SALEM — The weather is warming and one of the city’s key tourism promoters wants more visitors to flock to the Witch City and stay overnight.
Destination Salem, a public-private partnership marketing organization for the City of Salem, received a Travel and Tourism Recovery (TTR) grant for $49,000 from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to launch its spring-summer campaign to promote the city as a tourist attraction.
“The campaign goal is to promote spring and summer travel to visitors from key markets and increase overnight stays in Salem,” said Kate Fox, Destination Salem executive director. “We are grateful to receive funding through the second round of Travel and Tourism Recovery grants.”
Salem’s history makes it a world-renowned tourism destination, and approximately 1.8 million people visit the city annually, generating nearly $140 million in tourism spending and supporting 1,000 jobs.
Fox said Destination Salem plans to roll out the new “All Within Steps” campaign, which was created with the first round TTR funding, with digital and radio advertising.
The organization will use the grant to create digital interactions, radio advertisements, and social-media campaigns targeted to regional areas including Philadelphia, Hartford, and Providence, from April through June 30.
TTR money is targeted to campaigns and initiatives that increase consumer spending and support local businesses. It also advances community recovery efforts to adapt to the post-pandemic environment. The funds will enable local, regional, and statewide organizations to enhance tourism recovery and increase non-resident travel to Massachusetts.
Destination Salem markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience. The organization promotes cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping, and fun activities.
The city will have a slate of programming available for April school vacation week, and it will also host Salem Ancestry Days beginning April 29. For more information about the upcoming events please visit salem.org.
