Tourism Council Update – February 2026
The New Year Brings New Opportunities for Greater Cape Ann’s Visitor-Based Economy
For all of us, the new year brings new opportunities, and this is especially true for Greater Cape Ann’s tourism community. A look ahead to all that’s in store for tourism across the region was the focus of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council’s first meeting of the new year, on January 16.
The Council began this discussion with a review of the holiday season, which helped to get 2026 off to a strong start, with a busy schedule of events and activities. And in January, we saw the return of a new winter milestone – Gloucester So Salty’s ice sculptures, shopping specials, free events, and other wintertime activities.
The Council quickly turned its attention to the year ahead, beginning with plans for the February 5 Tourism and Business Summit – which will feature speakers, workshops, and other programs focused on our visitor-based economy – and the spring Tourism Mixer – which will provide opportunities for networking and updates.
Conversations shifted to plans for the winter, spring, summe,r and beyond. Winter activities included special programs at the Crane Estate and the Beauport Hotel, school vacation events at Hammond Castle and Museum, and specials at Cape Ann Marina.
Cape Ann Museum updated us on near-term exhibits at CAM Green and plans to reopen its downtown Gloucester location in the spring.
Looking further ahead, the Council discussed the major summer events, including one new addition – the Battle of Gloucester re-enactment on June 20-21 – and a major change – plans to move the Blackburn Brew Fest to a mid-summer date with hours later in the day. The Council also reviewed changes on Gloucester’s Main Street, including the recent opening of the Highliner Hotel.
Finally, we heard updates from CATA on the growing number of valuable transportation options the Authority makes available to those visiting Cape Ann and the surrounding communities.
The takeaway from all this discussion: Greater Cape Ann has a clear opportunity to build on a strong 2025 tourism season and achieve even greater successes in the new year.
We’ll be discussing this opportunity and topics like these in our upcoming monthly Tourism Council meetings. Anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Greater Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy – and/or wants to be part of this discussion – is invited to join us for these 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 meetings, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
Learn more about the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Tourism Council