Make the Most of Tourism Season: Smart Tips to Attract More Customers to Your Business

Smiles like this are what happen when your business is ready to welcome tourists with charm, colour, and unforgettable local flair.

When the weather warms up and the days grow longer, towns and cities come alive with the energy of the tourism season. Whether you run a café, boutique, gallery, or service-based business, this time of year presents a golden opportunity to connect with new customers and boost your revenue. But with increased foot traffic comes increased competition. So, how can you make your business stand out and become a must-visit destination?

Here are some proven tips to help you draw in more customers this tourism season:

Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially when tourists are walking unfamiliar streets looking for somewhere to stop. Make your storefront inviting:

• Clean windows and sidewalks.

• Add vibrant flower boxes or planters.

• Use a chalkboard or sandwich sign with an enticing, timely message.

• Consider outdoor seating or displays.

Pro Tip: Use visuals that reflect your brand personality—quirky, elegant, rustic, etc.—and change them up weekly to catch attention.

Leverage Local Partnerships

Collaboration over competition always wins. Partner with nearby businesses to:

• Create bundled experiences (e.g., "Coffee + Gallery Tour" packages).

• Offer discounts when customers show a receipt from your partner.

• Co-host events or sidewalk sales.

This builds community goodwill and expands your reach through cross-promotion.

Optimize for “Near Me” Searches

Tourists rely on their phones to find places to eat, shop, and visit. Make sure your business is:

• Listed on Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

• Updated with accurate hours, phone number, and photos.

• Receiving reviews (and responding to them professionally).

Bonus: Post regularly on social media and use location tags and hashtags like #Explore[YourTown].

Offer Limited-Time or Seasonal Specials

Create a sense of urgency and excitement with summer-only products, services, or experiences.

• Feature a signature “tourist treat” or souvenir.

• Introduce a themed service (e.g., summer facial, patio tasting flight, walking tour).

• Promote a discount for same-day or walk-in bookings.

Limited-time offers encourage impulse stops and social media shares.

Host an Event or Pop-Up

Events are a fantastic way to generate buzz and foot traffic. Ideas include:

• Live music or a mini market.

• Demonstrations or workshops.

• “Meet the Maker” nights or tasting events.

Promote through local tourism boards, Facebook events, and posters around town.

Train Staff to Be Tourism Ambassadors

Friendly, knowledgeable staff can make all the difference.

• Train your team to offer local recommendations, such as other shops, trails, and sights.

• Provide exceptional service that turns visitors into repeat customers or online reviewers.

• Encourage staff to engage with tourists genuinely, not just transactionally.

Make It Easy to Share

Tourists love to share their travel experiences. Set the scene:

• Create Instagram-worthy photo spots or signs (your logo helps!).

• Use branded packaging or shopping bags.

• Offer a small reward for tagging your business on social media.

Make it easy and fun for them to become your biggest promoters.

Roundup: Tell Your Story

Tourism is about discovery and experience. Don’t just sell a product or service—invite visitors into your story. Share your “why,” celebrate your town, and create moments they’ll remember (and talk about).

With the right mix of preparation, creativity, and hospitality, tourism season can be the most exciting—and profitable—time of the year for your business.

Need help with social media or signage to promote your summer specials? Purple Lilac Digital Media can help you!  Let’s talk—this season is too good to miss.