The Tourism Council meets monthly throughout the year to share updates and discuss ways we can drive a more robust visitor-based economy, but in July we typically take a break, as this is the month when we are busiest.
That was the case in 2020, despite the disruptions of COVID-19. The pandemic may have upset summer plans for some involved with the tourism business, but for others this season is still a busy time – and for all it’s an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the seasons and the years ahead.
While the Council hasn’t met since June, there has still been a dialogue – via email or with the virtual meetings being held as part of reopening plans. In these conversations, we’ve talked about both opportunities and challenges in summer 2020. For those business that have opened, there have been reports of visitors finding places to stay, restaurants to enjoy, shops to frequent and many things to do. These businesses are reporting that this year is bringing more newcomers and more visitors within shorter driving distances. And there’s an expectation those new visitors will be back.
And most important, we’ve heard that these visitors are enjoying themselves – despite the masks, social distancing and other unique requirements of summer 2020.
In 2020, staying connected online has never been more important, and there is a new resource for those of us in tourism business: the Cape Ann Tourism online community. This Facebook community was established to share ideas, enable discussions, and promote information and resources that can enable a strong, safe and viable tourism industry around Cape Ann. It is open to any visitor-based business or organizations and their employees supporting tourism on Cape Ann. Check it out here.
If you have questions or comments on the Tourism Council or anything discussed here – or if you’d like to join us for our next meeting – please email me: tsapienza@gmail.com.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
President, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce 2020 Board
Chair, Tourism Council
