NH Division of Economic Development
YouTube Facebook Twitter Twitter
Why New Hampshire Move Start Grow About Us

Posts Tagged ‘Division of Travel and Tourism Development’

NH Fall Foliage 2016: The Leaf Peepers are Coming!

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016
leaves

New Hampshire’s fall colors will attract 9.5 million visitors this year, who will spend $1.4 billion.

With its renowned foliage and outdoor recreation options, New Hampshire tourism officials predict a record-breaking fall season, expecting a 5 percent increase in visitors and a 6 percent increase in spending over last year.


Plan your fall foliage adventures at VisitNH.gov


Given a stronger economy and overall increased spending trends, coupled with the Division of Travel and Tourism Development’s strategic and innovative marketing initiatives, New Hampshire is projected to receive 9.5 million visitors and realize $1.42 billion in direct spending this fall.

Officials expect travelers from key New England and Middle Atlantic markets, as well as overnight visits from more distant states such as Florida, California, and Texas, to increase.

“Last year, New Hampshire saw more than 39 million visitors, which marks a 5 percent increase over the previous year and those visitors spent $5.5 billion, a 7 percent increase over the previous year,” said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. “The fall season is a significant contributor to New Hampshire’s tourism economy.”

“Ongoing research continues to indicate travelers are visiting New Hampshire due to the abundance of activities within accessible proximity,” said Victoria Cimino, DTTD director. “Utilizing a data-driven approach, the division is making strategic decisions in its efforts to position New Hampshire as the premier tourist destination in the northeast. Fall is an exciting and beautiful time in the Granite State. New Hampshire offers the perfect backdrop for living out the adventures of the season.”

To drive continued visitation with key target audiences, DTTD has launched an advertising effort to highlight the vast array of activities and backdrops available throughout New Hampshire.

Here They Come! Record Number Expected in New Hampshire for the 4th of July Holiday Weekend

Friday, July 1st, 2016

Happy July 4th from your friends at NHEconomy.com

Fueled by favorable gas prices and weather forecasts, about 950,000 people are expected to visit New Hampshire over the Fourth of July weekend, spending about $145 million; last year, about 900,000 were in the state to celebrate Independence Day.

The July 4th holiday, which officially kicks off the summer season, is the busiest travel period in New Hampshire, with most coming from around New England and the mid-Atlantic states. Lodging facilities and campgrounds will likely see a sizable increase in occupancy rates over last year.

Outdoor recreation, visiting attractions, patriotic events and visiting friends and relatives are popular activities during the Fourth of July Holiday period.

VisitNH.gov, the website of our sister agency, the Division of Travel and Tourism Development, is a great resource for finding events and adventures in New Hampshire. Stay connected with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube and follow the #livefreenh to see what others are doing this summer in New Hampshire.

Putting the Win in Winter: More Visitors, More Spending, More Places for Rest Stops

Friday, December 18th, 2015
Winter-002

Make Tracks in NH this winter!

More than 7.5 million people are expected to visit New Hampshire this winter season, a 5 percent increase from last year and they are predicted to spend over $1 billion, 7 percent more than last year.

The winter outlook and a preview of the Department of Resources and Economic Development’s winter marketing campaign were unveiled Dec. 17 at the Littleton Welcome and Information Center.

DRED, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, joined with state and local officials and members of the state’s tourism industry to kick off winter operations at the state’s three seasonal centers in Colebrook, Lebanon, and Littleton, which are reopening for the season as part of a pilot project.

Winter-001

Commissioner Jeffrey Rose

“The winter season is a significant contributor to the overall health of the state’s travel sector, producing more than $1 billion in visitor spending,” said DRED Commissioner Jeff Rose. “The three seasonal welcome and information centers provide New Hampshire with significant marketing potential for visitors coming to the state.”

“DOT and DRED have worked collaboratively on the management of the state’s Welcome and Information Centers, providing important services to the motoring public,” said DOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan. “The seasonal facilities that are reopening today, along Interstate 93, 89 and along US Route 3, are all major entry points in the northern and western parts of New Hampshire.”

During the event, the state previewed its winter marketing campaign, which encourages visitors to Make Tracks in New Hampshire this winter.

“The ‘Make Tracks’ campaign is a refreshed, integrated approach that leverages the popularity of skiing, while encouraging visitors to explore more of what makes New Hampshire the best destination in New England when the mercury drops,” said Division of Travel and Tourism Director Victoria Cimino. “It’s rooted in the ability to experience the season on your own terms, knowing that whatever path you take, it’s going to lead to fun and adventure.”

For winter vacation ideas, make tracks to visitnh.gov.

Fall Foliage Forecast for Columbus Day Weekend: Seeing is Be-Leafing

Wednesday, October 7th, 2015
foliage

Columbus Day weekend will bring 660,000 visitors to see waves of fall foliage.

An estimated 660,000 visitors are expected to come to New Hampshire to view the fall foliage over the Columbus Day period, 2.5 percent more than during 2014. Spending is projected to exceed $97 million, up about 3 percent from last year.

People come from all over the country and the world to see New Hampshire’s spectacular fall scenery. Scenic drives and outdoor recreation are two of the most important activities during the Columbus Day Weekend. Visiting farm stands, festivals, agricultural fairs, attractions, and friends and relatives are also important Columbus Day visitor activities. Shopping is also a popular activity during vacation trips to the state.

Visitors can plan their New Hampshire Fall Adventure with help from VisitNH.gov. The Vacation Inspiration website has a guide to help get the most out of fall, including scenic drives, places to pick your own, a go-to guide for antiquing, and much more.

Visitors are encouraged to share their New Hampshire fall foliage images with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, by using #nhfoliage.

NH Tourism Summit Projected to have $1.2M Economic Impact

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

New Hampshire tourism officials announced today that nearly 80 international tour operators and 300 representatives from New England hotels, resorts, attractions and destinations will be arriving over the weekend to attend Discover New England’s 2011 Summit at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. The summit is projected to have a positive economic impact of $1.2 million on the state.

nh-tourism“Hosting this first class event will bring short and long term benefits to the New Hampshire travel industry, as well as the New England region,” said Lori Harnois, director of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD).  “With conference rooms, extra meals and spending from close to 400 people, our industry experts project a very positive economic impact to New Hampshire of more than $1.2 million.  However, the longer term benefit of increasing our numbers of international travelers to New England is equally important.” 

According to Harnois, approximately 1.6 million overseas travelers come to the region each year.  This conference is an opportunity to showcase all that New England can offer to international travelers looking to explore and experience a vacation here.
 
The annual summit rotates among the six New England states, and this is the first time since 2005 that the event has been held in New Hampshire. The conference runs Monday April 4th – Wednesday April 6th.

“Discover New England works to increase visitation into the New England region primarily by working closely with international tour operators and U.S-based receptive operators who either have established itineraries in New England or are looking to introduce new programs,” said Sue Norrington-Davies, managing director of Discover New England. “This is the largest travel conference we’ve hosted in New England, and it will represent an extraordinary opportunity to develop business with tour operators and showcase the region.”

Workshops and one-on-one business meetings with international tour operators and receptive operators will take place throughout the conference, as well as presentations by tourism professionals.

Media interested in attending the conference or looking for more information or interviews can contact Tai Freligh, Communications Manager, DTTD at (603) 271-2343, #2;  tai.freligh@dred.state.nh.us.; or Deb Daigle, Media Relations, Montagne Communications, (603) 644-3200 x12; ddaigle@montagnecom.com . The “How to Summit” workshop on Monday, April 4th from 1 – 2 PM is recommended for first time attendees.