Summertime has well and truly arrived in Canada, and that means it’s the high season for travel and tourism. This is an important time of year for any restaurant operation and making sure you’re in the best possible position to attract new customers is essential. Whether you’re based in a holiday hot spot with seasonal tourist traffic, or a bustling city with a steady, year-round flow of visitors, Olivieri Foodservice® is here to guide you through the best ways to make the most of tourist traffic in your locality. From seasonal menus to meal-deal promos to marketing strategies, we’ve got all your bases covered.
Refresh Your Menu for Summer
One of the most effective ways to attract seasonal visitors is to update your menu to reflect the flavours and experiences people associate with summer. Tourists are often looking for meals that feel special and memorable, particularly when they’re dining out during a vacation. Incorporating seasonal ingredients, lighter dishes, and limited-time offerings can create a sense of excitement around your menu.
Feature Seasonal Specialties
Consider highlighting dishes that showcase fresh and locally-sourced summer produce, vibrant flavours, and colourful presentation. Seasonal menu items not only appeal to customers but can also help your restaurant stand out from competitors. Showing the connection your restaurant has with local producers is also something that visitors will appreciate. Finally, advertising limited-time offers can encourage visitors to choose your establishment while they’re in town, knowing your enticing menu may not be available for the entire duration of their stay.
Create Irresistible Summer Promotions
Tourists often make dining decisions quickly, especially when they’re unfamiliar with an area. Well-designed promotions can help set your restaurant apart and encourage foot traffic.
Offer Family-Friendly Deals
Summer travel often means families are on the move. Family meal bundles, kids-eat-free promotions, or prix fixe menus can provide excellent value while increasing average order sizes.
Visitors appreciate simplicity, and clear promotional offers can make the decision-making process easier when choosing where to dine.
Introduce Lunch and Early Evening Specials
Many tourists spend their days sightseeing and may be looking for convenient lunch options or early dinners before evening activities. Time-sensitive promotions can help drive traffic during quieter periods while maximizing daily revenue.
Make the Most of Outdoor Dining
Summer and patios are a natural combination. If your restaurant has outdoor seating, it should be one of your biggest assets during tourist season.
Enhance the Patio Experience
Comfortable seating, attractive décor, shade options, and ambient lighting can significantly improve the customer experience. Guests are often drawn to restaurants with lively, inviting outdoor spaces where they can enjoy the weather and soak up the local atmosphere. Simple additions such as planters, string lights, and seasonal decorations can make your patio more visually appealing and encourage passersby to stop in.
Create Instagram-Worthy Spaces
Tourists love documenting their travels. A well-designed patio, signature dish presentation, or unique feature wall can encourage guests to take photos and share them online, providing valuable organic exposure for your restaurant.
Strengthen Your Digital Presence
Before tourists ever walk through your doors, many will discover your restaurant online.
Keep Your Listings Updated
Ensure your website, social media profiles, and online business listings contain accurate information, including opening hours, menu details, contact information, and location data. Nothing frustrates visitors more than arriving at a restaurant only to find outdated hours or incorrect information online.
Showcase Your Best Content
Regularly posting photos of popular menu items, patio seating, special events, and customer experiences can help generate interest. High-quality images are especially important for attracting tourists who may be researching dining options from their hotel room or while exploring the area.
Partner with Local Tourism Businesses
Building relationships within your local tourism community can create valuable referral opportunities.
Work with Hotels and Accommodation Providers
Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rental hosts are often asked for dining recommendations. Providing menus, promotional materials, or exclusive offers can encourage these businesses to recommend your restaurant to guests.
Participate in Local Events
Summer festivals, community events, farmers’ markets, and tourism initiatives provide excellent opportunities to increase visibility. Sponsoring local activities or offering event-related promotions can help introduce your restaurant to visitors who may not have otherwise discovered it.
Deliver an Exceptional Guest Experience
Attracting tourists is important, but turning them into enthusiastic advocates can be even more valuable. Visitors who enjoy a memorable dining experience are more likely to leave positive online reviews, recommend your restaurant to others, and return during future visits. Train staff to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive. Tourists often appreciate recommendations about local attractions, events, and experiences, making hospitality a key part of the overall guest journey.
Turn Summer Traffic into Long-Term Success
Summer presents a valuable opportunity for restaurants to increase revenue, build brand awareness, and attract new customers. By refreshing your menu, creating targeted promotions, investing in your digital presence, and delivering exceptional service, you can position your restaurant as a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Attracting new customers who come from different parts of the country, not to mention world, can also provide valuable learnings for your restaurant. Interacting with visitors will not only enhance their experience of your restaurant, but also offers you the chance to see things from a new perspective.
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