Tourism Council Focuses on Future Opportunities…and the May Spring Mixer!
The March meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Tourism Council confirmed what our group has known for quite some time: our region is a wonderful destination for visitors (as well as those of us who make our home here).
Nancy Gardella from the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau was our special guest, and she shared some insights on our region, pointing out that north of Boston is the number three tourism destination in Massachusetts. Nancy talked about the work of her organization, which helps to promote the region, raise the visibility of tourism businesses, and bring us together to share ideas and opportunities.
Nancy joined us for a discussion of recent and upcoming happenings across Cape Ann. We discussed plans for the popular Cape Ann Winter Birding Boat Trip, which we hope will provide a centerpiece for more birder activities in the years ahead.
We also discussed our goals to create opportunities to encourage more tourism in the “soft season” – beyond the already busy summer months on Cape Ann. And we talked about the importance of diversity, inclusion and belonging within the tourism community, recalling that the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) effort grew out of initial Tourism Council conversations. Tess McColgan of Discover Gloucester also talked about her organization’s focus on diversity.
With spring at our doorstep, the focus turned to the seasons ahead and our plans for the 2023 Spring Tourism Mixer, scheduled for May. This annual event is a gathering of Cape Ann’s tourism community, providing an opportunity to share and learn what’s new as we approach spring and summer. Mark your calendars, and watch for more details on this year’s Tourism Mixer. We’ll discuss plans for the Tourism Mixer at our next meeting, on April 21. The Tourism Council meets on the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices or via video conference. You’re welcome to join us for this meeting – and for our Tourism Mixer in May (date to be confirmed). Come hear about the exciting times ahead for our tourism community!
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
