The traveler checking into a Blount County hotel tonight could become tomorrow’s customer at your restaurant, boutique, attraction or service business. The challenge is simple: Will that guest know you exist?
The opportunity is substantial. Visitors spent $644.2 million in Blount County — about $1.8 million per day — ranking the county eighth among Tennessee’s 95 counties, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s 2025 county report, as cited by the Blount Chamber. State tourism research also found that visitors to Tennessee are especially interested in shopping and dining, particularly at locally owned businesses. Meanwhile, McGhee Tyson Airport welcomed a record 3.63 million passengers in 2025.
Those travelers need meals, transportation, entertainment, gifts, personal services and memorable local experiences. Hotel employees field questions about those needs every day: “Where should we eat?” “What is nearby?” “What can we do tonight?” “Where can I find something local?”
If you want hotel teams to recommend your business, give them a clear reason — and make it easy.
Start by creating a simple, trackable hotel referral offer. Give guests a useful incentive, such as a small discount, complimentary item or special experience. Also consider a modest incentive for hotel employees whose referrals are verified. Hotel policies vary, so call ahead, keep the arrangement transparent and get management’s approval before offering anything to employees.
Next, visit nearby hotels in person, avoiding the busy check-in window, typically 4 to 7 p.m. Ask for a few minutes with the general manager or director of sales. Introduce yourself, explain what your business offers and describe how it could improve a guest’s visit. Remember, real relationships are still built between real people.
Provide referral cards with your business name, address and contact information on the front. On the back, include the offer, expiration details and the hotel’s name, along with a space for the referring employee’s name. For a more tech-forward approach, create a QR code specific to each hotel for guests to scan. When a guest redeems the offer, collect the card or track the scan. You will learn which hotels and team members are generating visits while giving the hotel a way to enrich the guest experience.
Don’t stop at hotel leadership. Introduce yourself to front-desk employees — the people guests most often ask for local recommendations. Hotels commonly run morning, evening and overnight shifts, so one visit will not reach everyone. Return briefly about once a month, bring updated materials and make an effort to meet each shift without interrupting service.
Finally, protect the relationship. Keep your hours, directions and online listings accurate. Honor the offer, provide excellent service and thank the employee or hotel that referred the guest.
The strongest partnerships benefit everyone: The guest gets a better local experience, the hotel becomes a more helpful host and your business gains a new customer.
Your next customer may already be checked in — make sure the front desk knows where to send them.
