How do you think Google knows which pages are helpful when someone searches for “[something] in [location]”? Anchor text in links plays a key role, but with search listings on sites like TripAdvisor, it’s tricky to naturally insert those links into content. Footer links is one way to do it.

I’d agree With you if those links were misleading, but they usually aren’t. They really do point to pages with “[something] in [location]”. And they really are helpful for search engines looking to give useful results for that type of query.

I don't see any https://www.marketstreethotel.co.uk

“I saw some hotel websites with location links in their footer, so that must be what the SEO industry is all about”

Sure.

Travel, huh? I wonder if clickbaity links show up for things like life insurance, weight loss, and personal injury lawyers.

Don't blame SEO because capitalism necessitated that businesses use whatever means possible to get their product in front of your face.