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June 2019
Dear Colleagues,
June marks the start of summer and the buildup of our peak tourism season in Massachusetts. Our hotels, restaurants, cultural venues and tourist attractions are bustling in the summer months, and that is good news for the Massachusetts economy.
Having just returned from the US Travel Association’s Annual IPW conference, I can attest to the strong interest that Massachusetts holds among tour operators, media and others who want to do business with our tourism industry.
Thank you for your efforts to make Massachusetts a destination of choice.
Sincerely,
Keiko Matsudo Orrall
Executive Director |
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Industry Spotlight
Gail Wang
Celebrating Asian Culture in Massachusetts
Boston has the oldest Dragon Boat Festival in North America. Launched in 1979, the annual springtime event on the Charles River combines an exciting day of races on the water with a festival of culture, tradition and food... Read more
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By the Numbers
Lodging Data for U.S. & Massachusetts: April 2019 vs. April 2018
- In April 2019, the Occupancy Rate in MA (69.5%) decreased by 1.1%, compared to April 2018. The Occupancy Rate across the U.S. for April 2019 (68.0%) increased by 0.3% compared to April 2018.
- Rooms Sold in MA totaled 1.8 million, an increase of 0.9% compared to the U.S. growth in Rooms Sold of 2.3% to 107.7 million.
- The Average Daily Rate in MA of $188.17 was a 2.1% increase, which was greater than the U.S. ADR growth of 0.9% to $131.85.
- Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) increased by 1.0% in MA to $130.84 compared to the 1.2% growth to $89.67 in the U.S.
- Room Revenue in MA totaled $336.6 million, up 3.1% and slightly underperformed the U.S. which was up 3.2% to 14.2 billion.
Lodging Data for U.S. & MA: Calendar year to date April 2019 vs. April 2018
- In the first four months of calendar year 2019, the Occupancy Rate in MA (59.8%) decreased by 3.5% compared to April 2018. The Occupancy Rate across the U.S. grew by 0.3% to 63.3%.
- Rooms Sold in MA totaled 5.9 million, a decrease of 0.8%, compared to the U.S. growth in Rooms Sold of 2.4% to 398.3 million.
- The Average Daily Rate in MA of $159.28 was a 1.7% increase, and was substantially more than the U.S. ADR growth of 1.0% to $129.82.
- Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) decreased by 1.9% in MA to $95.19, and underperformed the 1.4% growth to $82.18 in the U.S.
- Room Revenue in MA totaled $947.5 million, up 0.8% compared to the U.S., which was up 3.4% to 51.7 billion.
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Industry News
Legislation Affecting Lodging
Do you need to register, file, and pay tax on lodging rentals?
New legislation expanded the room occupancy excise to include short-term rentals and made other changes that apply to all types of lodging accommodations. The effective date for these changes is July 1, 2019. Whether you’re an operator or an intermediary for short-term rentals or traditional lodging, you will need to register. If you collect rent, you’ll also be required to collect tax and remit it to DOR.
Learn more about all the changes on the information page offered by the Department of Revenue. You’ll find FAQs, how-to videos and legal guidance.
Economic Development Engagement Session – June 25
The final Economic Development Planning Council engagement session will take place in the MetroWest region on Tuesday, June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Framingham State University. Registration information can be found here.
IPW 2019
Massachusetts and New England were well-represented earlier this month at the United States Travel Association’s IPW, the leading international tourism marketplace in North America. MOTT took nearly 100 appointments with leading tour operators and international media, pitching the Commonwealth as a destination for international travel. MOTT was joined by representatives from Discover New England, 5 regional tourism councils, and over a dozen attractions from throughout Massachusetts.
Cheers Tom Kershaw
The Hampshire House celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 10. Its iconic pub, Bull & Finch, was the setting for the hit television series Cheers, which has helped draw tourists to Boston from around the world. Congratulations to Tom Kershaw for his leadership in the hospitality and tourism industry for half a century!
Logan Airport News
Terminal B
A new “Great Hall” officially opens at Logan Airport’s Terminal B on June 20, featuring new concessions, large digital display screens, and an airy architectural space that includes floor to ceiling windows, intertwining support beams and innovative seating.
Boston-Casablanca
Royal Air Maroc starts nonstop service between Boston and Casablanca, Morocco beginning on June 22.
Encore Boston Harbor
The Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, officially opens on June 23, offering gaming, five-star dining, shopping and entertainment.
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Industry Calendar
ACT&T Quarterly Meeting – June 14
The Advisory Council on Travel & Tourism (ACT&T) meets on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon at the State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor, Conference Rooms 2 + 3, Boston.
Mass History Conference – June 24
The 15th Annual Massachusetts History Conference takes place on Monday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Register here.
MMP Quarterly Meeting – July 11
The Massachusetts Marketing Partnership (MMP) meets on Thursday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at the MOTT office, 136 Blackstone Street, 5th floor, Boston.
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Massachusetts Film Office
For a schedule of film festivals in Massachusetts this month and throughout the year, visit MAfilm.org/.
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MOTT Bulletin Board
Big News from THE BIG E
The Massachusetts Building at THE BIG E holds its Centennial Celebration this fall. A rededication day is planned on September 16, and a full day of festivities are scheduled for Massachusetts Day, September 19, 2019. There are many opportunities to exhibit as a one-day vendor on either Massachusetts Day, Military Appreciation Day or Harvest New England Day. If interested, please apply here or email Phu Mai at MDAR.
THE BIG E showcases Massachusetts agriculture, commerce and tourism through informational, educational and retail exhibits. This year’s Fair takes place from September 13 -29.
FREE means FREE!
With so many amazing free things to do in Massachusetts, we created a FREE category listing in our online calendar of events at massvacation.com. Now, you can add your organization’s cost-free events to MOTT’s year-round calendars. Just visit massvacation.com and click on ‘submit your listing’ on the bottom of the homepage. With questions, please reach out to John Alzapiedi.
50 Great Things to do Under $50
MOTT’s ’50 Great Things to do Under $50’ is consistently ranked as one of our most visited web pages each month. To list a special deal offered by your organization, the offer must be valid for a two-month duration and the admission of under $50 must cover either: two adults and two adults with two children 12 and under. We are currently accepting ’50 Under $50’ submissions for September/October, November and December. Please send your offers for consideration to: Phyllis M. Cahaly.
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