According to the forecast prepared for the Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) by the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, more than 13 million visitors were predicted to travel to New Hampshire this summer, an increase of two percent over levels seen in 2006. “Total visitor spending was projected to be about four percent above last summer’s levels, reaching more than $1.6 billion and setting a new spending record,” explains DTTD Director Alice DeSouza. “but it’s still too early to know if we are meeting those predictions.”  Going into August, through informal discussions with and emails from industry members around the state, we compiled the following...

“August is the busiest summer month here in the Lakes Region, “ wrote Amy Landers, “but overall June was very good for businesses with two major events, Motorcycle Week and Winston Cup.  July business was quite mixed.  We had businesses that reported to be down, others to be up, and most equal to or close to equal to last year.

During Motorcycle Week we found the two weekends’ occupancy was very high.  Mid-week was a bit slower.  A lot more day-trippers during the first weekend of the event.  Repeat business was about 30% to 40%, where several years ago this would have 60% or higher during the event.   Visitors and vendors were more spread throughout the state this year.”  

Attractions in the mountains reported a good start to the season through June, but a soft July, according to WMAA President Jayne O’Connor, who went on to write, “They are looking forward to August.  I have heard several of them say that it is an okay year – but they won’t set any records.  Day-trippers seem to be prevalent, as the attractions get busy around 11:00 a.m. not when the doors first open.  

For lodging in the mountains, “No Vacancy” signs were pretty scarce until just this week (last week of July) all around the mountains. Advance reservations still seem a bit soft. On a good note, attractions and retailers are reporting that per capita spending is up, mostly in retail merchandise.”

Jayne reported that her members are seeing their second strong season of Canadian visits, with the best exchange rate since 1976.  Canadians and International travelers also like our gas prices, since their gas is nearly $4/gallon....Full Story 

Hotels are no longer selling corporate meeting clients just a room, a sound system, a projector and some pitchers of water.

Some full-service chains are in the vanguard of a growing trend in which the hotels are creating a customized environment that uses sound, food, scent, decor, toys and gadgets to create moods that match the meetings' objectives....Full Story

  Destination Loyalty Drives Vacation Decisions

We welcome submissions that would be of statewide interest, or articles that you would like to share that address trends, forecasts, marketing tips, etc. that pertain to the various segments of our industry. Please send information for consideration to Susan Logan, a member of the Travel Council's Board of Directions, and Editor of this newsletter: susan@nhtourismnetwork.com

Thanks!
Susan Logan, Editor, News You Can Use!
Member, NHTC Board of Directors

Dear NH Travel Council Members and Industry Associates,

Last month, the New Hampshire Travel Council announced its redirection and its focus on one industry-wide conference, the Governor's Conference on Tourism, to be held in May of each year. The organization will continue to communicate with its members through our newly launched industry newsletter.

On behalf of the NH Travel Council Board of Directors, we want to thank our many sponsors who have agreed to move their commitments from our originally scheduled Fall Conference to the newly-formatted Governor's Conference on Tourism. We also would like to thank all of our members for your support during this transition. Renewals continue to arrive, and we are pleased with the industry's ongoing support of the NH Travel Council.

As the Travel Council continues with a new focus, it's important to recognize the contribution of Nancy Kilbride who served as the President and CEO of the organization since the late 90s.

When Nancy first joined the New Hampshire Travel Council, the organization was facing a large deficit, and her first task was to completely turn the organization around. Through her diligence and cost effective measures, Nancy brought the organization back into the black. Over the years, Nancy has continued to manage in this fashion to the benefit of the Travel Council and its membership.

The New Hampshire Travel Council, founded in 1974, was established by industry leaders who felt tourism needed a collective voice within the State of NH's economy. The Travel Council is unique because it encompasses all aspects of the tourism industry, and over the last nine years, Nancy has done a great job of managing and directing the broad audience that is our membership.

Please join us in thanking Nancy for her years of service. We will be in touch regarding future recognition opportunities that the NH Travel Council Board of Directors has planned.

Thank you.

Ben Wilcox, Chairman
New Hampshire Travel Council 
603-356-5543 ext: 300