It’s hard to believe Labor Day, and the summer of 2023 is in the rearview mirror. Despite multiple challenges – including the rain, and with the rain, cancellations, and rebooking, as well as ongoing labor challenges – our tourism community continues to thrive. Although official statistics are not yet in, by most accounts’ businesses have reported a successful season. Our region continues to see a mix of visitors from nearby cities and towns, across the northeast region, and increasingly across the nation and around the world.

We discussed summer 2023 at our August Tourism Council meeting, as well as the focus of tourism in our five greater Cape Ann communities during the shoulder seasons as well as off season. We continue to explore ways in which we can cross promote businesses with featured events and partnerships with our existing events. The latter was the topic of our guest speakers Kathy Curasone and Susan Glasser, who represent the Committee for Rockport New Year’s Eve. The Council discussed how to enhance promotion of the event as a fun off-season experience, attracting both local residents as well as visitors from afar.
As we embrace the fall, we continue to explore new ideas to attract people to visit greater Cape Ann, to enjoy the beauty we know and love. This includes signature events such as the 2nd Annual Blackburn Brewfest, our 39th Annual Essex Clamfest, and the many daily activities in each of our communities. We are even seeing increasing visitors choosing to stay and visit greater Cape Ann along with local fall destinations such as Salem and Boston.

As we continue to be discovered as a premier vacation destination, we look forward to embracing new ways to welcome visitors throughout the summer, fall, winter and spring.

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