Tourism Council Update – March 2026
Winter Season is a Busy Time for Greater Cape Ann’s Tourism Community
Greater Cape Ann may see fewer tourists in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot happening for the region’s tourism community. This was apparent at the most recent monthly meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council, on February 20.
The Council covered a wide range of topics at this meeting, including a review of early 2026 events and activities, a recap of Discover Gloucester’s Tourism & Business Summit, two guest presentations, a discussion of proposed tourist transportation services, updates from Tourism Council members, and a look ahead to our spring Tourism Mixer.
One of the highlights from the first two months of 2026 included January’s Gloucester So Salty, which celebrated another successful year of winter activities despite weather challenges. A benefit of the cold weather over the past month: the Gloucester So Salty ice sculptures are still available for viewing.
The group discussed the February 5 Tourism & Business Summit, which included a report on accommodation and restaurant trends from the past year, a presentation from North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau on the upcoming tourist season, roundtable recaps from various tourism industry groups, and a preview of this June’s Battle of Gloucester reenactment – one of the most anticipated tourist events of 2026.
Our guest presenters were Eric Sullivan, from the Highliner Hotel, and Mike Storella, from Cape Ann Plein Air. Eric shared insights on the hotel, which recently opened on Main Street in Gloucester. Mike provided a look ahead to plans for this very popular annual outdoor painting competition, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. CAPA Week this year will take place October 3-11, with many other activities planned for the preceding months.
The group discussed a proposal for additional CATA services connecting guests at area accommodations to downtown businesses. The Council learned that CATA was supportive of the new service, but needs drivers to support this – Council members committed to help spread the word to potential drivers (anyone interested can reach out directly to CATA).
The Council heard member updates on the Crane Estate, Emerson Inn, the Ipswich Visitor’s Center, the Cape Ann Museum, and the upcoming Governor’s Council on Tourism, which will be held this year in Danvers, on March 24 & 25.
Closer to home, the Council discussed initial plans for our annual Tourism Mixer, which this year will be held at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, on May 12. Given this year’s venue, there will be a special focus on the important contributions of the arts and cultural community to tourism on Greater Cape Ann.
We’ll be discussing these and other topics important to the tourism community in our next monthly meeting, on March 20. Anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Greater Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy – and/or wants to be part of these discussions – is invited to join us for this and future 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