Record-breaking Summer Travel Season Expected

The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) is expecting a record-breaking 2018 summer travel season with all-time highs for visitation and visitor spending. During the M/S Mount Washington’s traditional Shakedown Cruise, Governor Chris Sununu joined with state tourism officials to announce the state is projected to host a record 3.4 million visitors who will spend a record $1.8 billion this summer.

“There is no better place to be in the summer than right here in New Hampshire,” says Governor Chris Sununu. “From hiking the White Mountains to cruising around Lake Winnipesaukee or visiting Hampton Beach, there are endless opportunities to explore our beautiful state.”

Marking the unofficial kick-off to NH’s most popular travel season, Memorial Day Weekend is expected to draw 650,000 out-of-state travelers and generate more than $120 million in spending from Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28.

“Travelers spend billions of dollars each year in New Hampshire, at our restaurants, our tax-free retail destinations and our tremendous hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts,” says Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “I’m pleased to share that the Division of Travel and Tourism Development is expecting another record-breaking summer season.”

During the kickoff event, DTTD unveiled its Live Free summer marketing campaign. The campaign calls out the variety of activities available within close proximity, embracing the diverse backdrops and experiences that separate New Hampshire from its competitive set.

DTTD will focus its summer campaign on new markets in New England, including Hartford, Connecticut, Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island and Burlington, Vermont, along with focusing on its traditional markets, including Boston, New York, Montréal, and Toronto.

Stay connected with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube, and be sure to follow the #livefreeNH tag to see what other people are saying about summer in New Hampshire.