New Hampshire Grand, the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains, is reporting an 8 percent increase in rooms and meals tax revenue in Coos County since 2008.
This increase in tourism in Coos County is critical to the economic vitality of New Hampshire's most rural region, which has been devastated over the last decade by the closure of its century-old paper mills, said Samantha Kenney Maltais, brand manager of New Hampshire Grand. Our goal now is to maintain and grow interest in the North Country from domestic and international visitors, by showcasing all the incredible outdoor adventures, the unique accommodations in the North Countryfrom luxurious to rusticthe rugged natural beauty, and the first-class dining options available along the way.
According to Kenney Maltais, tourism in Coos County is growing at a faster rate than tourism in other regions of the state. For the first time in recent history, there is one comprehensive marketing program for the North Country that is reaching out to key visitor markets to introduce them to the diverse range of lodging, dining, events, and outdoor activities available in Northern New Hampshire. I think it's the best place in the world to come and relax and recharge, he said.
Many properties in Coos County are reporting an increase in reservations and visitors to the region. Take Beth and Jason Cape, owners of the Barron Brook Inn in Whitefield, who, after purchasing the property and completing renovations, reopened in 2008. The first year we were open, from 2008 to 2009, we doubled our occupancy. Then, from 2009 to 2010, we increased another 50 percent. And from 2010 to this year, we've already seen an increase of about 15 percent, said Jason Cape. We've also seen an increase in tourists who like to book at the last minute, as well as more Canadian visitors."
He also noted they are doing more bookings of meetings and weddings.
Chris Croteau, owner of The Lion and the Rose, also in Whitefield, said that every year has been better than the last since 2008. New Hampshire Grand has worked very hard to get visitors to our area, and I would say it is paying off, said Croteau. We have seen an increase in our business of at least 8 percent over 2008, and from 2009 to 2010, we have experienced a 12 percent hike.
Added Croteau, thanks to the marketing efforts of New Hampshire Grand, the North Country is receiving a lot more exposure.
Scott Labnon, innkeeper of Town & Country Inn & Resort, said the new marketing campaign by New Hampshire Grand is benefitting the North Country and tourists alike. Labnon said he's seen a surge in Canadian travelers recently, as well as a spike in tourists from northern Europeespecially from August through October. He added that he's very confident the North Country will survive the prolonged recession and continue to be one of New Hampshire's tourism highlights.
And the Potato Barn's Mark Yelle said they've enjoyed at least a 3-4 percent increase in sales in the past three years. We've definitely seen more people, including many new faces, said Yelle. "Which can only mean that word is getting out far and wide about what a wonderful place the North Country is, and all it has to offer visitors and residents alike.
New Hampshire Grand's marketing outreach campaign includes a promotional campaign, search engine ads, and an interactive web site NHGrand.com. Grand Resorts, Grand Adventure is the brand of New Hampshire's North Country marketing initiative also known as New Hampshire Grand and is the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains.
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