Summer 2020 was an extraordinary time for Cape Ann’s visitor-based businesses, and this was a topic of conversation for our Tourism Council, which met on August 14.

Those who attended this month’s meeting reported that were signs of hope for many of the business who serve those visiting Cape Ann, despite the disruptions of COVID-19. Accommodations filled rooms with longtime guests – and many new faces from NE and nearby states.  Restaurants saw a brisk business, and there was a return of many of the activities popular in the summer season.  Perhaps most important, our group reported that the vast majority of those who visited Cape Ann this summer left here happy and healthy.

A few months ago, we began our journey into summer 2020 with uncertainty and concern, we have all been impacted – some more seriously than others. But our visitor-based community worked together to managed through the challenges – sharing updates, ideas and plans for the future. And we this too was a focus for our August meeting, as we began to look ahead to more collaborative efforts in the months ahead.

In 2020, staying connected has been critical, and in the coming months, we look forward to an online gathering of the visitor-based community together with Discover Gloucester and others across Cape Ann.  And members of the community continue to take advantage of resources like Cape Ann Tourism, a Facebook community established to share ideas, enable discussions, and promote information and resources that can enable a strong, safe and viable tourism industry around Cape Ann. Check it out here.

If you have questions or comments on the Tourism Council or anything discussed here – or if you’d like to join us for our next meeting on September 18, please email me: tsapienza@gmail.com.

Tony Sapienza

Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
President, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce 2020 Board

Chair, Tourism Council