Seasonal Tourism Economies in New England (2019–2024)
Introduction
New England’s six states – Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut – each have vibrant seasonal economies heavily driven by tourism. From summer beach towns to autumn leaf-peeping and winter ski resorts, the region’s economy ebbs and flows with the seasons. Tourism is a cornerstone of New England’s economic activity: for example, Vermont’s 2023 visitors (15.8 million people) spent a record $4 billion, about 9.3% of the state’s GDP (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development) (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Likewise, Massachusetts saw 52.3 million visitors (50.2 million domestic and 2.1 million international) in 2023 who spent $23.6 billion ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ) ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ). This report provides a comprehensive overview of the largest seasonal tourism economies in each New England state, the types of seasonal attractions and their peak seasons, recent tourism traffic and revenue statistics (2019–2024 trends), the industry breakdown of seasonal businesses, and the challenges (labor, regulatory, environmental) faced by small businesses in seasonal economies. Finally, it offers recommendations to improve the sustainability and resilience of these seasonal business communities. The intended audience – small business owners, non-profits, chambers of commerce, membership organizations, and regional banks – can use these insights for strategic planning and advocacy.
Seasonal Economies by State
Maine: “Vacationland” Peaks in Summer
Maine’s largest seasonal economy revolves around its summer coastal tourism. Branded “Vacationland,” Maine attracts millions to its rocky coast, beaches, and lobster shacks each summer. Summer is by far the peak: in 2024, an estimated 7.8 million tourists visited Maine during the summer (a 9% drop from the summer of 2023) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). Major draws include beach communities (Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach), coastal towns (like Bar Harbor), and Acadia National Park, which alone saw 3.8 million visitors in 2023 who spent $475 million in nearby communities (Tourism to Acadia National Park contributes $685 million to the local ...). Fall is another crucial season: Maine’s forests attract “leaf peepers” for autumn foliage, and tourism officials reported a “breathtaking foliage season” in 2024 after an ideal summer growing season (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute). Winter tourism in Maine is smaller but significant – ski resorts (Sugarloaf, Sunday River) and extensive snowmobile trails draw visitors during the cold months. Overall, tourism is a major driver of Maine’s economy year-round. In 2023, Maine hosted ~15.3 million visitors who spent over $9 billion – even with visitation slightly down (-0.6%) from 2022, spending rose by 4.9% as visitors stayed longer and spent more (). Key seasonal industries in Maine include lodging, restaurants, and outdoor recreation supporting about 131,000 jobs statewide () ().
New Hampshire: Year-Round Mountain & Lakes Tourism
New Hampshire’s seasonal economy is uniquely well-rounded, thanks to its mix of mountains, lakes, and a short seacoast. The state actively markets itself as a year-round destination, and recent data show strong tourism in all four seasons ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Summer is traditionally the busiest: in the latest fiscal year, the summer season saw 4.5 million visitors spending $2.3 billion (up 3.3% from the prior year) ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Summer tourists flock to the Lakes Region (e.g. Lake Winnipesaukee) for boating and to the White Mountains for hiking and attractions like Mount Washington and Franconia Notch. Fall foliage is also a major draw – New Hampshire’s colorful autumn leaves bring in about 3.6 million fall visitors spending $1.7 billion ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ), contributing to New England’s overall $8 billion foliage tourism economy ( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events ). In winter, New Hampshire boasts some of New England’s top ski areas (such as Bretton Woods, Loon, and Cannon Mountain). The ski industry welcomes about 2.8 million visits annually in NH, with visitors spending an estimated $384 million at ski areas each winter (The ski industry’s continued impact on New Hampshire’s economy — Granite State News Collaborative). Winter 2022–23 was especially strong – 3 million winter visitors spent $1.5 billion (up 17% year-over-year) ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Even spring brings tourism (e.g. maple sugaring festivals, early hikers), with 3.2 million spring visitors in the latest data ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Overall, New Hampshire’s tourism has rebounded beyond pre-pandemic levels, with each season breaking previous records by 2023 (Business NH Magazine). The state’s seasonal businesses range from lakefront campgrounds and tax-free outlet malls (summer/fall) to ski resorts and snowmobiling outfitters (winter), as well as beach attractions along its 18-mile seacoast (Hampton Beach buzzes in summer).
