Winter Tourism Heating Up Across Greater Cape Ann 

The winter has long been viewed as the “slow season” for tourism on Cape Ann, but happenings in recent years – including late 2023 and early 2024 – are changing that perception. This was the focus of the January 19 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber Tourism Council. We also used this meeting to look ahead to an equally busy spring season, as well as the years ahead. Winter got off to an exciting start with holiday activities across Cape Ann in November and December, with Rockport’s expanded New Year’s Eve celebration bringing the season to a fitting end.

In January, a new winter tradition continued with the 2024 edition of Gloucester So Salty on January 20 & 21. The event’s organizer, the Cape Ann Museum, reported that this was yet another success, despite the cold temperatures. The chilly weather meant that the event’s ice sculptures around downtown could be enjoyed longer, while attendees had plenty of opportunities to stay warm with indoor events. January also saw the first performances at the performance venue at The Cut, which has already begun adding new energy to Gloucester’s downtown scene.

There is still much winter left, and the Tourism Council expects to see continued activity throughout our five Greater Cape Ann communities.

The beginning of the new year is also a time to look ahead, and that’s just what we’ve done. In January, Tourism Council members joined with others from the Chamber and the Greater Cape Ann community to discuss plans for a June Pride celebration, and we also attended a meeting of the Arts & Culture Alliance to talk about the important part our artists and cultural institutions play in the region’s visitor based economy. Our arts and culture community was in the spotlight in January, at the Chamber’s annual celebration, held at the Shailin Liu on January 26.

Also on January 26, members of the Council and others across Gloucester and Cape Ann attended the 16th annual North of Boston Tourism Summit, a daylong event where industry professionals share insights and updates. Discussions focused on topics like international travelers, digital communications, and other issues important to the tourism community on Cape Ann.

Looking ahead, the Council has already begun planning for the Governors Conference on Travel and Tourism on April 2 and the Chamber’s annual Greater Cape Ann Tourism Mixer this spring. The Mixer is an opportunity for all those with an interest in our visitor-based economy to share updates on summer and beyond.

These and similar tourism topics will be the focus on our next meeting, on February 16. We invite anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy to join our monthly meetings. We gather on the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices — and via Zoom. If you’d like to be part of these discussions, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.

Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com