North Central Massachusetts promoted on a global scale at the Discover New England Summit

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In an effort to promote North Central Massachusetts to travel industry buyers, the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (JATA) participated in the 23rd Annual Discover New England (DNE) Tourism Summit & International Marketplace in Falmouth in April.  The DNE Annual Tourism Summit  is the only trade show dedicated to New England organizations looking to increase business from overseas travelers.  Over 400 representatives from the travel industry participated in the event, including travel writers, receptive operators in the United States and international tour operators from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

This was the second year that representatives from JATA and North Central Massachusetts participated in the trade show.  JATA staff had one-on-one sales meetings with over 30 international and receptive tour operators, educating them about the region and establishing important relationships and connections for our members and attractions.  The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association also helped sponsor a special VIP reception on the first evening of the summit, which showcased craft beverages, wines and other items produced in the region.  This level of participation increased visibility for North Central Massachusetts.

“In 2016 International visitors accounted for over $13.9 million in economic impact in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association.  “With more and more direct flights offered from international destinations to Logan International Airport and the many unique, authentic attractions our region offers, we believe that there is tremendous potential for growth in this market and are actively working to position our region as a welcoming destination.”

The Johnny Appleseed Trail Association would like to extend special thanks to Wachusett Brewing Company, Moon Hill Brewing, Wachusetts Ski Area, and Polar Beverages for their support of the special reception hosted for group buyers.

For more information on the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association or to learn how to participate in its cooperative efforts to attract visitors to North Central Massachusetts, please call 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or email mmyers@northcentralmass.com .