Vermont: Winter Sports and Autumn Foliage
Vermont’s economy is famously driven by seasonal tourism, especially winter and fall. The state’s mountains and forests make it a premier destination for skiing and snowboard in winter and leaf-peeping in autumn. Vermont hosts large ski resorts like Stowe, Killington, and Sugarbush – tourism officials note winter tourism accounts for roughly 36% of annual tourism spending in Vermont (). In 2023, with a long, snowy season, winter visitor spending in Vermont likely exceeded $1 billion (rough estimate based on national trends). Fall is another hallmark: fiery foliage in the Green Mountains contributes to New England’s $8 billion fall tourism revenues ( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events ), and Vermont sees a surge of visitors each September–October. (Fall visitors tend to stay longer and spend more per day than summer visitors, given the event-focused travel like tours and festivals (Tourism officials hoping for regular weather, for Americans to come ...).) However, data shows summer is actually Vermont’s biggest tourism season by spending (about 48% of annual spend), with warm-weather visitors enjoying the state’s lakes (e.g. Lake Champlain), campgrounds, and country towns (). Overall visitation has strongly rebounded: about 15.8 million visitors came to Vermont in 2023, spending a record $4 billion on lodging, dining, retail, and recreation (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). This is a sustained return to pre-pandemic visitation levels for Vermont (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Tourism is vital across Vermont’s seasons – it supports ~31,000 jobs (9% of the workforce) and contributes 9% of state GDP (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development) (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). The largest seasonal industries are ski resort operations (winter), hospitality (inns, B&Bs, restaurants) in all seasons, and outdoor recreation services (from summer mountain biking to fall scenic tours). Notably, Vermont’s small towns can see dramatic swings – a ski town like Stowe or a foliage hotspot like Woodstock will swell with visitors in peak season then quiet down in the off-season.
Massachusetts: Summer Beach Towns and Year-Round Attractions
Massachusetts has the most diverse economy in the region, and tourism here is a mix of year-round urban tourism and highly seasonal resort areas. The state’s largest seasonal tourism economy is summer on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. These coastal areas see an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors in July and August, fueling local businesses. Cape Cod’s population swells in summer (some towns’ populations increase five-fold with seasonal residents and visitors), leading to a boom for beach hotels, vacation rentals, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops. Traffic counts reflect this surge – on a peak summer day (July 4th weekend), over 84,000 vehicles crossed the Cape Cod Canal bridges in a single day (A Longer Long Weekend - Data Cape Cod). The Boston metropolitan area anchors a more steady tourism trade, with historical sites and cultural attractions that draw visitors year-round (though even Boston tourism peaks in summer and early fall). Massachusetts reported that in 2023 domestic visitor spending ($23.6 billion) finally surpassed pre-pandemic records (Transforming North Central Massachusetts: The Rise of a Tourism ...). International visitors – who often come in summer and fall – spent $2.9 billion in 2023, nearing the 2019 high (Report Shows How Tourism Drives Economic Growth in ...). Aside from beaches, fall foliage in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and events like Salem’s Halloween tourism in October are key seasonal drivers. For instance, Salem’s Haunted Happenings can attract a half-million visitors in October, benefiting museums, tours, and eateries. Massachusetts also hosts one of the nation’s largest fairs – The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in West Springfield every September – which draws over 1.5 million attendees from across New England for agricultural exhibits and entertainment, boosting local hospitality businesses. In winter, Massachusetts’ tourism is quieter compared to northern New England (only a few small ski areas in the Berkshires). However, holiday season tourism (shopping trips, Boston’s New Year’s events, college sports tournaments, etc.) provides a bump. Overall, Massachusetts’ seasonal businesses span Cape Cod’s summer-centric enterprises, foliage and festival tourism in fall, and urban tourism that, while year-round, still fluctuates seasonally with conventions and academic calendars.
