How to Solve the Biggest Challenges of Selling to Tourists in 2025/26

The world of tourism and global shopping has changed dramatically over the last few years. Travellers are buying more, expecting more, and demanding seamless experiences from the moment they step into your store. Whether you run a street market stall, boutique, souvenir shop, art gallery, restaurant gift counter, or any retail business in a tourist-heavy location, you’ve likely felt these challenges first-hand.

Tourists often love what you sell—but converting that interest into a smooth, profitable transaction isn’t always simple.

Language barriers, delivery issues, customs complications, limited luggage space, and a lack of digital readiness can all stand in the way of a sale.

The good news?
Every one of these challenges can be solved—and solved easily—with the right tools, customer experience, and shipping setup. In this article, we’ll explore what tourists really want today, the common obstacles they face, and the practical steps you can take to turn every visitor into a delighted customer.


Why Selling to Tourists Is Still a Massive Opportunity

Tourism is booming again. According to global travel data, international tourist spending is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2026. That means more buyers, more foot traffic, and more chances to sell high-value items.

Tourists want:

  • Authentic products they can’t find at home
  • High-quality souvenirs or gifts that genuinely reflect their trip
  • Art, fashion, design items, handmade crafts, and premium goods
  • A seamless way to get their purchase home without stress

The last point is the key.

Most tourists want to buy more—but carrying those items home has always been the barrier.

This is exactly where a modern tourist-facing business can win.


Understanding the Modern Tourist Buyer (2025 Profile)

Today’s global traveller expects speed, transparency, and convenience—especially in physical stores. They are:

Digital first

Most tourists research, compare, and shop through their phones—even inside your store.

Experience-driven

They want unique items with a story behind them: local art, handmade pieces, cultural items, or premium goods.

Luggage-limited

Airline restrictions mean travellers can’t carry everything they want to buy—even if they have money to spend.

Delivery-dependent

Tourists increasingly expect in-store shipping options, especially when buying fragile, bulky, or valuable items.

Trust-conscious

They need assurance that their purchase will arrive safely, which is why retailers using a trusted delivery platform like Pigee convert far more international buyers.

Understanding these expectations is the foundation of solving the long-standing problems of selling to tourists.


The Most Common Challenges When Selling to Tourists (and How to Fix Them Fast)

1. “I love it, but I can’t carry it on the plane.”

The Solution: Offer instant in-store delivery

Tourists want more than fridge magnets—they want art, clothing, lamps, ceramics, handmade goods, and statement pieces. But carrying these items through airports is stressful.

By offering instant delivery through platforms such as Pigee, you turn hesitation into a sale.

In seconds, you can:

  • Share a secure checkout link
  • Include customs and delivery automatically
  • Send the item directly to the buyer’s home
  • Track it effortlessly

Galleries and art sellers can also explore Pigee’s art delivery tools to simplify high-value shipments.


2. Language Barriers

Tourists often struggle to understand product details, care instructions, or pricing.

The Fix:

  • Use visuals and icons
  • Provide translated product cards
  • Offer QR codes that open product pages
  • Use AI translation tools
  • Use Pigee’s automated customs process which removes the need for long explanations

Tourists buy more when they understand exactly what they’re getting.


3. Tourists Don’t Understand Local Products or Usage

Example:
A visitor buys spices but doesn’t know how to store them…
A collector buys art but doesn’t realise it needs protective packaging…
A buyer purchases chocolate without knowing it melts easily.

The Fix:

Always explain:

  • How to use the product
  • Storage requirements
  • How shipping protects the item
  • Delivery timelines and insurance

These simple explanations build trust and reduce returns or complaints.


4. Tourists Want Proof of Trust and Security

Travellers worry about scams or unreliable shipping.

The Fix:

Provide a transparent digital checkout and tracking system.
With Pigee’s secure checkout links, customers see:

  • Price
  • Processing
  • Shipping cost
  • Customs
  • Tracking

This clarity instantly boosts confidence.


5. Tourists Don’t Know You Ship Worldwide

Most business owners forget to tell tourists they ship.

The Fix: Make delivery unmissable

Put signs everywhere:

  • “We Ship Worldwide with Pigee”
  • “No need to carry—send it home safely”
  • “Ask us about global delivery”

You’ll be shocked how that single statement increases conversion.


6. Tourists Want Digital Payment Solutions

Many visitors travel cash-free.

The Fix: Allow card, tap, online, and QR payments

Pigee lets customers pay by card and automatically includes customs and delivery in one step. The simpler the checkout, the more likely they’ll buy.


7. You Don’t Capture Tourist Details for Repeat Sales

Tourists often return online—not physically.

The Fix: Build a simple follow-up system

When customers buy via Pigee, you automatically gain:

  • Their purchase history
  • Their location
  • Their shipping preferences

This allows you to invite them back to your online shop later.


8. You Can’t Handle High Volume of Orders

If your store suddenly gets busy, manual processing becomes impossible.

The Fix: Automate everything

Business users can log in to:
👉 account.pigeepost.com

And manage:

  • Batch orders

  • Product uploads

  • Inventory syncing

  • Real-time delivery quotes

  • Automatic shipping labels

You can also learn full setup steps in our E-commerce Shipping Setup Workshop.


Top Ways to Convert Tourists Into Paying Customers

1. Greet Every Visitor Immediately

A simple “Hello! Where are you visiting from?” creates instant connection.

People buy from people.


2. Give Every Product a Story

Tourists love storytelling.
Tell them:

  • How it’s made
  • Who made it
  • Why it’s unique
  • Why it represents your culture

Stories increase value.


3. Offer “Ship Now, Enjoy Later”

This is your most powerful closing technique.

Tell customers:
“You don’t need to carry it. I can ship it straight to your home.”

Your sales will grow instantly.


4. Use Product Bundles for Tourists

Offer:

  • 3-for-2 deals
  • Family bundles
  • Multi-item shipping discounts
  • Artist or maker collections

Bundling increases average order value dramatically.


5. Let Customers Scan and Pay

If your shop is crowded, QR checkout links via Pigee allow visitors to buy without waiting.


How Pigee Solves the Future of Tourist Shopping

Pigee gives shops, galleries, markets, and tourist-focused stores everything they need to sell globally.

✔ Smart customs
✔ Cheapest multi-carrier quotes
✔ AI-powered delivery
✔ Secure global payments
✔ No app required for customers
✔ Home pickup or drop-off
✔ Batch processing for businesses
✔ WooCommerce store integration

Explore all features at pigeepost.com.


Final Thoughts: Tourist Sales Don’t Need to Be Difficult

Tourists want to buy more than ever—they just need a smoother path from interest to purchase.
By optimising your in-store experience, removing barriers, and offering simple global delivery through Pigee, you can turn every visitor into a confident, happy, returning customer.

Whether you’re an artist, gallery, boutique, market stall, or small family store, the right tools can transform the way you sell to international buyers.