Woodman's of Essex July, 2021
Dear MOTT Partners,
Summer is officially here and tourists are returning to Massachusetts! Our regional tourism councils, destination marketing organizations and small businesses are working in overdrive to give visitors a memorable experience in the Bay State.
This month MOTT is launching a series of high-profile television spots for our $1.9 million ‘Let’s Go Out’ restaurant promotion campaign. In addition, recipients of MOTT’s Travel & Tourism Recovery grants are actively promoting local businesses and summer activities in cities and towns across Massachusetts.
Read below our MA Spotlight interview with Rick Lofria, the recently-appointed executive director of the Greater Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
And finally, MOTT’s ‘State of Wonder’ photo contest has received some amazing submissions from people who love Massachusetts as much as we do. Contest winners are eligible for travel and hospitality prizes for capturing the photographic essence of the Bay State.
Have a great summer and thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Keiko Matsudo Orrall
Executive Director |
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My Local MA Campaign Update
Let's Go Out Campaign TV Spots
Here is a sneak peak of the ‘Let’s Go Out’ campaign TV spots on our YouTube Channel. Beginning July 12, these spots will appear on local & national news programming, high-profile sports and specials, and primetime programming.
Let’s Go Out
This summer, MOTT launched ‘Let’s Go Out,’ a multi-channel statewide advertising campaign to promote the in-person restaurant dining experience. Our campaign messaging is appearing on billboards, social media, web, television and radio. Learn more about the importance of dining local at VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut/. To have your restaurant (or other tourism related business) listed, create a free account here.
Seen and Heard: #mylocalMA on Instagram- 11,500 Uses and Counting!
Join the #mylocalMA movement on Instagram. From the Berkshires to the Cape, Massachusetts has amazing places for everyone to enjoy. Take a photo at your favorite restaurant and ‘Let’s Go Out’ to celebrate summer! Use the #mylocalMA hashtag and logo, just like @capeannchamber, for a chance to be featured! We invite you to like, support and follow @VisitMA.
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MOTT Photo Contest
Win a trip to your #STATEOFWONDER
Massachusetts is full of hidden treasures and inspirational landscapes, and our new #STATEOFWONDER photo contest welcomes your input! Send us your favorite photo or video of the wonder you treasure for a chance to win a free Getaway Package this summer right here in Massachusetts. The next drawing for top three vote getters is July 15. Enter now-- and don't forget to vote for your favorites!
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MA Spotlight
Rick Lofria
Valley Adventures
MOTT talks with Rick Lofria, executive director of the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau...Read More
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International Update
Canada Update
Nearly 18 months after suspending its flights due to the COVID-19 public health and travel restrictions, Porter Airlines announced plans to resume its flights in phases on Sept. 8 for within Canada. U.S. destinations like Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, set to resume on September 17.
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Industry News
The Big E
The BIG E Eastern States Exposition is excited to announce that it’s back for 2021! Mark your calendars now for September 17, 2021, for this unique 17-day, six-state New England Fair. Visit with all of your favorites like Storrowton Village, the Better Living Center, and of course the Massachusetts Building along the Avenue of States, where we will celebrate Massachusetts Day on Thursday, September 23. For more information see here.
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MOTT Opportunities
Media Outreach
MOTT is preparing its media outreach on August and fall activities. Please contact Michael Quinlin to share ideas or to get more details.
Call for Photography
MOTT is always on the lookout for year-round stunning tourism photography of Massachusetts to share on our social sites. If you would like to submit some of your favorite hi-res, royalty and copyright free images, please send to Phyllis M. Cahaly for consideration. Please include the name of the photo, the location (city/town), and the photography credit.
50 Great Things to do Under $50
MOTT is currently accepting listings for ’50 Under $50’ September/October 2021 editions. Here’s the criteria: the offer must be under $50 (so up to $49.99, tax included) and cover BOTH: 1.) admission for two adults and 2.) admission for two adults with two children age 12 and under. Please send your submissions for consideration to Phyllis M. Cahaly.
Regional Tourism Council Bulletin
The July issue of the RTC’s monthly bulletin is available to read here.
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MA Film Office
Film Festivals
Woods Hole Film Festival
July 31 – August 7
For a schedule of film festivals in Massachusetts this month and throughout the year, visit MAfilm.org/.
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By the Numbers
Massachusetts Lodging Results: CYs 2020 vs. 2019, CYTD April 2021 & May CY 2021
- The Lodging Industry in MA started off CY 2020 with substantial gains over CY 2019. For January/February 2020, Rooms Sold and Room Revenue increased by 7-8%, compared to the same two months in 2019. However, during the remaining 10 months (March-December), Rooms Sold decreased by just over 59%, and Room Revenue decreased by 71%.
- For CY 2020, Rooms Sold decreased 48% and Room Revenue dropped 65% compared to CY 2019.
- For the first four months of CY 2021, results for the lodging industry in MA showed a decline in Rooms Sold of 10.5% and a decline in Room Revenue of 30.4%, compared to same four months of CY 2020. The decline in Room Revenue was also negatively impacted by a 22.3% decrease in Room Rates across the Commonwealth.
- In May 2021, the 1.3 million Rooms Sold in MA was an increase of 167% over the May 2020 Rooms Sold of 486,000. Room Revenue increased by 327% over the same periods: $184 million vs. $43 million. The greater increase in revenue was aided by the Average Daily Rates increasing 59% to $141.84 in May 2021, compared to $88.83 in May 2020.
 
- Lodging industry Room Revenue GAINS in May, CY 2021 across the U.S. totaled just under $8 Billion, a 205% increase compared to May, CY 2020--$11.8 Billion vs. $3.9 Billion.
- Room Revenue across the U.S. in May of CY 2019 totaled $15 Billion.
- In Massachusetts, Room Revenue gains totaled $141 Million, a 327% increase.
- In the other New England states combined, there was a 245% increase of $176 Million.
- In New Jersey, gains totaled $139 Million, a 194% increase.
- The state of New York Room Revenue was up 128% or $293 Million; in Pennsylvania Room Revenue increased 271% to $285 from $77 Million, a gain of $208 Million.
- In all the regions discussed above the Room Revenue increases were driven by increases in both Rooms Sold and Room Rates. However, the percentage increases in Rooms Sold were between double and triple the Room Rate increases.
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MOTT Contacts
MA Office of Travel and Tourism staffers are working remotely. Please see contact information:
John Alzapiedi, Web Manager, [email protected]
Phyllis Cahaly, Director of Partnership Marketing, [email protected]
Tony D’Agostino, Research Director, [email protected]
Daniela De Caro-Heavey, Special Projects Manager, [email protected]
Keiko Matsudo Orrall, Executive Director, [email protected]
Michael Quinlin, Director, Commonwealth Marketing Office, [email protected]
Maria Speridakos, Director of International PR, [email protected]
Marc Zappulla, Grants Coordinator, [email protected]
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