Rhode Island: Coastal Summer Tourism
Rhode Island’s economy is heavily influenced by summer tourism along its coastline, from Newport’s sailing scene and Gilded Age mansions to the beaches of South County and Block Island. Summer is Rhode Island’s high season – warm weather brings throngs for beach days, seafood festivals, and sailing regattas. In 2023, Rhode Island achieved a record 28.4 million visitors, who spent $5.6 billion – up 4.6% from the prior year (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). This small state packs in a lot of summer fun: Newport hosts world-famous music festivals (folk and jazz) each summer, and coastal towns are at full capacity with vacationers. Beach-oriented businesses – hotels and B&Bs, seafood restaurants, marinas, charter fishing and sailing tours, ice cream stands – do the bulk of their annual business in a few summer months. According to state data, food and beverage sales are the single largest tourism expenditure category (26% of visitor spending) as people flock to enjoy Rhode Island’s renowned cuisine and seafood (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). Lodging (including beach rentals and second-home stays) is close behind, at 22% of visitor spending (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). While summer dominates, Rhode Island has been working to extend its tourism season. Autumn events like Newport’s International Boat Show in September and the jack-o’-lantern displays at the Roger Williams Zoo draw visitors in the shoulder season. Even winter sees some tourism with Providence’s holiday events and the Newport Mansions decorated at Christmas. Still, the health of Rhode Island’s small businesses – from surf shops to tour operators – largely hinges on a strong summer. The good news is that the state’s travel economy is robust: the total economic impact of Rhode Island’s visitor economy reached $8.3 billion in 2023 (including indirect effects) and sustained over 86,600 jobs (nearly 13% of all RI jobs) (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce) (Industry).
Connecticut: Mixed Seasonal Attractions and Year-Round Visitors
Connecticut’s seasonal tourism is somewhat more muted, as the state’s tourism is a blend of year-round draws (e.g. two large casinos, Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, and proximity to NYC) and seasonal events. Summer is still a prime tourism season in Connecticut – families visit the Long Island Sound shoreline beaches (such as Hammonasset Beach State Park), and attractions like Mystic Aquarium see peak attendance when school is out. Fall brings fairs and foliage: Connecticut hosts dozens of agricultural fairs in late summer and fall, and the Litchfield Hills in the northwest offer classic New England autumn scenery for leaf-peeping drives. Connecticut also benefits from overflow tourism – visitors to New England often pass through or make stops in Connecticut year-round due to its location between New York and Boston (for example, the popular outlet malls or historic sites like Yale University in New Haven). By the numbers, Connecticut’s tourism has strongly rebounded and grown: in 2023 the state welcomed ~67.9 million visitors who spent $11 billion at restaurants, bars, theaters, museums, hotels, and other attractions (Opinion: How tourism drives CT's growth, competitiveness). This represents a clear post-pandemic resurgence; for instance, Connecticut’s food & hospitality sales tax receipts in 2023 exceeded $1 billion, up 72% compared to 2019 (Opinion: How tourism drives CT's growth, competitiveness) – a sign of booming tourism and local spending. The largest seasonal industries in Connecticut include hospitality and dining (the casino resorts Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun draw visitors especially in winter and shoulder seasons when outdoor options are limited), retail shopping trips (outlets and malls see holiday season spikes), and shoreline recreation (boating and beach rentals in summer). While Connecticut may not have a single dominant seasonal draw on the scale of Vermont’s ski season or Maine’s summer coast, its tourism economy is steady and significant across seasons, contributing an $18.5 billion total impact and supporting over 124,000 jobs according to state analyses (Economic Impact of Tourism).
