Following successful fall and winter travel seasons, New Hampshire tourism is expected to grow significantly this summer, according to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). In fact, the BEA projects more than 3.6 million overnight visitors this summer who will spend nearly $1.9 billion. That's a 2.7 percent increase in year-over-year visitation and spending.
BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell, with representatives from BEA’s Division of Travel & Tourism Development and a variety of local tourism partners, held an event in downtown Littleton to kick off the summer season. BEA unveiled its summer travel forecast and marketing campaign at the event.
“As our state’s second largest revenue generator, tourism is absolutely vital to our economy,” said Caswell. “Summer is our busiest travel season representing more than 40 percent of our total annual visitation, and this year we’re anticipating substantial growth. We pride ourselves on our variety within proximity, which is never more evident than in summer when visitors can experience an incredible range of experiences in one trip—or even just one day.”
The BEA also unveiled the state’s summer marketing campaign, which continues to build on the “Live Free” brand, while positioning NH as the northeast’s premier travel destination. BEA will focus its summer campaign on the New England market, including Hartford, Conn.; Portland, Maine; Providence, R.I., Boston, Mass.; New York, N.Y.; Montréal, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario.
The BEA reports popular activities for visitors traveling to NH include scenic drives, shopping, dining at local restaurants, hiking, visiting state parks and the White Mountain National Forest.
New Hampshire visitors can choose from dozens of events, activities, and attractions throughout the summer, including:
- First Summer Sunrise Kayak on Squam Lake
- Let’s Go Fishing
- New England Brewfest
- Camping at 20 New Hampshire State Parks
- Jericho ATV Festival
- Explore a Secret Swimming Hole
- Explore Fine Craft
- Hillsboro Festival and Fair
- Light up the Night with Fireworks
The state urges residents to stay connected with tourism on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest and YouTube, and to follow the #livefreeNH tag to see what others are saying about summer in NH.
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