NH Tourism Officials: Strong Winter Season Forecast​ed

BOSTON, MA — Standing alongside representatives of New Hampshire’s ski industry, officials from the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development (DTTD) announced their expectations for a strong winter season at Ski NH’s annual media reception, according to a press statement. DTTD is forecasting 8.2 million people will spend an estimated $1.2 billion in the Granite State during the months of December, January and February.

This represents a 6 percent increase in visitors and a 5 percent increase in spending compared with last winter. At the reception, DTTD also unveiled its upcoming marketing campaign that positions New Hampshire as the Northeast’s premier vacation destination for experiencing the outdoors.

“As the winter season approaches, I am proud to welcome visitors from all over the world to the Granite State to experience all that New Hampshire has to offer, including our wide variety of recreational activities, unmatched natural beauty, rich history and of course, tax-free shopping,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-NH. “As the second largest industry in the state, travel and tourism is critical to strengthening our communities, our economy and our entire state, and I wish all visitors and residents a safe and enjoyable winter in the Granite State.”

Visitors of the annual Boston.com Ski & Snowboard Expo last week noticed New Hampshire’s expanded presence at the event. The New Hampshire pavilion brought elements of New Hampshire’s vibrant ski scene to Boston and showcases the cohesive representation of the State’s ski industry, organized and presented together in one area. The goal was to help differentiate New Hampshire ski and snowboarding experiences from regional and global competitors. To drive continued visitation with key target audiences throughout the winter season, DTTD is highlighting the vast array of activities and backdrops available throughout New Hampshire, both on and off the slopes, through a variety of mediums and with an emphasis on digital media.

“With so much to do in such close proximity, New Hampshire is the center of winter outdoor recreation in the Northeast,” said Victoria Cimino, director of the NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development. “With positive economic factors in place, coupled with the Division’s strategic and innovative marketing initiatives, we fully expect New Hampshire’s travel-related businesses and attractions to experience a strong winter season.”

“There is palpable excitement surrounding the upcoming ski season, and the fact that New Hampshire already experienced snow in our mountain regions on multiple occasions has only fueled that anticipation,” said Jessyca Keeler, executive director, Ski NH. “As ski areas anticipate opening for the season, which may be any week now, they are firing up snowmakers and preparing trails.”

Ski and snowboarding attractions aren’t the only businesses gearing up for winter visitors. In addition to enjoying winter slope-side, New Hampshire offers an array of seasonal activities including:

• Snowmobiling – Over 7,000 miles of trails
• Ziplining
• Dog sledding – Trips ranging from introductory rides to half-day clinics
• Dining & Shopping – Tax-free shopping and unique culinary experiences
• Resorts & Spas
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Ice climbing
• Cultural attractions

For New Hampshire vacation inspiration, visit visitnh.gov. 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 fall in New Hampshire.

Captions: Victoria Cimino, director of the Division of Travel & Tourism Development, and Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the Department of Resources & Economic Development, announce the winter tourism forecast and strategic plan for the season ahead. Members New Hampshire ski resort community during the Ski NH media reception in conjunction with the annual Boston.com Ski & Snowboard Expo in Boston.

Submitted by Kris Neilsen.