Introduction
After more than a decade working in hotel revenue management across Australia and Asia, one thing’s crystal clear—your hotel restaurant is more than just a place for guests to grab brekkie. When done right, it becomes a magnet for visitors, day-trippers, and international travellers alike. The challenge? In today’s ultra-competitive hospitality game, standing out isn’t easy. But if you’re serious about increasing foot traffic and unlocking new revenue streams, it’s time to get strategic.
So, how do you attract tourists to your restaurant—not just those already staying with you, but diners from beyond your hotel’s front door? In this practical guide, I’ll walk you through seven rock-solid strategies to turn your restaurant into a go-to destination. These aren’t just theories—they’re tactics I’ve seen deliver real results, from regional boutique stays to five-star city hotels.
Why Having a Tourism Strategy Matters
Before we jump into the nuts and bolts, let’s get one thing straight: having a strategy for how to attract tourists to your restaurant isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a revenue multiplier.
Tourists today are experience-driven. They want more than just a bed—they want a taste of the local flavour, quite literally. By positioning your restaurant as a culinary experience, you’re not only increasing food and beverage revenue, but also boosting your brand’s reputation, attracting positive reviews, and even converting diners into overnight guests.
In fact, smart advertising for hotels now often includes promoting on-site dining as a standout attraction. In a world where 72% of travellers say food and drink are key factors in deciding where to visit (Skift Research, 2024), tapping into tourist traffic is no longer optional—it’s essential.
1. Build a Restaurant Concept That’s Worth Travelling For
Create a Unique Identity
Tourists are looking for something they can’t get back home. So, your restaurant needs a clear and memorable concept. Is it a seafood grill that celebrates local catch? A rooftop bar showcasing native bush-inspired cocktails? Or a farm-to-table bistro featuring seasonal produce?
Whatever your angle, make it distinctive and consistent—from the décor to the dishes.
Real-World Win: Pelican Grill in Florida was struggling to attract guests until they rebranded with a beachside BBQ concept, complete with fire pits and ocean views. Tourists started lining up. The lesson? Don’t be afraid to pivot.
Use Local Culture to Your Advantage
Incorporate regional heritage, music, or art into your space. Partner with local artisans for décor or hire buskers to bring in that authentic flair. This strengthens your connection to place—a big pull for travellers looking to experience the local vibe.
2. Curate a Menu That Wows, But Also Makes Cents
Your menu should be exciting enough to tempt first-timers, yet profitable enough to sustain your margins.
Cater to Diverse Diets
Offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Not only does this show inclusivity, but it also increases your chances of drawing in groups with mixed dietary needs—a common scenario among travelling families and friend groups.
Showcase Local Flavours
One of the most effective ways to attract tourists to your restaurant is to give them a genuine taste of the region. Think barramundi tacos in the Top End, bush tomato gnocchi in WA, or Tasmanian cheese platters in Hobart.
Make Menus Dynamic
Switch up your offerings with the seasons. Tourists love seeing “Spring Menu” or “Harvest Specials” that highlight freshness and local sourcing.
Real-World Win: La Trattoria in Melbourne introduced a “Taste of Tuscany” rotating menu that blended local Victorian produce with Italian cooking. Themed nights and clear marketing drew both tourists and locals alike.
3. Market Smart: Use Every Channel to Your Advantage
Even the best restaurant won’t pull tourists if they don’t know you exist. That’s where sharp marketing comes in.
Be Active on Social Media
Post drool-worthy food photos, behind-the-scenes prep, and live music snippets. Highlight your story, your chefs, your sourcing. Tourists do their research—and a compelling Instagram feed can seal the deal.
Targeted Ads Work Wonders
Use Facebook and Instagram ads to target travellers planning trips to your region. You can even set ads to appear when they land at the airport or check into local accommodation.
Tap Into Influencers
Partner with travel bloggers, foodie TikTokers, or Instagram personalities to do honest reviews or feature your menu. A single reel or story can bring in thousands of new eyeballs.
Don’t Ignore Google & TripAdvisor
Optimise your listing on Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor, Yelp and Zomato. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—particularly those who’ve travelled to dine with you.
4. Deliver Exceptional Service That Tourists Remember
First impressions matter. Exceptional service can turn a one-off visitor into a loyal advocate.
Train Staff to Be Ambassadors
Ensure your team knows the menu inside out, understands the story behind each dish, and can recommend local experiences. A helpful server who offers sightseeing tips or hidden gems nearby adds value beyond the meal.
Embrace Language Diversity
If you’re in a high-tourism area, consider having multilingual menus—or staff who speak multiple languages. Tourists appreciate the effort and feel more at ease.
Create a Personalised Experience
Use guest names when possible. Remember dietary preferences if they return. Offer a free drink for honeymooners or a birthday dessert. These small gestures go a long way in boosting your word-of-mouth reputation.
5. Embrace Technology to Make Things Easy
Today’s tourists want convenience—and tech can help smooth out every touchpoint.
Enable Online Bookings and Orders
Your restaurant should be easy to book from a phone. Partner with OpenTable, Resy, or similar platforms and make reservations available on your website and social media.
Offer online ordering for delivery or takeaway—especially useful for tourists who want to eat in their hotel rooms or picnic at a local beach.
Go Mobile-Friendly
Ensure your menu is mobile-optimised with beautiful photos and clear descriptions. QR code menus can be handy, but also keep printed versions for less tech-savvy guests.
Real-World Win: City View Café in Brisbane implemented a new digital system with online booking, delivery partnerships, and a mobile-optimised menu. Within three months, their tourist patronage increased by 27%.
6. Host Events and Experiences Tourists Want to Join
A regular dining experience is great—but events add excitement.
Run Themed Nights
Offer regional food nights, wine pairing dinners, or seafood buffets. Promote them through your hotel, social media, and travel boards.
Try Interactive Workshops
Cooking classes and cocktail-making workshops are growing in popularity, especially with food-loving travellers and groups. They’re also great for content marketing and guest engagement.
Bring in Live Music or Art
Support local talent while setting the scene. From acoustic sets to jazz nights or art exhibitions, events give tourists a reason to come back—even if they’ve already dined once.
Real-World Win: Riverboat Bistro in Adelaide launched monthly jazz nights paired with local wines and seafood tastings. These events became favourites on travel blogs and local events calendars alike.
7. Partner with the Community to Extend Your Reach
Tourism is a team sport. Leverage the strength of your local network.
Collaborate with Hotels & Tour Operators
If your restaurant isn’t part of a hotel, partner with local accommodations. Offer discounts to their guests or referral commissions to concierge teams. If you are a hotel, ensure your own front desk actively promotes your restaurant to walk-ins and travel partners.
Create Bundled Experiences
Think: “Dinner + Dolphin Tour” or “Lamb Roast + Farm Walk.” Joint packages offer value and convenience for tourists.
Source Locally and Promote It
Tourists love knowing where their food comes from. Use local farms, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries—and give them a shout-out on your menus or marketing materials. This builds trust and community while enhancing your brand story.
Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Just a Meal
At the heart of it, learning how to attract tourists to your restaurant is about crafting an experience—something memorable, meaningful, and mouthwatering. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but the vibe, the story, the people, and the setting.
When you combine strong branding, a dynamic menu, smart marketing, standout service, and solid local partnerships, your restaurant becomes more than a hotel add-on—it becomes a destination in its own right.
