While Cape Ann’s tourism community is enjoying one of its busiest winters ever, in our February 17 meeting of the Chamber’s Tourism Council, we looked beyond this season and discussed opportunities throughout 2023. 

We opened the meeting with a review of mid-winter activities at Cape Ann museums and the uptick in business enjoyed by area restaurants, particularly around Valentine’s Day. Council members representing our accommodations reported growing interest in reservations later in the year. Conversations also focused on the remaining winter months and the opportunities to build on the Chamber’s popular Winter Birding Boat Trip, this year scheduled for March 25. We discussed ways we might extend other offerings to visiting birders, including tours, speaker sessions, and special discounts – in 2023 and in years ahead.

We discussed the possibility of similar packages and cooperative marketing opportunities for other events throughout the year, including road races, September’s Blackburn Brewfest, and the 2023 Gloucester 400+ celebrations.  The Council pointed to Cape Ann Plein as an example, discussing the successful weeklong program of activities around the artist competition taking place in October.

The Council reviewed a variety of other tourism opportunities, including a focus on films and television programs set in Gloucester, an international dory race in July, and a festival celebrating the region’s arts and culture.

These are just some of what Cape Ann offers tourists visiting the region in seasons throughout the year – in the winter, spring, summer, and fall.

We’ll continue to review opportunities like in future Tourism Council meetings, held on the third Friday of each month.  In our next meeting, on March 17, we’ll welcome a guest speaker from the North of Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau, and we’ll also discuss how we can ensure diversity and inclusion across the tourism community. 

Anyone with an interest in topics like these that help us strengthen Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy is welcome to join us on March 17 – at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices or via video conference.  Reach out to me, the Chamber, or other Tourism Council members to be part of this exciting initiative.

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