The winter months is a time when many might expect our focus on tourism might slow down, but for the Tourism Council, it’s just the opposite. As our group discussed in our January 17 meeting, there are plenty of happenings across Cape Ann – and even more planned in the months ahead.
In fact, the Tourism Council team – made up of visitor-based businesses and organizations from all four Cape Ann communities – is busy developing a calendar that looks out years, not months. More and more, we are seeing that Cape Ann is recognized as a year-round destination.
In our latest meeting, we looked back on very successful holiday season, and discussed opportunities that showcased Cape Ann for visitors, including the New York Times Travel Show (January 24-25) and the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau annual summit (January 31), attended by Chamber and Tourism Council members. A Gloucester Daily Times article on a report that emerged from the North of Boston group shows that Cape Ann ranked number one in terms of the economic impact of tourism in Essex County. Gloucester ($111.8 million) topped the list, and when combined with other Cape Ann communities (Rockport at $51.4 million), our lead is even greater!
We’re also spreading the word about our regions to online communities with updates to Cape Ann Life, which spotlights the activities happening here each season.
An important part of visitor promotions are publications like the Cape Ann Guide and the Cape Ann Map – watch for updates on these, as 2020 editions are already in the works and will be available this spring.
The group also addressed other issues related to our visitor-based economy, including community and government initiatives that could impact our ability to attract and engage visitors to our region.
These and topics like will be part of our next meeting – at 8:30am on February 21 at the Chamber of Commerce. If you’re interested in our visitor-based economy and the growing impact tourism has on Cape Ann, please join us.
If you’d like to learn more about the Tourism Council or have ideas or updates to share at any time, please contact me.
Tony Sapienza
Chair, Tourism Council
Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
(Photo credit: Judith Monteferrante)
