Discover New England News

Overseas Travel Update

Arrivals into Boston Logan continue to grow with September tracking 6.1% over 2023 and 6.9% over 2019. The YTD overseas and LATAM arrivals are over 803k into Boston with the top origin markets in order being: UK, India, China, Germany, Ireland and France. When comparing the I94 FIA reports for YTD, countries such as Brazil and Mexico become strong players implying their arrivals may be more split between New York and Boston gateways.

A softening domestic leisure travel by mid to lower income travelers has been felt across the country despite the travel price index easing compared to 2023. U.S. hotels saw a weaker performance in the third quarter where occupancy was down 0.8% YOY with a 6% increase in supply, all offsetting the growth in ADR. Anecdotal reports from all six states in New England have been consistent with the national trend of a softer summer than ideal.

The good news on all fronts is that forecasts are optimistic for international arrivals to continue its growth and for business travel AND domestic travel to accelerate again. Discover New England continues to urge its hotels, attractions and DMOs to look at all three markets as a priority and to manage them deliberately. 

Discover New England has a strategy of international PR, sales and industry capacity building. To learn more, please take a few moments to read Discover New England’s FY24 Annual Report here.

Deadlines & Opportunities

27^th Annual Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace, April 7-9, 2024, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Newport, RI – Early bird ends December 13^th

Register today for this important international event before it sells out. A certain number of Marketplace tables are held for each of the six states and unsold tables will be released to a waitlist in early 2025. Massachusetts is already on a waitlist and a couple of other states are getting close to that point so folks are encouraged to book early. This is New England’s premier event where national speakers present updates and more than 4,000 individual pre-scheduled meetings take place between leading international tour operators and New England suppliers. Learn more by visiting www.discovernewengland.org/summit.

*Note, if your state is on a waitlist, DNE encourages you to complete the registration anyway in order to be added to the list. You will not be charged unless a spot opens up and if you later accept the spot. If you complete the registration form before the early-bird, those lower rates will be honored. DNE will try to get you your own Marketplace table or may suggest that you consider pairing with another confirmed supplier.

Holiday World, Dublin, Ireland, January 24-26, 2025 – One stand still available!

Discover New England will, once again, have a corner pavilion at this popular consumer travel show. This show has a dedicated media and trade day and then has two days for consumers. Stand owners will have their branding built into the pavilion design and will have their own listing in the official program. You may send more than one person from your company or you may invite a partner to join you a lesser registration amount. The stand price is $3,500 ($500 discount for those in the Partner Program). Learn more at www.discovernewengland.org/events-and-campaigns.

Upcoming Education

WEBINAR

State of International Travel, January 14, 2025 at 9 AM

Hear updates from our partners at Brand USA, TTM (UK), Woodstock Communications (Ireland), and Get it Across (Germany). Gain valuable insights into trends and opportunities shaping 2025. This webinar is FREE and advanced registration is required.



Register today by going to www.discovernewengland.org/upcoming-trainings.

In Case You Missed It

Webinar: International Tour Operators

Click HERE to watch it if you missed it! The final two training sessions are especially valuable if you’re unsure how to work with inbound receptive or international tour operators. Packed with practical tips and actionable insights, these sessions provide helpful guidance for anyone looking to navigate and succeed in the international travel industry.

BrandUSA Travel Week, London, UK, October 21-24, 2024

Discover New England had pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with 44 tour operators and 30 journalists based in countries throughout Europe and attended educational sessions on airline route development, inclusion, and visitation updates. Learn more here.

German Sales Mission, Nov 11-15, 2025

Discover New England hosted a sales mission to Germany visiting Munich, Weinheim, Bovenden, Hamburg, Hannover, and Berlin. The delegation included CT Tourism, NH Tourism, Visit Portland, Meet Boston, Visit Maine, and Go Providence. Learn more here.