The State of New Hampshire recently reported record highway traffic on the Saturday of the July 4th holiday weekend, citing that visitors flocked to the Lakes Region for the area’s scenic beauty, beautiful lakes and many attractions.
“We saw traffic from international markets begin early this year,” said Amy Landers, executive director of the Lakes Region Tourism Association (LRTA). “We have visitors from international countries throughout the year, however, normally more prominent in the fall. This year, we have businesses seeing the international visitors coming early in the summer. Many love the warm weather, tax-free shopping and the natural beauty of New Hampshire. We also have seen an increase in visitors from Mid-Atlantic states especially Maryland, DC and Pennsylvania markets, where the LRTA has been marketing throughout the late winter and early spring with hopes to drive new visitors to the region.”
Many of the Lakes Region Tourism Association members have reported a positive start to summer and a tremendous 4th of July weekend. Captain, Jim Morash of the M/S Mount Washington Cruise Ship, reports that it was a very good weekend and that they sold out their Fireworks Party Cruise with 500 passengers.
Jay Bolduc, general manager of T-BONES and Cactus Jack’s, a NH restaurant chain headquartedered in Bedford, says they had a really strong holiday weekend, stronger than previous years with an increase in party sizes and a trend of multiple families from seasonal homes.
Polar Caves Rob Arey reported Sunday as their busiest day in their 94-year history, up 20 percent from 2015. Their new granite climbing wall was packed all day and people appeared to enjoy the thrill of climbing up the Polar Ascent, a 172-foot tall Via Ferrata and repelling back to base camp. Arey says he noticed a new trend of younger couples enjoying the Polar Caves, which he says is a result of a new trend of active tourists.
This same trend was also seen at Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park in Guilford where the park had 36 percent more business than last year. The campground also had increased overnight stays. “We are thrilled to see another attraction opening up at Gunstock in late July,” said Landers. “By late July, the new Mountain Coaster will open.”
At the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough visitors and restaurant sales were up all weekend and they recorded having their best Sunday in years.
The Lakes Region Tourism Association is the official tourism board of the region, representing close to 100 communities, 273 lakes and ponds, and more than 400 businesses in central NH, including area attractions, restaurants, retail establishments and accommodations. For more information or visitors’ guides, visit LakesRegion.org, facebook.com/NHLakesRegion or follow on Twitter. For more information about NH, go to www.visitnh.gov. The LRTA office is on Route 3 in Tilton and it can be reached by calling (800) 60-LAKES.
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