Directly with Local Experiences

Udaipur attracts travelers from across India and overseas, but many small, locally operated tourism businesses continue to face challenges in reaching potential customers online. Family-run homestays, independent heritage guides and traditional artisans often have limited digital visibility and may depend on intermediaries to connect with tourists.

Choudhary, who grew up in Udaipur, identified this gap and decided to build CityHost without external investors or corporate funding. The platform has been developed as a bootstrapped venture, with a focus on local tourism and community-led growth.

“Udaipur has no shortage of heritage, art and genuine hospitality. What is often missing is a direct connection between travelers and the people who make these experiences special. CityHost aims to bridge that gap by giving local hosts, guides and artisans greater visibility while helping travelers experience the city more authentically,” said Nitin Choudhary, Founder of CityHost.

How CityHost Supports Udaipur's Local Tourism Economy

For Homestay Owners: CityHost provides local families with a digital platform to showcase their homes and offer travelers an alternative to conventional accommodation.

For Local Guides: Independent guides can connect with travelers looking for personalized heritage walks, city tours and locally curated experiences.

For Artisans: Traditional artists and craftspeople can showcase their skills through interactive workshops and cultural experiences for visitors.

The platform therefore brings together three important elements of local tourism—stay, experience and local expertise—in one digital ecosystem.

Promoting Experiential Tourism in Udaipur

The initiative comes at a time when experiential and community-based tourism is gaining attention globally. Instead of simply visiting popular landmarks, travelers are increasingly interested in discovering local food, traditional arts, neighbourhood stories, heritage walks and everyday life.

For a destination like Udaipur, known for its lakes, palaces, heritage architecture and rich cultural traditions, such experiences can offer visitors a deeper connection with the city.

CityHost aims to contribute to this shift by making local experiences easier to discover and helping smaller tourism businesses participate in the digital travel economy.

A Bootstrapped Startup with a Local Focus

Unlike many technology ventures that begin with institutional investment, CityHost has been developed without external funding. Choudhary's approach focuses on building the platform gradually around the needs of local tourism providers and travelers.

The initiative also reflects a broader opportunity for young entrepreneurs to address local challenges through technology while creating opportunities for small businesses and independent professionals.

Travelers looking for local homestays, guides and cultural experiences in Udaipur can explore CityHost at www.cityhost.in. Local homestay owners, guides and service providers can also explore opportunities to list their offerings on the platform.

CityHost is also available on Instagram at @cityhostofficial.