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Tourism is New Hampshire’s second-largest industry–if you combine the state’s smart manufacturing and high technology sectors (SMHT). It’s also a clear point of intersection between government and industry, with the state maintaining a number of parks, campgrounds, and historical sites, and nearby businesses in turn catering to visitors’ needs. Given this close relationship, the state provides funding to market New Hampshire to potential tourists. Some of the heaviest marketing efforts are concentrated in Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. Canadian tourists, especially Quebeçois, also make up a sizable number of New Hampshire’s visitors. From the business perspective, “tourism” is a broad term. It encompasses hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail, and arts and entertainment, among other things. So while statewide reports may indicate overall restaurant or retail sales are up or down, the story might be very different in New Hampshire’s main tourism communities. For these places, weather, gas prices, currency exchange rates, and whether they draw visitors for outdoor activities, site-seeing, or shopping could all be factors.Summary provided by StateImpact NH

New Hampshire Encouraging Outdoor Recreation In Summer Travel Promotions

File Photo, NHPR

  Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start to summer tourism season. 

This year New Hampshire officials expect 16.5 million summer travelers, an increase of 6 percent over last year.

They expect tourism spending to grow 4 percent to $2.16 billion.

Victoria Cimino directs the state Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

She says the state's promotional campaign promotes outdoor activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting and mountain biking.

"Outdoor recreation is a major reason behind travel decisions to New Hampshire," Cimino says. "[At] state parks, 20 campgrounds are up 10 percent over last year."

June, July and August are the busiest travel months in New Hampshire, with most traffic coming from other New England states and the mid-Atlantic region.

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