Tourism Council Update – October 2026

Fall is off to a busy start for tourism on Greater Cape Ann, and opportunities in the months ahead promise to make this our best season yet. This was the focus of the September 18 meeting of the Chamber’s Tourism Council, as tourism community members came together to discuss established events and activities expected to attract visitors this fall, as well as new opportunities that could further boost our visitor-based economy.

The highlights began in early September with a successful Schooner Festival and the summer’s final Block Party. Accommodations reported a strong September, especially on weekends, and the Chamber saw significant activity at its visitor center.

Arts and culture was seen as an important tourism driver, especially in the fall months. One of the season’s most popular arts events takes place this month, with Cape Ann Plein Air running from October 3 through October 11.

As in past years, Halloween happenings in Salem brought visitors to Greater Cape Ann, with more September activity than in past years. A new, related opportunity was discussed in our September meeting and a follow-up brainstorming session: how we might build on the popularity of the spooky, Emmy Award-winning Apple TV series Widow’s Bay, which was filmed in Rockport and Gloucester. Widow’s Bay cast and crew return to Cape Ann in March 2027, and the tourism community is coming together to optimize opportunities beginning this month.

The Council was also reminded of two annual fall events expected to again create fun tourism experiences in October – Rockport’s Harvest Fest (October 17) and the Essex Clamfest (October 24). The Chamber is looking to help drive more tourism with a new campaign, Harvest to Holidays, which encourages visitors to come for the events and stay for the experiences.

Another program aimed at growing our visitor-based economy is Discover Gloucester’s Industry Roundtables that kicked off in September, when the various tourism sectors come together to share experiences and plans for the future.

We’ll address all this and more in our upcoming Tourism Council meetings – the next set for October 16. Anyone involved in, or interested in, Greater Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy is invited to join us for these 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 join these discussions, 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