View this email in your browser


July 2019

Dear Colleagues,  
 
We hope you had a wonderful Independence Day!  Massachusetts has lots to celebrate in July, as our summer tourism season kicks into full gear all across the Commonwealth.  

We’re happy to welcome Lisa Wieland as the new CEO of Massport, Lea Filson as the new executive director of Destination Plymouth, and Vincent Jackson as the new executive director of Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.  We look forward to working with them in their new roles.

Thank you for working with us to promote Massachusetts as a top destination for leisure and business travel.

Sincerely,

 Keiko Matsudo Orrall
 Executive Director

 

 

Industry Spotlight
Al Rose
Farming Tourism at Red Apple Farm
Fourth generation farmer Al Rose owns and operates the Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, a 70-acre family farm established in 1912.  Al is involved in regional tourism...Read more. 

 

 

By the Numbers

 

Lodging Data for U.S. & MA: Calendar year to date May 2019 vs. May 2018

  • From January to May 2019, the Occupancy Rate in MA (62.7%) decreased by 2.2% compared to the same period in 2018. The Occupancy Rate across the U.S. grew by 0.4% to 64.4%.
  • Rooms Sold in MA totaled 8 million, an increase of 0.3%. The U.S. Rooms Sold increased by 2.5%, to 511.7 million.
  • The Average Daily Rate (ADR) in MA of $170.66 was a 2.4% increase, which was more than the U.S. ADR growth of 1.2% to $130.42.
  • Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) increased by 0.1% in MA to $107.07, and underperformed the 1.6% growth to $84.02 in the U.S.
  • Room Revenue in MA totaled $1.4 billion, up 2.6%. The U.S. was up 3.7% to $66.7 billion.

 

 

Industry News

TUI Germany FAM
MOTT, in partnership and with the support of the regional tourism councils of Greater Boston CVB, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, welcomed an 18-person travel trade FAM with TUI Germany. TUI Germany is the market leading tour operator focusing on leisure segment.  Travel agents, product managers, and staff from the sponsoring airline KLM all participated, making it a fantastic opportunity to showcase tourism products in Massachusetts.

Here the group pictured in Martha’s Vineyard and at Fenway Park. Thank you to all who hosted!





Mayflower Sails 2020
On July 8, Governor Charlie Baker joined organizers of Mayflower Sails 2020, City of Boston and the National Park Service to announce the debut of the restored Mayflower II, which is slated to sail into Boston Harbor in May 2020.  Details here.
 
Worcester Airport flying to PA and MI
American Airlines Inc. is resuming once-a-day flights between Worcester Regional Airport and Philadelphia, PA, starting on July 9.

Delta Air Lines is launching once-a-day flights between Worcester Regional Airport and Detroit, MI, starting on August 2.

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, and went into effect on July 1, 2019.  Whether you are an operator or an intermediary for short-term rentals or traditional lodging, you will need to register. If you collect rent, you will 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. 


 

Industry Calendar


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.

 

 

Massachusetts Film Office
 
For a schedule of film festivals in Massachusetts this month and throughout the year, visit MAfilm.org/.

 

 

MOTT Bulletin Board
 
Happy Anniversary!
Did you know that MOTT has a specific landing page just for Special Anniversary Celebrations? Check it out to see upcoming events like the 100th Anniversary of Saint Anthony’s Feast, the 100th Anniversary of the Massachusetts Building at The Big E, the 50th Anniversary of the Norman Rockwell Museum and so much more! We are always looking for distinctive and unique anniversary celebrations recognizing a variety of events such as the establishment date of a city or town, a special birthdate, celebration or commemoration. If you have a special anniversary to list for 2019 or 2020, please contact John Alzapiedi.
 
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 November/December 2019 and January/February 2020. Please send your offers for consideration to:  Phyllis M. Cahaly.

Call for Brochures
Our friends at Lee Premium Outlets/Simon Properties are happy to display your latest brochures, rack cards and travel guides at their active visitor information center. Please send one (1) box of material to Carolyn Edwards, Area General Manager, Lee Premium Outlets, 17 Premium Outlets Blvd., Lee, MA 02138; 413-243-2063; cedwards@simon.com.