Tourism Council September Meeting Update: Focusing on the Future of Tourism on Cape Ann
The monthly meetings of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Tourism Council always include a look back on the recent developments. While this was the case in our September 20 meeting, the focus was clearly on the future of our region’s visitor-based economy.
Even our reviews of past tourism experiences from this summer were learning opportunities, helping us see where we can build on successes and address challenges.
We discussed the encouraging responses to late summer events such as the Waterfront Festival, the Schooner Festival, and the regular Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays, Culture Splash, and Block Party programs. These and other events earlier in the summer add an important dimension to tourism on Greater Cape Ann – and going forward, we’ll continue these efforts, not only in the years ahead but also in the fall season unfolding in the next few months.
We touched on those upcoming events, including September’s Blackburn Brewfest and Love Cape Ann Auction; October’s Cape Ann Plein Air (10/5-13), HarvestFest (10/19), and Essex Clamfest (10/26); and the CACF Fundraiser at Harbor 9 Golf (11/14), as well as holiday celebrations in November and December.
We also heard from representatives from lodging, restaurants, and other businesses that serve tourists, all who reported having had a very strong summer.
We took the time to discuss ways to improve our tourism offerings, including efforts to address the condition of Gloucester’s HarborWalk, the ongoing focus on expanding Lyft and Uber services, and the need for extended Commuter Rail service to accommodate those enjoying dining and performance offerings later in the evening. The group agreed it should continue to advocate for these and other issues impacting tourism on Cape Ann.
And finally, we talked about new initiatives, receiving an update on the Chamber’s Map Me initiative, a new 3D interactive digital map the Chamber is testing to utilize for marketing. We also heard about CATA plans to expand summer shuttle service for summer 2025, and Rev250 Battle of Bunker Hill re-enactments that will take place at Stage Fort in June 2025. The Rev250 events are expected to generate 20,000-30,000 visitors for the weekend of June 21 and 22 next year. There will additionally be hundreds of participants in the re-enactment.
These and similar topics will be the focus of the upcoming Summer Season in Review, a program organized by Discover Gloucester in conjunction with the Chamber and the city of Gloucester. The Season is Review will be held on November 12 at Gloucester Stage, and roundtable discussions with specific segments of the tourism community will take place in the weeks ahead.
There will be more conversations like this on October 18, when the Tourism Council meets again. We invite anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy to join us for this or future monthly meetings. Our Tourism Council meets 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 added to our email list or share updates with the group, please reach out to me or contact the Chamber staff.
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
tsapienza@gmail.com
