Sounds exciting. I would advise you to look into why the retail outlets are not using the model then. See if you can glean some points as to what they saw that keeps them out of it and see if you can come up with an idea around it. For example, if you look at the Netflix model it requires them to have several warehouses with several dvd's in stock constantly in order to meet demand. How could you alleviate this cost? Perhaps by offering it in a limited area initially.
Sounds interesting. But you may want to look at online resources and other apps to see if they do not currently offer the information you are looking to provide. I am not sure how much traction your book/app would have though. There are so many travel books and apps now that your offering may get lost in the noise of the other offerings.
Perhaps, you could try partnering with existing sites/apps/books to offer this sort of information that they could incorporate into their offering. You would need to show how the experience would be for the users as well as how your information would add value.
If your idea is in fact without competition then include who are possible competitors no matter how slight. To not have any competition is a HUGE red flag. By including even the slightest of competition then you are showing that you have done your research. Also, make sure you have a rock solid way of explaining how long it will take for investors to get their money back.
Contact your group of contacts and ask them why they do not want to back you. You may be surprised at their responses. But take their advice and alleviate their concerns. Because their concerns will be the same as potential investors.
Find a way of doing it on a smaller scale that you can afford to finance yourself. You will need a proof of concept anyway so start working on that. People are more likely to invest in things they can actually see not ideas alone.