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:
- For every dollar spent at a small business, an average of $0.67 stays in the local community
- Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to nonprofit and community causes
- Small businesses create 64% of new jobs in the U.S.
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
Visit St. Cloud
@visitgreaterstcloud Nothing bad about em’, @craveit cupcakes make us happy! 🧁#summer #MN #visitstcloud #dolsies #lunchbox #backtoschool #travel #foodie #bachelorready #minnesota #stcloud #lunch #dessert #sugarrush #strawberryshortcake ♬ original sound - Spencer Sutherland
Visit York County SC
@visityorkcountysc Who knew you could get a taste of Paris in #YorkCountySC? You've got to check out Mado Paris Bakery & Cafe in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 🗼🥐🇫🇷🥖 #fyp #foryou #visityorkcounty #visityorkcountysc #discoversc #traveltiktok #rockhillsc #paris #hiddengems #traveltok #bakery #frenchbakery #parisianvibes ♬ Happy Day in Paris - French Cafe 24 x 7
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
Discover the Carolinas
@discoverthecarolinas You can rent the Cozy Owl Cabin in #Boone on #airbnb now 😍 The sweetest getaway! #nctiktok #704 #fypシ #explore #ShowYourGlow ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic
Shop Small (Seriously, Do it …)
Travel St Charles IL
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
