Discover New England News | |
NEW ENGLAND TOURISM UPDATE | |
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In early 2025, the United States tourism sector in its entirety is experiencing a dynamic period, marked by both challenges and opportunities. National reports show a deceleration in overall travel growth attributed to consumers delaying vacation bookings amid economic uncertainties, albeit, still a growth because short term rentals and international arrivals continue to fill in as key growth factors.
There has been an overwhelming amount of news over the past month that has resonated throughout the continent. Mexican vacationers traveling by air are largely unphased and are staying on its remarkable growth pattern. Whereas, news headlines have reported changes in Canadian sentiment towards the United States because of federal policy. As of now, Canadian travel forecasts for New England by research experts Tourism Economics remain positive at +7%. It is too soon to know how shorter trips will be impacted.
Overall for 2024, isolating STR data, New England is slightly ahead of the national average. Looking even deeper to overseas arrivals, New England at +16.5% growth YOY is well ahead of the National overseas arrivals of +11.7%.
Despite what happens “at home” in politics, it is important to be aware of what is happening around the world at the same time. Our issues are not only our issues as most other European countries are experience the same post-COVID leap to the Right and the same reactions from the Left. This fact of shared socio-political conditions is likely to reduce the influence of politics in travel decisions by overseas travelers; therefore, Discover New England believes the forecasted compound annual growth rate through 2027 should continue at a pace of just over 9%. Discover New England and it’s state partners will continue to monitor its international markets and remain in close contact with the U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA as conditions continue to evolve.
In the meantime, the team at Discover New England is charging forward with new trainings, launching new exciting campaigns, hosting renowned media and leading operators in the region and are planning exciting events abroad that we hope you can join. More details in this newsletter below.
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SUMMIT SESSIONS & SPEAKERS | |
The first day of the Summit on Monday, April 7 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM is a half day dedicated to market updates and hearing directly from international tourism experts. | |
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This day is open to all registrants of the conference for no additional charge.
Not registered for Summit? Register for the 1-day (April 7 only) option for only $50. Click here to learn more.
Sessions include:
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New England’s International Arrivals and Key Market Updates, presented by Michele Cota, Discover New England
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Brand USA International Update and Partnership Efforts, presented by Dani Campana, Brand USA
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New England Booking Trends and the Evolving Important Role of OTAs, presented by Kristen Hessel, Expedia Group ™
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International Media Panel – Interactive, Be ready with questions and to get off-the-cuff and genuine responses from six of the most awarded and respected media in the UK and Europe.
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Strategies for Receptive and International Operators, presented by Jennifer Ackerson, Alon Tourism Solutions, and Julie Heizer, IITA.
Followed by a welcome reception for all attendees – International Tour Operators arrive from their Pre-FAM into the Exhibition Area via two coaches. There will be drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and local flair to kick off the festivities.
Learn more about Summit Sessions & Speakers here.
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Tuesday, March 12, 2025
9AM – 10AM EST
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Whether you’re a first-timer with burning questions, a seasoned attendee in need of a refresher, or someone who wants to learn what Summit is all about, this virtual session will walk through what to expect this April and discuss best practices to make the most of your 27th Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace experience.
Presented by: Kerrie Tripp, Director of Product & Sales for Discover New England
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AI in Action: Transforming Destination Marketing & Operations | |
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Friday, March 21, 2025
9AM – 10AM
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AI-driven tools are transforming not only destination marketing but also the way organizations operate behind the scenes. From conversational AI that enhances visitor engagement to automation that streamlines workflows, AI is driving efficiency, personalization, and innovation at every stage of the traveler’s journey.
Externally, AI enables destinations to provide hyper-personalized recommendations, real-time in-destination support, predictive analytics for visitor trends, and seamless omnichannel experiences. Internally, AI-powered solutions are optimizing data analysis, automating administrative tasks, improving content creation, enhancing customer relationship management, and even supporting team decision-making through advanced insights. As these technologies continue to evolve, so do traveler expectations, making it critical for destinations to stay ahead of the curve.
In this webinar, we’ll break down the latest AI tools and strategies, demonstrating how to integrate them across both external marketing efforts and internal operations. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for leveraging AI to enhance visitor engagement, boost operational efficiency, and future-proof your destination marketing strategy.
Presented by:
Jamie Claudio, SVP, Marketing & Destination Strategy for Clicktripz
Jackie Saunders, VP, Destination Strategy for Clicktripz
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May 26 -30, 2025
Limited space available for the Ireland & UK Sales Mission.
For the third year, Discover New England will travel to the UK and Ireland that includes a mix of product development deskside meetings, destination trainings and intimate New England themed events for qualified members of the trade and media. The mission will start in Dublin then travel to Cork before taking a short flight to London where we will focus on greater London to finish out the itinerary.
Prices do NOT include hotel, airfare, or other travel related expenses during the sales mission.
Co-op: $3000/delegate, limited to 6 delegates, first-come, first-serve basis.
Partner Price: $2,500
Contact: Kerrie Tripp, ktripp@discovernewengland.org for more information.
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Mexico City - Save the Date | |
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September 7 – 10, 2025
Mark your calendars for Boston and New England’s first hosted event in Mexico City.
- Sept 7 – Arrival
- Sept 8 – Optional walking tours of beautiful and historic Mexico City. Early evening, be hosted for a dinner presentation that includes market updates, program overview and guests.
- Sept 9 – Main event where about 40 guests representing the who’s who of the Latin American media and trade will meet New England’s tourism industry for a memorable luncheon event followed by prescheduled meetings. New England is a quickly emerging travel destination and interest is very high. Participants will be seated with trade and media deliberately based on reciprocal interest while enjoying a multi course meal. Following the luncheon, attendees will be broken into small groups for prescheduled meetings with trade and media.
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Sept 10 – Depart
Details are subject to change. Participation is expected to cost between $1,000 - $2,000 per person plus travel expenses. Space is limited. Please register your interest by emailing mcota@discovernewengland.org.
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DNE'S STRATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY - PLEASE RESPOND | |
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Discover New England needs as much input from as many businesses, organizations and experts in the New England tourism and hospitality industry as possible. This is a critical time of evolve or get left behind. With so much momentum for New England right now for international arrivals and market expansions, Discover New England needs to be strategic about its next steps so that the work we do with our six state partners remain relevant and impactful to you.
To help lead the work ahead, we have engaged Miles Partnership, a travel & tourism-focused consultancy organization. Miles works collaboratively with research experts Coraggio Group develops informed, long-term strategic plans for tourism destinations across the country.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
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