For Immediate Release
Contact:
Maria Speridakos
[email protected]
Michael Quinlin
(617) 973-8503 / [email protected]
Boston welcomes DNE’S first post-pandemic conference on March 29-31, 2023
Boston, MA – The 25th Discover New England (DNE) Summit & International Marketplace is being held at the Marriott Boston Copley Place in Back Bay on March 29 – 31, 2023.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), the three-day conference convenes tourism officials and top travel suppliers from all six New England states to pitch their destination and hospitality products to more than 60 international tour operators, US receptive operators and media from around the world.
“The DNE Summit is one of the best travel industry events of the year, and Massachusetts is honored to be this year’s host state in welcoming our New England colleagues and international friends,” said MOTT Executive Director Keiko Matsudo Orrall. “Boston Logan International Airport is the gateway for international travelers to Massachusetts and indeed, to all of New England, so we’re thrilled to showcase our region to a global audience with the first DNE Summit since 2019.”
Orrall acknowledged the partnership of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Massport, as well as the sixteen regional tourism councils (RTCs) and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across the Commonwealth for their support of this year’s DNE Summit.
Discover New England was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting travel to and within the six New England states. The Summit is the only trade show dedicated to New England companies and organizations seeking to increase business from overseas travelers by connecting them with international tour operators across the world. The business partnerships formed at DNE Summits over the past quarter century have helped to make New England a popular destination for international visitors.
“The DNE Summit is the perfect occasion for New England businesses to connect directly with international tour operators, as a way of generating new business and presenting their newest products,” said DNE Executive Director Michele Cota. “This week, tour operators from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan will join us in Boston for three days of one-on-one appointments and special events showcasing the beauty and diversity of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.”
Cota said that international tour operators are eager to showcase the 2023 season and beyond as the demand for leisure travel remains extremely high, specifically in the luxury market. In the post-pandemic tourism space, travelers are looking for slower-paced, immersive experiences.
New England is steadily returning to pre-pandemic visitation levels; in 2019, nearly 3 million international visitors totaling over $7 billion in direct spending came to the region. Forecasts for 2023 predict more than 2.3 million overseas visitors (not including Canada and Mexico), with that number projected to surpass 3 million by 2025. For more information, please visit discovernewengland.org.
Here is a sampling of ‘What’s New’ highlights across Massachusetts:
Greater Boston
View Boston: This world-class observatory and experiential attraction offers expansive and panoramic views of Boston and beyond from the Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay. Slated to open later in 2023, the 59,000 square foot venue encompasses the top three floors of the Prudential Tower and will feature immersive experiential exhibits and a bistro on the 50th floor; an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge and 360-degree outdoor viewing deck on the 51st floor; and double height (24-foot) indoor viewing space on the 52nd floor. View Boston will host a variety of events and public programming geared toward guests of all ages.
Cape & Islands
Nantucket Coast to Coast Trail Map: Thanks to a partnership between The Nantucket Land Bank, Nantucket Conservation Foundation and Mass Audubon, the Coast to Coast Trail provides permanent connectivity, allowing hikers to trek across the island through a diversity of habitats as they follow the sun, from east to west. The trail is 24 miles long, with the majority of the route on conservation land held by the Land Bank, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Mass Audubon, Town of Nantucket, and MASS Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Western Mass
Greylock Glen: Approximately one mile from downtown Adams and nestled some 2,200 feet below the Mount Greylock summit is Greylock Glen, a four-season recreational area in the heart of Western Massachusetts. In the coming years, the beautiful scenery and a magnificent natural environment will be enhanced by the addition of educational programs, camping, an outdoor amphitheater, an environmentally-friendly lodge with conference facilities, and more. The Outdoor Center and Resort are set to open summer 2023.
North of Boston
Real Pirates Salem: This brand new museum with over 300 years of pirate history, includes the only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered, of coins, jewelry and weapons. An Explore our Discovery Lab allow visitors to dive into the preservation process of these artifacts, and to become a real pirate though the complimentary photo experience. The tour is narrated by underwater archaeological explorer Barry Clifford.
South of Boston
Proof 22: Located on Plymouth’s historic Main Street, Proof 22 is the only country venue South of Boston. The newly opened restaurant features home-batched cocktails and authentic southern comfort food. Try the Texas Jack Platter or the St. Louis Style Ribs. A newly built stage with a state-of-the-art sound system, along with some of the area’s best country music bands each night, has created a lively and fun atmosphere for visitors.
Central Massachusetts
Arts in the Park: Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this public sculpture exhibit in the City of Worcester features large-scale sculptures in designed cultural landscapes that enrich the lives of visitors as well as those who live and work in Central Massachusetts. The sculptures are meant to exemplify joy, community, creativity and all forms of love in action. Launched in 2008, this year’s new exhibit goes on display from June-October 2023.
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About Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT)
MOTT’s mission is to promote Massachusetts as a leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international markets and to contribute to the growth of the Commonwealth’s economy. For information about visiting Massachusetts, go to visitma.com.