1Berkshire Meets Face to Face with 40 International Tour Operators
BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA – Last week, 1Berkshire’s Director of Marketing, Lindsey Schmid participated in the Discover New England International Marketplace to spread the word about the delights of traveling to and visiting the Berkshires in all seasons.
Lindsey met face-to-face with 40 international tour operators from 14 countries for a quick review of all the Berkshires has to offer visitors and to set the stage for future follow-up. The Berkshire delegation also included representatives from Hancock Shaker Village, Tanglewood, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Red Lion Inn.
“This annual Marketplace, coordinated by Discover New England, affords us an unusual opportunity to stay top of mind to our international travelers through the professional operators who book their trips,” stated Schmid.
This year 1Berkshire was also interested in getting more information about how their customers were feeling about travel to the US. “What appears to be the major deterrent to US travel is the exchange rate, especially for visitors coming from the UK, because of this in the next few years these travelers will most likely choose to visit Canada or New Zealand where their pound goes further,” Schmid concluded. “Tour operators focused more on group travel are also concerned about visa waivers,” she continued; “if changes are made, it will make it difficult to ensure an entire group is able to secure waivers for a specific trip.”
The latest data shows that over $40 million is spent each year by international visitors to the Berkshires. Normally a second trip to the area, the Berkshire region has grown in popularity over the past several years. One tour operator, Thomas Felver from Austria was anxious to learn about what new experiences they could sell to convince someone who came for fall foliage, to consider returning at a different time of the year or extend their stay in the region.
1Berkshire remains committed to growing the international visitor market through activities with Discover New England as well as the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. Funds for these markets have been scarce this year with the large cuts taken mid-year by Governor Baker. International customers are inundated with choices on where to travel and it is imperative to continue to maintain the reputation of the Berkshires in these markets.
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers, as well as works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.
For more information, contact:
Lindsey Schmid, Director of Marketing 1Berkshire
(413) 499-1600
lschmid@1berkshire.com
Left to right: Lindsey Schmid 1Berkshire, Michelle Murphy Red Lion Inn, and Maribeth Cellana Hancock Shaker Village
