Shop Local, Stay Longer: 10 Ways to Help Visitors Discover and Support Local Businesses

Let's be honest, we've all been there. You’ve worked so hard to attract visitors to your town, festival, or museum, and you see them walking around. They're loving the scenery, the events, maybe even snapping some selfies. But then, you notice they’re grabbing coffee from a chain store or heading to the same big-box restaurant they have at home. It’s frustrating, right?

You want them to experience the unique heart of your community, but it feels like there's a disconnect, a missed opportunity for both them and your local businesses.

This isn't just about economics (though that's a huge part of it!). It's about creating a truly memorable and immersive travel experience that makes visitors feel like they've connected with your community.

When visitors find a genuine way to discover local businesses, they feel like they’ve found something special and authentic.

And that's exactly what brings them back again and again. Often, the best way to bridge that gap is with a dedicated discover visitor app.

How Can a Digital Tourism Platform Help Visitors Discover Local Businesses?

Getting visitors to shop local isn't about being pushy; it’s about making it easy and fun.

Here are 10 expert-backed strategies to help you turn those missed opportunities into genuine, community-building moments.

1. Launch a Themed "Shop Local" Tour. Don't just list businesses, tell a story. Create a self-guided tour focused on a specific theme, like "Main Street Artisans" or "Historic Eateries." This gives visitors a curated, purpose-driven reason to explore your community.

2. Gamify the Experience with Rewards. Turn shopping local into a game! Create a digital scavenger hunt where visitors earn points or unlock prizes for checking in at different local businesses. Bruce County saw over 18,000 visits and 1,300+ downloads by using this exact strategy, all without needing to hire a single extra staff member. (See, it doesn't have to be complicated!)

3. Offer Digital Coupons and Special Deals. Nothing motivates a purchase like a good deal. Use a mobile app to push exclusive coupons for local shops and restaurants, especially during an event or festival. The Crescent Heights BIA used this tactic and not only drove foot traffic but also saved thousands of dollars on printing costs.

4. Create a Curated AI Business Directory. Instead of just a static list, use AI to create a dynamic directory. Visitors can easily find exactly what they're looking for, whether it’s "a coffee shop with a patio" or "the best place to buy local souvenirs." This is particularly useful for remote destinations, like Visit Sitka, where reliable cell service can be a challenge.

5. Host a Contest or Raffle. Use a contest to create buzz and drive participation. The Downtown Brampton BIA saw over 3,000 digital check-ins in one weekend by offering a chance to win a $1,000 prize. That’s a powerful incentive to get people to engage with multiple local businesses.

6. Partner with Local Storytellers. Work with local artists, historians, and entrepreneurs to create engaging audio stories about their businesses and the surrounding area. A personal story can forge a much stronger connection than just a simple list.

7. Organize a "Pop-Up" Event. Create temporary markets or events that showcase local artisans and producers. This gives smaller businesses a chance to shine and provides a unique experience for visitors.

8. Leverage Your Local Heritage. Frame your local businesses within the context of your town's history or culture. A cultural tourism tour can highlight a historical building while also pointing visitors to the family-run bakery that’s been there for generations.

9. Promote Seasonal Campaigns. Align your efforts with local events or holidays. Paddyfest in North Perth created a town-wide tour with over 80 local businesses, turning their annual festival into a month-long economic driver.

10. Use Interactive Maps. An interactive map allows visitors to see exactly what’s around them, right on their phone. This simple tool empowers them to make spontaneous decisions to explore a nearby shop or café they might otherwise have missed.

Tourism Reality: Although we may assume visitors will find local gems on their own, the reality is they need a little help and a lot of encouragement. Making it easy and rewarding is the best way to ensure they go off the beaten path.

FAQ

Q: How can my small BIA or town afford to create something like this?

A: You’d be surprised! Many of these strategies, especially using a digital tourism platform, are far more affordable and scalable than traditional print materials. You can start with a simple walking tour and add features like gamification or digital coupons later. Platforms like Driftscape are built to be budget-friendly and easy for anyone to manage.

Q: We don't have a lot of local businesses. Is this still relevant?

A: Absolutely! The goal is to highlight what makes you unique. If you only have a handful of businesses, focus on telling their stories in a compelling way. A tour of "The Three Best Coffee Shops in Town" with personal anecdotes is more memorable than a list of 50 businesses they'll never visit.

Q: Won't visitors just use Google Maps?

A: Google Maps is great for getting from A to B, but it lacks context and storytelling. A curated tour or business directory provides an authentic experience with a narrative that visitors can't get from a generic search. It turns a simple errand into an adventure. According to Destination Canada's latest insights, visitors are increasingly seeking unique, local-led experiences over generic information.

Q: How do we measure if our efforts are working?

A: The right digital tools come with built-in analytics. You can track things like tour completions, POI views, and check-ins. This data helps you see what's popular and prove the return on investment to your board or stakeholders.

Creating a vibrant, visitor-friendly local economy isn't just a pipe dream; it's a completely achievable goal.

By using these strategies to help visitors discover local businesses, you’re not just boosting sales but rather you're building a stronger, more connected community for everyone.

Ultimately, using a discover visitor app is about connecting people to the heart of your community.

Ready to see how easy it is to create a themed tour or gamified campaign for your local businesses and to build a better visitor experience?

Book a demo to see how Driftscape can transform your visitor experience!