What Visitors Really Remember – And How to Make Your Business Part of That Story

How to turn guest experiences into stories they’ll share — and remember.

As summer slips into August, now’s the perfect time to reflect on what your visitors truly loved. You may be busy changing beds and checking guests in and out — but the impressions you’re leaving right now could shape your reviews, referrals, and return bookings for months to come.

And more often than not, it’s not the grand gestures that people remember — it’s the small, meaningful moments.

Guests remember the feeling.

The hush of a riverside walk at dusk. A warm conversation in the village shop. A handwritten welcome note or a favourite local saying by the bedside. These are the memories that linger — and they’re what turn a good stay into a great one.

Authentic doesn’t mean complicated.

Quite the opposite. It might be a tip for a hidden beach, a tale of a local legend, or a personal favourite spot for scones. These grounded touches help guests feel like they belong — not just that they visited.

Lesser-known beaches

Learn from what worked this summer.

Before the season ends, take time to notice what guests responded to. What photos did they share? What reviews stood out? Use those insights to inform your welcome pack, shape your messaging, and inspire your future promotions.

Showcase the story of your place.

If your area has a strong cultural or historical identity — perhaps you’re based in a centuries-old Arran cottage that now welcomes guests, or near a working croft that still follows traditional practices — weave that story in naturally. Visitors love a sense of place. Help them connect with it.

A great tourism experience isn’t just about the facilities — it’s about how it makes people *feel*.

Gala Day one of the Scottish Borders Historic Common Ridings.

Looking ahead: what’s your next chapter?

As the summer season winds down, now’s a good time to look forward.

If you’re thinking about expanding your tourism business — converting outbuildings, adding glamping pods, or launching a new  venture — it’s not just about the practicalities. It’s about telling the story of your place in a way that resonates with the right guests.

That’s where I come in.

I work with tourism businesses to help shape meaningful visitor experiences and ensure any development is grounded in a strong story and a sound business case. This often includes:

– A compelling business case for planners
– Market demand analysis and target customer insights
– A clear action plan for moving forward

Typical projects include:
Glamping sites
Self-catering developments
New visitor attractions or tourism services

So, what story are you ready to tell?

Whether you’re running a museum, developing a walking trail, creating food and drink experiences, or reviving a historic site, I can help you shape and share what makes your place unique. Let’s turn that into a story your visitors will remember — and recommend.

If you’re planning your next step this autumn or winter, get in touch I would love to help.

This is Lochranza’s Barkin’ House, where, at high tide, fishermen strengthened their nets by soaking them in a solution of tannin-rich bark.