Here’s something wild: tourists spend over $279 billion a year on food and beverages in the U.S. alone (U.S. Travel Association). That’s more than they spend on hotels, shopping, or even attractions. Translation? If you’re in a tourist-heavy area and you’re not actively marketing to travelers, you’re missing a massive piece of the pie.
Tourists don’t just want to eat. They want a local experience. A vibe. A story they can tell when they get home. Your job? Make sure they find you when they land and fall in love with the whole experience once they do.
Let’s dive into how to make your restaurant a must-visit destination for tourists.
1. Get on the Map…Literally
If a tourist searches for “best lunch near me” and you don’t show up, you’re invisible. That starts with optimizing your Google Business Profile, Yelp listing, TripAdvisor presence, and Apple Maps location.
- Add professional photos
- Keep your hours and menu up to date
- Respond to reviews
- Use keywords like “waterfront restaurant,” “local cuisine,” or “family-friendly dining in [your city]”
2. Turn Your Menu Into a Local Experience
Travelers are on the hunt for something they can’t get back home. Highlight local ingredients, regional dishes, or family recipes that tie into your city’s identity.
Got a local beer on tap? Feature it. Serve conch fritters in Key West? Give them a backstory on the menu. Tourists eat with their eyes, and their curiosity.
3. Show Up Where Tourists Scroll
Before they even pack their bags, tourists are already planning their trip on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. That’s where you need to be.
Post scenic shots of your space, sunset views from your patio, tropical cocktails in fun glasses, and happy diners from around the world. Bonus points for tagging your city’s tourism board or using hashtags like #Visit[YourCity].
Create short Reels like:
- “Top 3 things to try at our restaurant”
- “What tourists really order when they visit”
- “A taste of [your city] in one bite”
4. Partner with Local Hotels, Airbnb Hosts, and Tour Companies
You don’t have to do this alone. Build relationships with concierges, front desk staff, and tour guides. They’re the ones getting asked “Where should we eat tonight?”
Leave branded flyers, offer referral discounts, or create a VIP perk for hotel guests (“show your room key for a free dessert”). These connections can turn your restaurant into the recommended spot without spending a dime on ads.
5. Make Your Space Instagrammable
Tourists love documenting their trip and they want places that photograph well. Think about how your restaurant looks in photos:
- Is there a colorful mural, neon sign, or cool food presentation?
- Do you have a signature dish or drink that everyone wants to post?
Create a few branded moments that practically beg to be shared online. Add your handle and hashtag on menus, table tents, and takeout packaging so visitors know how to tag you. That selfie in front of your patio? It’s free advertising to their 800 friends back home.
Want to Turn Tourists into Raving Fans (and Free Marketers)?
Your city already brings the people. Your food already delivers the flavor. Now it’s about getting your restaurant in front of the right eyes and making sure it delivers a story worth sharing.
At BYK Digital, we help restaurants craft irresistible content, optimize their listings, and build social strategies that draw tourists in and keep the buzz going long after they’ve gone home.
Want to become the go-to tourist stop in your city? We’ll show you how. Let’s build your tourist magnet strategy, book a free consultation today.
