The City of Chelsea launched a new travel and tourism campaign this summer, entitled ‘Discover Chelsea,’ showcasing the city’s rich multi-cultural traditions, its storied history and its abundance of hospitality assets, including 900-plus high-quality hotel rooms and hundreds of vibrant small businesses.
The official launch of Discover Chelsea took place on June 23 and included a Mariachi band and foods from Chelsea restaurants Tambo 22 and Mi Salvador. Colorful street pole banners with striking artwork created by artist Anna Dugan were hung throughout downtown.
Chelsea’s central proximity to metropolitan Boston is a major benefit for visitors, say local officials. Chelsea has easy access to Boston Logan International Airport on the Silver Line SL3, and to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the Seaport District. It is one train stop from TD Garden, home of the Celtics and the Bruins, and a 20-minute train ride to Salem and the North Shore.
The new ‘Discover Chelsea’ website offers a wealth of information on travel itineraries, transportation, Chelsea restaurants and businesses, as well as interesting background about the city for curious newcomers. See the Discover Chelsea video here.
Discover Chelsea was made possible by a competitive grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). The project also received support from the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) and Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.
“Tourism and hospitality is the third largest industry in Massachusetts, and it makes a significant economic impact in a community, says Maureen Foley of XSS Hotels, a hotel operator in Chelsea, and a Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Board Director. “By boosting awareness of Chelsea as a visitor destination, we can promote local restaurants, hotels, shops, historical places and other attractions to travelers. We want visitors to discover Chelsea and experience its unique authenticity.”
“The City of Chelsea has emerged as a true destination draw for our region,” said GBCVB CEO Martha Sheridan. “Always rich in culture, Chelsea partners have now produced the assets, itineraries, and digital content to reach visitors in new and innovative ways. With a spectacular culinary scene, fun recreation, a beautiful waterfront, impressive hotel inventory, and a diverse community eager to welcome all people, we are so excited for travelers from near and far to discover Chelsea!”
Discover Chelsea campaign Director Mimi Graney says the City’s Chelsea Prospers initiative, which she oversees, has created numerous projects over the past five years to improve public spaces, install community-centered public art, create walking tours and host special events for residents and new visitors alike. “Chelsea has awesome parks, great places to eat, and interesting areas to explore. We’re making sure that this information is easy to find for those coming to the area,” Graney says.
“Since arriving as city manager in Chelsea, I have had the highest of hopes for our downtown and for the idea that visitors to our city, staying in our hotels, could enjoy the local businesses and the authenticity of the Chelsea experience,” said City Manager Tom Ambrosino. “We have invested millions of dollars in the infrastructure of the downtown, and countless hours, and hope to invest even more in the coming years. Chelsea has a lot to offer visitors who choose to stay here.”
State Sen. Sal DiDomenico said the state grant was a perfect fit for Chelsea, to help entrepreneurs like Joseph-Seale bring in new business from outside the area, and to fortify the existing hotel investments made in Chelsea several years ago.
“This grant was something I was happy to support at the State House,” Senator DiDomenico said about Discover Chelsea “Residents will benefit from great jobs in the hospitality industry, and local businesses will benefit from the added revenues from visitors to the city. With our recent investments from the state in public transportation on the Silver Line and commuter rail station, Chelsea is a quick stop from any destination in the region. It’s critical that we let tourists coming here know that.”
One person ready to show tourists some of Chelsea’s numerous treasures is Ellen Rovner, whose walking tour business has recently expanded from Boston to Chelsea. The Chelsea tours range from a history of Chelsea’s once-large Jewish community to the colorful public art programs in the city.
“I set out to show those interested in Chelsea just how phenomenal the city is by foot, and I ended up being the one who learned the most,” she said. “Having been born in Chelsea, I have learned so much about the city where I started out. I invite anyone visiting Chelsea to take one of the six walking tours and learn about everything from public art to famous movies filmed in Chelsea.”
Discover Chelsea will continue throughout the summer with a social media campaign and other events as well. For inquiries about the campaign, contact Mimi Graney at mgraney@chelseama.gov or (617) 466-4186.
For general information about visiting Massachusetts, go to Visitma.com.