SE Connecticut Posts Moderate Tourism Gain in 2006
- -Resolve the Centrall Hall Block Debacle. - 6 years and running, an empty burned out lot with the "green monster" blocking most of the views of Mystic's charming waterfront. This monster creates a "stopping" point for shoppers and those coming to Mystic for the 1st time especially those that have come from the Groton side. They see the wall and think "oh no more down there..." and turn around.
- Create new interactive activities for families and those without children.- Working with Mystic Seaport to create on hands experiences in a comfortable environment.
- Connection- Mystic and Seaport.- The walk from main street to the seaport can be done most do never do it. As a "veteran" traveler I did this walk several times and understood why there were issues. Without a real sidewalk and or one defined with directions for foot traffic on how to get where and how... it appears most that do not stay in a local hotel opt to do one or the other and not both (visit one location).
- Continue development of Mystic on both the Stonington and Groton sides. Continue developing "Historic" properties, history walks, restaurant strolls and more... this in concert with real estate development to helps Mystic grow properly.
For Ferry traffic to New London from Long Island alone passed 300,000 vehicles last summer. When arriving in New London there is nothing to tell visitors what New London has to offer other than a tired sign on a run down mock up of a lighthouse on the pier. Information coupled with a realistic plan for the new parade can only help boost local foot traffic. Basically no one knows of New London, or East Lyme, Old Lyme or any other place when they get off the "boat".
There are challenges and I would entrust those in the tourist board to be aware of the needs. To create a plan with attainable goals is the best bet and not to simple talk about what to do without a realistic plan.
From the New London Day-
| Region Posts Modest Gain In Tourism | ||||||||||
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Travel to the region's hotels, casinos and such attractions as Mystic Seaport increased by 1 percent over the previous year, boosted by an increase of nearly 8 percent in December, according to the Mystic Country Travel Index. In 2005, growth was flat. “I was impressed with the strong finish to the year, but 1 percent growth overall doesn't meet most tourism business expectations,” said Chris Jennings, executive director of the Mystic Coast and Country Travel Industry Association. “We've got to do better. It shows why we need to collaborate. We've got to work together, work smarter and work harder.” The index is a monthly survey of such businesses as lodging, attractions, retail and dining. The year-end report assesses the entire year and attempts to forecast activity for the coming year. Overall, casino attendance last year increased by 2.5 percent, retail by 2.2 percent and restaurants by 1.3 percent. Lodging, however, was down 1.7 percent, and attractions were off by 1 percent. A category called “other businesses,” which includes welcome centers around the region, showed the highest gain, 9.7 percent. The month of December was a different story. According to the survey, hotel occupancy rates averaged 66.7 percent, nearly 6 percent higher than last December's average. Almost all other categories posted increases, with attractions up nearly 14 percent, dining up 13 percent, retail up 10.5 percent and casinos up almost 9 percent. Nationally, according to the report, travel prices rebounded by 6 percent last year, even though demand was sluggish. New England's overall performance was slightly better than average, the survey said. “Hotels, airlines, rental car companies, etc., all enjoyed comparatively large price increases, which helped drive the tourism industry's collective revenues up by an estimated 7.5 percent,” the survey said. Again, nationally, leisure travel growth is expected to slow to just over 1 percent in the coming year while business picks up by about the same amount. “That projection's not anything to write home about,” admitted Jennings, “so slow and steady is expected, and that's OK. Where we may have an opportunity as a region is to get our high season, the traditional summer season, back on track. Whether that means gas promotions or special discounts, something has to be done to get customers back.” In the long run, he added, “We've got to get Mystic back into their summer travel pattern.” | ||||||||||
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