If you live in a Connecticut town with a large tourism industry, you may want to reap the benefits! People may come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the things that make your town special. So, if you choose from one of the following ideas, try to incorporate the unique aspects of local culture to give tourists something to talk about when they go home!
Restaurant
Cool restaurants are often one of the most memorable parts of a vacation because visitors experience unique recipes that they can’t get anywhere else. Even though there are probably plenty of restaurants in your area that cater to tourists, there isn’t one with your personal touch. So, get creative and establish yourself!
Marketplace
People love a good market. So if you set up a space that allows local artists and vendors to showcase their products, you’ll attract those looking to experience your town’s culture. Plus, you’ll be supporting other small business owners in the community. Remember, it’s always better to work together instead of against each other.
Family Fun
If your parents ever took you on vacation as a kid, you probably carry fond memories of the fun attractions you visited. So, let your inner child run free! Of course, you can open indoor and outdoor amusement parks or playgrounds. Conversely, you could open an interactive museum to teach families local history if you like to educate.
Tours and Souvenirs
Consider offering scenic tours if your town holds historical landmarks and natural beauty. The startup costs are low since all you need are permits, knowledge, and a way to market your business. However, if you want to increase your profits, consider basing your business in a souvenir shop. This way, customers can come back to buy memorabilia for themselves and loved ones back home. Additionally, you can offer personalization services to make your products extra special.
Spa
People go on vacation to take time away from their life stressors and relax. So it’s no surprise that a spa day should be on the itinerary. However, remember that there are spas in their home-town, so you need to provide an experience that makes yours a tourist destination. For example, you could locate your spa in a private, natural setting, so your guests can relax in nature while getting pampered.
Craft Workshop
People love to learn how to make works of art and foods from other towns. So opening a craft or cooking workshop can give tourists an immersive experience with a finished product to bring back home. This is an excellent business idea for those who love teaching and creating. Plus, watching others create their versions of local crafts and recipes provides you with new insights every day. So when you open up your business, set up an Instagram account to post pictures from your workshops.
Childcare
Parents may wish to have a few hours to themselves, even on a family vacation. So by creating a safe environment for supervised play, the kids can have fun while their parents enjoy adult activities. This service is often well paired with other business ideas as well. For example, if you choose to open a spa, you can dedicate a room to childcare, so people don’t have to compromise their relaxation.
Information Center
Information centers are a necessity for tourists. While the profits would be low, you would gain fulfillment knowing that you can provide help to visitors who need it. Plus, you could always double up and sell souvenirs and snacks for busy people on the go.
How to Start a Business
If you are settled on an idea, it’s time to bring your vision to life. A lot goes into starting a business, so you need to be prepared to put in hard work and persevere through the rough patches. If you’re unsure how to start a business, here are your first steps:
- Conduct market research.
- Write a business plan.
- Choose a business structure, and register with the state to become a legal entity.
- Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
- Register to pay and charge taxes.
- Apply for the required licenses and permits needed for your business.
- Open a business bank account.
- Protect your finances with insurance. It’s effortless to get workers comp in Connecticut for an affordable price.
- Start marketing your business.
- Hire employees to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Conclusion
Tourism is a profitable industry. So if you live in a popular vacation spot, you should have no problem starting a successful business that attracts visitors. Plus, when you offer something unique, your customers won’t forget. In fact, they’ll probably go home and tell their friends and family about the experience. And that is exactly what you need to attract more customers down the line.