Discover New England News | | NEW ENGLAND TOURISM UPDATE | | |
There is no denying that policy decisions at the federal level may be affecting the competitiveness of the United States in attracting international travelers. According to the UNWTO, global tourism reached record levels by the end of 2024 with total international tourism exports valued at $2 trillion—representing a 6% year-over-year increase. Despite this global growth, the United States is currently the only country forecasting a decline in international arrivals by the end of 2025.
Exacerbating this trend, the U.S. Senate recently voted to reduce BrandUSA’s funding from $100 million to $20 million. BrandUSA has long played a vital role in international market development for regions like New England that rely on targeted overseas marketing to remain competitive.
The potential loss in long-haul international visitors is a concern for New England’s economy. Revised 2024 figures show that overseas visitors spent an average of $2,796 per person per trip in New England, contributing $250 billion to the New England economy in 2024 - compared to only $289 spent per domestic traveler per trip. These international travelers tend to book further in advance, have lower cancellation rates, and stimulate broader economic engagement between nations. Continue reading...
| | Discover New England is pleased to announce the following programs and opportunities: | | Crisis Communications in Tourism: Be Ready, Be Responsive | | |
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 9 AM
Providing tourism organizations with essential tools and strategies to effectively prepare for, respond to, and overcome crises. Whether facing natural disasters, public health emergencies, or reputational challenges, participants will learn practical tactics to protect their brand and reassure visitors. The session includes actionable tips and best practices to help tourism professionals strengthen their communications plans and instill confidence during challenging circumstances.
Presented by Charlene Williams, President of Marshall Communications.
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Each year, Discover New England leads sales missions to opportunity markets and invites four to six delegates from New England’s tourism industry to join. These missions consist of a busy schedule of events, meetings and trainings with leading members of the travel trade and media. Prices do not include hotel, airfare, food, or other travel-related expenses. Space is limited and is reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Limit one delegate per organization/company. To learn more and reserve your spot, go to the Discover New England’s Events & Campaigns webpage.
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Germany & Switzerland, November 10-14, 2025, proposed cities are Frankfurt, Zurich, Munich, and Hamburg. Registration cost $3,000/delegate. Partner price is $2,500/delegate.
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Italy, January 26 – 30, 2026, proposed cities are Milan, Turin, and Verona. Registration cost $3,500/delegate. Partner price $3,000/delegate.
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UK & Ireland, June 22 – 26, 2026, proposed cities include Manchester and Leeds and then on to Belfast and Dublin. Registration cost $3,000/delegate. Partner price is $2,500/delegate
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Learn more about Marketing Partner Pricing here.
| | Reach UK Travel Trade with Sponsored Content in Selling Travel | | Showcase your business and destination to the UK travel trade through a dedicated campaign with Selling Travel magazine. The destination feature package includes a full-page sponsored print and online article, homepage promotion, newsletter and social media amplification of the article, and a bonus news story—all designed and written to your brief. With an audience of over 25,000 travel professionals and multiple content style options (like “Top Experiences” or “How to Sell”), this campaign builds awareness over several months. Packages start at $2,925 per feature, with discounted multi-feature pricing available. To learn more, contact Sally Parker at sally.parker@bmipublishing.co.uk. | | SAVE THE DATE - SUMMIT & INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE | | |
Earlier this year, Discover New England hosted a successful, sold-out annual conference in Newport, Rhode Island. The region welcomed 80 buyers representing leading international travel organizations and just over 200 suppliers from throughout the region. In total, 4,594 scheduled meetings took place over a day and a half. Read the full post show report here.
The next Annual Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace will take place April 13 – 15, 2026 at the Hotel Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. Registration will open on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and early-bird registration closes on Friday, December 12, 2025. Learn more here.
| | UK & IRELAND SALES MISSION | | |
Discover New England hosted a Sales Mission to the UK and Ireland in May. The delegation met with more than 80 travel trade and media professionals through a mix of formal events and one-on-one appointments in Dublin, Cork, and London. Read the full post show report here.
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Discover New England hosted a double trade booth and a single media table during IPW 2025 in Chicago, IL from June 15 - 19, 2025. DNE entered the conference with a full schedule of 84 prescheduled trade appointments and 20 media appointments. With booth walk-ins, the DNE booth had 94 trade meetings and more than 30 media meetings. Read the full post show report here.
| | DISCOVER NEW ENGLAND'S FY2026 STRATEGIC PLAN | | Each year, Discover New England updates a strategic plan led by the six state tourism directors to collaboratively develop long-haul international arrivals to the region. Read the full report here. Furthermore, Discover New England engaged strategic planning experts Miles Partnership and Coraggio Group for a multi-year plan. That report will be available upon review. | | | | |
