Tourism Council Update – September 2025
The Successes – and Some Challenges – of a Busy 2025 Summer Season
It’s no secret that summer is an especially busy time for Greater Cape Ann’s tourism community, but the demand this places on accommodations, attractions, restaurants and others who serve our visitors is just one of the challenges we face. But in 2025, we have “weathered” through the season thus far to enjoy many successes. These successes – and this summer’s challenges – were the focus of the August 15 meeting of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council.
After a slow start to the season with wet weather in early June, Mother Nature came through, delivering lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. With this came a greater number of last-minute visitors and shorter stays than in past years, which puts more pressure on the accommodations. But there’s an obvious upside to any tourist interest in Greater Cape Ann – more business for not only accommodations, but restaurants, attractions, shops, and others. Those attending our August meeting reported that business improved as the summer progressed, with some particularly encouraging updates from attractions like Hammond Castle, the Crane Estate, and even Second Glance.
One area of concern has been the potential decline in visitors from Canada and other countries abroad. Still, while there’s been some reports of some backlash here, it has not had the same negative impact as reported by other tourist destinations in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and other parts of Massachusetts.
Another concern discussed in past years has been the availability of Uber and Lyft, but this, too, is no longer as great a challenge. It was reported by Council members that these ride-sharing apps – together with CATA and our local cab company – are meeting the needs of visitors to the region.
Events in late July and August have had a positive effect on tourism this summer, with strong showings and nice weather – a change from some past years – at Manchester’s Festival by the Sea and the Waterfront Festival and recurring events like Downtown Gloucester Block Parties and Culture Splash and Ipswich’s Downtown Tuesdays.
So the result of all this: a strong tourism season across Greater Cape Ann – and there’s still more summer ahead!
Tourism’s contribution to the region’s economy – in the summer and other seasons – has led to another Tourism Council discussion: ensuring that these businesses have a voice in local government. The Council has had conversations with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce representatives, planning candidate forums and other initiatives aimed at voter education, sharing questions and issues focused on tourism, how it can be better supported, and its impact on the community.
Tourism topics like those discussed in our August meeting will be on the agenda for our next meeting, on September 19. Anyone who is involved in or has an interest in Cape Ann’s visitor-based economy is invited to join us for this and upcoming monthly 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 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
