Tourism Council June Update: Spring Mixer Spotlights Tourism Excitement, Optimism Spreading Across Cape Ann
In the May 19 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council, our group reviewed last month’s Spring Tourism Mixer, and all agreed that if this year’s annual kick-off event was any indication, we are in for an extraordinary spring and summer.
Each year, the Spring Tourism Mixer is an opportunity for Cape Ann’s tourism community to come together to share updates, expectations, and reminders — all focused on the many ways we engage visitors to our region. And that’s just what unfolded on an outstanding spring evening at the stunning Crane Estate in Ipswich.
With its magnificent Great House and sweeping views, the Crane Estate was an ideal backdrop for this event, reflecting the history and natural beauty of our region — and our extension into Ipswich, the newest addition to the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce community.
Our 2023 Mixer attracted more than 75 attendees, representing Cape Ann accommodations, attractions, and services, as well as our arts and cultural community and a variety of area businesses. We learned about the return of popular events this spring, summer and fall, and new programs at our museums and visitor destinations. We heard from longtime pillars of our region that welcome visitors on the water and on land. We enjoyed a taste of Cape Ann, with dishes donated by the restaurants and caterers that are part of our extraordinary food scene. And we were reminded of special celebrations planned for our communities, including the landmark Gloucester 400 events that will continue throughout the year.
We discussed all this and more in the May Tourism Council meeting, fueling the excitement and optimism shared across our visitor-based economy. We used these Mixer topics as a stepping off point for even more conversations about recent highlights and upcoming plans, including more comprehensive calendaring, a centralized booking system, diversity and inclusion in our tourism activities, and packages and special offers providing visitors more choices around Cape Ann events and activities.
We’ll continue these discussions in future monthly meetings of the Tourism Council. We gather on the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices — and via Zoom. If you’re interested in joining us to share in the excitement, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
