MARCH 2022: TOURISM COUNCIL REPORT

There were times this past month when we were reminded it was winter, with drifts of snow and blustery storms, and there were days when it felt more like summer. The diversity of seasons was also top of mind for the Greater Cape Ann Tourism Council, which reviewed wintertime events and looked ahead to the issues and activities shaping our expectations for the summer.

We again discussed the initiatives focused on addressing summer employment concerns, with a report from Council members working to arrange housing, transportation and services for student and J1 workers who will fill much-needed positions during the busy summer visitor season. We heard of continued discussions with partners Senator Tarr and the Cape Ann Transportation Authority and outreach to many other organizations across the region. Council members were asked to support an application for a grant that would support this effort, and we brought up new ideas, including the possibility of a summer job fair.

There was still more focus on summer, as we received an update on the planned return of the summer events in 2022, including the St. Peter’s Feast, Culture Slash, the Waterfront Festival, and the Schooner Festival. We also learned of other activities, like the Downtown Tuesday events in Ipswich, and new events like a September 17 Brewfest planned by the Chamber’s Next Gen group.
We turned our attention to more immediate topics, with a discussion of winter visitor programs – January’s successful Gloucester So Salty program, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Winter Birding activities, special events at the Beauport Hotel, the March 4-6 Girls Getaway Weekend organized by Discover Gloucester, and more.

We took a break from these conversations to acknowledge the contributions of Discover Gloucester’s Elizabeth Carey, who is stepping down after a long and successful tenure with the organization.

We will continue discussions like these in our next meeting, on March 18. Anyone interested upcoming monthly Tourism Council meetings – held on the third Friday of each month — is welcome to participate. Please reach out if you have any questions about the Tourism Council.

Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com 617-650-2995