How to Attract Tourists Online
For many small businesses, tourists make up a big part of their customer base. Whether you run a tour company, a boutique, a restaurant, or even a photography service, one thing is true: most travelers will discover your business online before they ever step foot in your city.
Think about it, when people plan a trip, they search Google, scroll Instagram, and read reviews. If your business isn’t visible there, you could be missing out on hundreds (or even thousands) of potential customers.
Here are five proven ways to attract tourists online and make sure your business stands out to travelers.
1. Optimize for Local SEO (Google is Your Best Friend)
When tourists search “best coffee shop near me” or “things to do in Honolulu,” you want to be the business that shows up. Local search is one of the most powerful tools for capturing visitors.
Tips:
Claim and update your Google Business Profile with accurate hours, location, and photos.
Add keywords like “guided tour,” “local boutique,” or “family-friendly activity” to your website content.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Travelers rely on them heavily when making decisions.
2. Use Social Media to Showcase Experiences
Tourists aren’t just buying a product or service, they’re buying an experience. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are where travelers go for inspiration while planning their trips.
Tips:
Share photos and videos that highlight what the experience feels like.
Use hashtags like #TravelTips, #VacationGoals, or location-based ones like #VisitHawaii or #ExploreOahu.
Partner with travel bloggers or micro-influencers who showcase authentic experiences.
3. Invest in Paid Ads Targeting Travelers
Digital ads let you reach tourists before they even arrive. With tools like Google Ads and Meta (Facebook/Instagram), you can target people searching for activities in your city or browsing vacation content.
Tips:
Run Google Ads on search terms like “best tours in [city]” or “things to do near [location].”
Use Instagram ads with eye-catching visuals that spark excitement.
Include a strong call-to-action like “Book Now” or “Reserve Your Spot.”
4. Make Your Website Traveler-Friendly
Your website is often the first “touchpoint” for tourists, and it needs to be easy, clear, and mobile-friendly. Remember, most travelers are browsing on their phones.
Tips:
Highlight services and prices clearly at the top of the page.
Simplify booking and contact options (fewer clicks = more bookings).
Ensure your site loads quickly. Slow websites lose impatient travelers.
5. Share Authentic Local Stories
One of the best ways to stand out is to connect your business to local culture and authenticity. Tourists don’t just want a product, they want to feel connected to the place they’re visiting.
Tips:
Share the story of how your business started or your connection to the community.
Post behind-the-scenes content of your team or day-to-day work.
If applicable, highlight sustainability or cultural respect, these matter to today’s travelers.
Final Thoughts
Tourists are online long before they arrive, researching, planning, and booking. By focusing on local SEO, social media, paid ads, mobile-friendly websites, and authentic storytelling, your business can attract visitors at the right time and turn curiosity into sales.
At Casa Catino, we specialize in digital marketing, helping businesses (especially in places like Hawaiʻi, where tourism is a major industry) shine online. If you’d like to attract more tourists and grow your customer base, let’s connect!
Email us at info@casacatino.com to get started.