The end of summer brought with it an unexpected silver lining for New Hampshire’s tourism sector. With the Labor Day Weekend reporting brisk visitor activity, local businesses are rejoicing after what had been a mostly damp summer season.
The influx of visitors, attributed to the splendid weather, saw tourists from New England, New York, and even parts of Canada flocking to the state, marking a refreshing uplift in both visitation and spending.
Charyl Reardon, the President of the White Mountains Attractions Association, elaborated on the turnaround, stating that the weekend had attracted numerous visitors, especially to the White Mountains region. She added, “This past holiday weekend was a promising look into what the fall season could be,” with several businesses being so busy that they nearly sold out.
Key highlights from the Labor Day Weekend include:
- The Mt Washington Cog Railway witnessed an 8% surge in business compared to the Labor Day of 2022.
- Adair Country Inn and Restaurant outperformed their business records from both 2021 and 2022, with a fully booked restaurant and an almost sold-out inn.
- Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort enjoyed a 100% occupancy in their cabins.
- The Seacoast’s visitor traffic was significantly robust, leading to a near full capacity in Portsmouth’s restaurants and lodgings.
- Castle in the Clouds reported a 33% spike in attendance, and Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park’s scenic lift rides emerged as a favorite attraction.
Michelle Cruz, the Mt Washington Valley Chamber’s Executive Director, expressed her optimism, highlighting how visitors celebrated by booking hotels, visiting local attractions, and soaking in the much-awaited summer weather. She emphasized, “It’s certain to serve as a springboard to a strong fall foliage season for Valley businesses.”
Meanwhile, in the Lakes Region, businesses reported impressive sales figures, surpassing last year’s Labor Day metrics. And as for the Seacoast, places like Hampton Beach were buzzing, with most hotels and motels reporting full occupancy.
As summer gives way to the vibrant hues of fall, the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism is eager to welcome visitors to experience the state in its autumnal glory. Prospective travelers can find trip inspirations, accommodations, and more on visitnh.gov.
Photo credit: New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism
