Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

I am semi-retired & looking for ideas for a tourist driven business.  The area is a small community with steady year round tourists.  I want to do something that would attract all ages, hopefully not be too labor intensive or too expensive as a startup.

Any ideas or where I can research further is greatly appreciated.

JQ

Souvenirs related to the location are a great item to sell to tourists.  They eat that stuff up!  :)

Food is also a good thing to sell to tourists because they are often not cooking for themselves the way they would at home.

As for location, you could sell something from a movable cart which would require less startup capital than some sort of storefront.

Just some ideas so I hope that helps.

Jq,

Where are you?  What are the demographics?  Why are tourists going there?  Some answers might help with suggestions.

Janie

  

Horse-drawn carriage rides.

FOOD FOOD FOOD!!!

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
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Around our area we have year round tourists as well and one thing that seems to bring them in are historic tours especially ones that revolve around "Ghostly Happenings"  These are usually held early evening and by costumed hosts.  I have taken several in my area even though I am not a "tourist".  If you have a love of history this might be something to look into.

 

 

Are there campgrounds in the area that have significant use JQ?

If so, I`d personally consider starting a conveniently located camping/campers supply store selling the consumables and camping stuff the visitors routinely need.

You could also sell in that same shop an extended line of tourist curios and/or seasonal stuff (like beach products for example) too. (Or... spin-off with a partnered-up biz - or start a biz-coop in a larger building - or.... lots more ideas, but that can wait for another post.)

For a really `low-buck` start, try going with a "mobile-canteen" using a well-stocked larger-sized step-van full of "fast-turning" fresh foodstuffs, canned goods & misc. consumables... then cruise the campgrounds (by prior arrangement with the owner/operators) on a regular & routine basis/schedule.

NB: In my area - with a lot of seasonal lakeside tourist trade - there are several of each of these options operating with a large measure of success... and... they are quite EASY to start & run!

Nick/Old Nikko

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GM, The Entrepreneur Community Network™
My Little Place on the Web

Hi,

Thanks for all the tidbits.  Most everything mentioned is pretty much already taken.  Location is on the Pacific coast, weather is iffy at best, even though year round traffic of tourists due to ocean.  Approximately 5,000 fulltime year round & 300-500,000 visitors per month, depending on season.

The city does not allow carts, there is police, fire, library, etc. & there is a convention center with 10-15 good sized "shows" a year.  Too much food already.  There are campgrounds, "tourist & beach" , etc.

Which is why I posted - need NEW ideas.

thanks
JQ

Open a `House of Jerky`.  Believe me, it would work.

Janie

OK...

When was the last time you tripped thru` the yellow pages of another large "touristy" city with similar characteristics? Then, compare what they have for businesses with what your area doesn`t have. (Use the indexes only, you don`t need any details at this point.)

I`d bet that youll find at least several dozens of new, unique possibilities that fall within your capabilities.

Nick

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GM, The Entrepreneur Community Network™
My Little Place on the Web