Local small businesses are the heart and soul of destinations. We celebrate them on Small Business Saturday each November, but they’re the unsung heroes 365 days a year. They provide a unique experience to visitors who crave a break from the same-old, same-old, and they’re good for the community, too:

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can help boost small businesses in their destinations by encouraging visitors to spend their valuable tourist dollars locally. Many DMOs use social media shoutouts to reach the masses — we gathered some tasty, tipsy, artsy, and entertaining TikTok and Instagram promos posted by local-loving DMOs to get you inspired.


Bites & Brunch

Visit Bellevue

@visit_bellevue

An ode to carbohydrates ❤️🥯❤️For the ~14,000 runners registered for Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington here are some of Bellevue’s yummiest places to carb up.

♬ original sound - Visit_Bellevue

Caffeine & Cocktails

Visit Greater Palm Springs

@visitgreaterps Experience a fun night out at a hidden bar. @psairbar is an aviation themed speakeasy located in the back of @bouschetps! Try their signature cocktails and enjoy your flight! 🍸✈️ 📽️: @thesocalgal ♬ Flying Away - ZydSounds

Sweet Treats


Amazing Artisans


Entertainment for All

Visit Orlando

@visit_orlando Smash rooms are all the rage, and this Orlando one hits the mark 💥 | 📍 @Smash ‘N Dash Rage room | #orlando #rageroom #thingstodoinorlando #vacation #travel #smashroom #breakingthings ♬ sonido original - Dani Valle

Dazzling Hidden Gems


Shop Small (Seriously, Do it …)

Visit Clarksville TN

@visitclarksvilletn Visit Downtown Clarksville to find all your dream fall essentials from Halloween decor to cozy fall fashion. Don’t forget we are just a 45 minute drive from Nashville! 🍂🎃 #visitclarksvilletn #clarksvilletn #nashvilletn #fallfashion #cozy #fall #fallaesthetic #fallvibes #falltravel ♬ original sound - GemsOnVHS

As the examples show, the sky’s the limit on the creative ways DMOs celebrate their community’s local businesses. How do you plan to feature them in your end-of-year marketing? 

 

Special content credit to Simpleview Content Specialist, Eileen Connell