Supporting small businesses and shopping small are trends that are here to stay. A recent Amex Traveler survey found that 77% of respondents agree that they want to be more conscious about supporting small businesses. Hotels can prepare for this by curating amenities and hotel shops to reflect this trend. Here are a few ideas to support the movement:

• Uniforms + Textiles:
  Deliberately source materials for uniforms and textiles throughout the hotel that support local artisans in the community.
• Food & Beverage:
  Work with your Executive Chef to procure your products locally, minimizing your supply chain and maximizing local ties. Use (and advertise!) local farms and artisans for your meat, dairy, vegetables, and more.
• Gift Shop Curation:
  Curate the offerings in your gift shop to reflect local artisanal products and ensure that your staff is aware of these offerings when marketing the products to guests.
• Guest Programming:
  Consider ways to engage the community for guests, including local nature walks, animal releases, or cultivating relationships with local tourist organizations.
• Staff Volunteering and Community Engagement:
  Create an ongoing volunteering or community engagement program for hotel staff to integrate further into the community, and support local nonprofits and NGOs.

Have any other ideas? Feel free to share them with us!