Is your store located in a place often frequented by tourists? Alternatively, are you looking for ways to turn your shop into a destination itself? 

Incorporating some or all of the following strategies into your business model can greatly increase the flow of guests from elsewhere, turning them into long-term customers who refer you to their own social contacts.

The importance of catering to tourists

Appealing to travelers can help your business. They are more inclined to spend money, can increase your customer base, may encourage you to diversify product offerings, and often lead to lucrative partnership opportunities in your community.

If you already have a solid local clientele, you might be wondering if it is worth the time and trouble to focus on wooing tourists. Before you give up on this opportunity, consider the potential benefits.

For one thing, people on vacation are already primed to live large, and are more likely to splurge on impulse for luxury items.

Moreover, their presence can build your overall customer base, enabling you to develop a diversified group of dedicated patrons that will continue to make varied types of purchases. 

This is especially true because tourists, particularly international buyers, may have a more wide-ranging set of tastes and preferences that will inspire you to enhance your product offerings.

The benefits don’t stop there. When awareness of your brand widens, you actually become an appealing partner to other businesses in your local community. Imagine the opportunities that you could gain from collaborating with area hotels and stores to create package deals or offer other types of promotions.

Boost your online presence and social media marketing

Now that we have established how your business can gain by bringing tourists into the fold, you may wonder where to begin. 

For people who are unfamiliar with an area, online searches are generally the first step they take. For that reason, it is crucial that your website is cleanly designed, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines.

Your next job is to craft content that will pique the interest of travelers. To that end, feature high-quality images of your products as well as video content that educates and informs. 

Complement these with testimonials from past customers who have visited your shop from other parts of the country and the world. This will provide the peer social proof that today’s shoppers seek.

The power of social media also cannot be overlooked. Use it in conjunction with your website to share your engaging text and visual content. 

Participate in local events

If your community hosts festivals, concerts, or other types of programs that attract outside visitors, it is in your best interest to leverage them.

 To that end, set up a pop-up shop or booth there, or consider a financial sponsorship. Taking these actions will raise your store’s profile and give you ways to make direct contact with visitors.

Accept payments in their natural currency

If any of your guests are coming from abroad, you will want to partner with an international payment processor. This company will assist you in configuring your point of sale system to meet the needs of customers from other nations who want to spend money at your store.

One of the services they will provide is to enable you to accept multiple currencies. 

With this in place, you can continue to sell products to these clients long after they have returned to their native country, using the monetary denomination with which they are the most familiar and comfortable.

Offer a memorable experience

Regardless of whether your guests are domestic or international, another way to set your business apart is to offer a uniquely personalized experience. 

Some research in advance can give you insights into what your tourist customers want. Then make it your business to provide it with customized products and curated recommendations that make each person feel recognized and special.

Finally, do everything you can to make your store stand out in a positive way. 

After all, tourists are especially receptive to making new memories. Cater to that desire with live displays, performances, and interactive events that will put your shop at the forefront.

In an era when every penny counts, you need to take advantage of the added exposure and profits that tourism can bring to your shop. Implement these strategies to get the word out about your shop far and wide, and you will soon reap the rewards.