Tourism Council July Meeting Update: Celebrating Summer Successes and Addressing
Business Challenges
It’s a surprise to no one that summer is the busiest season for tourism on Cape Ann, and
2024 is no exception. But each year is different, with new opportunities and new challenges,
and these were the topics we discussed at the July meeting of the Greater Cape Ann
Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council.
The pleasant weather this summer and spring has been a major factor in attracting visitors
to Cape Ann this year – to our beaches, to events around the region, to museums and art
galleries, and to the shops and services that cater to tourists.
Events provided other summer high points over the past month, including a best-ever July
Block Party, well-attended Culture Splash nights, and very successful Ipswich Downtown
Tuesdays – as well as Independence Day celebrations across Cape Ann. In the month ahead,
we’re looking forward to more summer events: the Festival by the Sea in Manchester and
the Waterfront Festival at Stage Fort Park, and on Labor Day weekend, the Schooner
Festival. There will also be more Block Parties, Culture Splash nights, and Ipswich Downtown
Tuesdays throughout the summer.
In our July meeting, we also discussed some of the challenges facing businesses that serve
tourists and locals, including downtown Gloucester parking, Lyft/Uber coverage, and
attracting customers to businesses outside of our downtown areas. On the issue of parking,
we discussed plans to work with city officials to see what changes can be made to better
accommodate downtown shoppers, diners and visitors. With regard to Lyft and Uber, we
reviewed how we might expand these ride-share services on Cape Ann, and how CATA,
commuter rail, and other transportation resources could better meet the needs of area
businesses. And we learned that Gloucester Crossing businesses plan to hold an August 23
Block Party aimed at encouraging people to frequent that location and its entertainment,
dining, personal services and shopping offerings.
Our monthly Tourism Council meetings will continue to be a forum to celebrate successes,
address challenges, and share updates on future plans – all with a goal of improving Cape
Ann’s tourism business and creating better experiences for visitors to our region.
We invite anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy
to join us. Our Tourism Council meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at the
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices — and via Zoom. Our next meeting is
scheduled for August 16. If you’d like to be added to our email list or share updates with the
group, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