Types of Seasonal Tourism & Peak Seasons
New England’s seasonal economies can be categorized by the type of attraction and the time of year they peak:
Beach and Coastal Tourism (Summer): Summer is high season for New England’s beaches and coastal resorts. This spans saltwater beaches from Cape Cod and Rhode Island’s shore to the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast, as well as lake beaches inland. The typical season runs June through August, with a shoulder into early September (Labor Day weekend often marking the wind-down). Coastal tourism brings huge crowds in July–August, supporting industries like lodging (hotels, cottage rentals), seafood restaurants, beach gear and gift retail, amusement parks and mini-golf, marinas and fishing charters. For example, Cape Cod and Rhode Island each generate the majority of their tourism dollars in summer months. Beach towns face a sharp offseason: many businesses operate only late spring to early fall.
Mountain and Outdoor Recreation (Year-Round with Seasonal Focus): New England’s mountains (Green Mountains, White Mountains, Berkshires, etc.) support multiple seasonal economies. In summer, the mountains draw hikers, campers, sightseers, and mountain bikers (June–August). In winter, they attract skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers (generally December–March). Fall is also huge in mountain regions due to foliage in late September through mid-October. Even spring brings specific activities (waterfall hikes, maple sugaring tours in March/April). Notably, many mountain resort areas have worked to become four-season destinations, shortening the traditional “mud season” downtime (Business NH Magazine). For instance, the White Mountains region now sees strong visitation almost year-round – summer remains the busiest season, but interest is strong throughout the year and the off-seasons have become shorter (Business NH Magazine). The types of businesses thriving here include ski resorts and lift operators, gear outfitters, guide services, scenic railways, campgrounds, and a host of hospitality businesses (inns, restaurants, breweries) in gateway towns. The balance shifts by season – ski lifts and rental shops do winter business, whereas summer brings business to attractions like zipline parks, mountain coasters, and trail tour guides.
Fall Foliage Tourism (Autumn): New England’s fall foliage season is world-renowned. Typically peaking from late September in the north to late October in the south, this short season draws an enormous influx of “leaf peepers.” Rural communities across Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Western Massachusetts see their roads fill with tour buses and road-trippers seeking scenic vistas of autumn leaves. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that fall visitors bring in about $8 billion in tourism revenue annually to New England ( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events ), underscoring how critical foliage season is. Popular activities include driving scenic routes, photographing covered bridges, visiting farm stands and harvest festivals, corn mazes, and country fairs. Businesses benefiting are often small and seasonal: country inns typically sell out on fall weekends, restaurants feature seasonal menus (apple cider, pumpkin), farm markets and craft shops see peak sales, and many towns hold fall festivals or craft fairs. Foliage tourists tend to have a high economic impact for a short period – they often stay multiple nights and spend on lodging, food, and shopping. The season’s brevity is both its charm and challenge; it can extend or contract depending on weather (for instance, an “early frost” versus a warm fall can shift the timing by weeks). Nonetheless, for many parts of northern New England, October tourism income is a crucial component of annual revenues.
Winter Sports and Recreation (Winter): The winter tourism economy (December through March) in New England centers on snow-based recreation. This includes downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and winter festivals. The biggest beneficiaries are the ski resort communities in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Ski areas not only sell lift tickets but also fill hotels, restaurants, and shops in their surrounding towns. A single strong snow season can bring hundreds of millions in spending; for example, New Hampshire’s winter visitors spent about $1.5 billion in the 2022–23 season ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Hospitality and retail geared toward winter sports are a large segment: ski rental shops, winter apparel stores, lodge accommodations, and après-ski bars. Other states like Massachusetts and Connecticut have smaller ski hills that serve local markets, but many residents of those states travel north to ski, contributing to cross-state tourism. Winter tourism also includes holiday-season events (like First Night celebrations, Christmas village displays, etc.) and indoor attractions that see more visitors when it’s cold (museums, casinos, indoor waterparks). Weather dependency is high: a winter with good snow and cold (for example, 2018–19) boosts visits, whereas an unseasonably warm or low-snow winter can hurt business. Snowmaking technology has become essential for resorts to ensure a sufficient season length despite climate variability (How New Hampshire is weathering a short and sparse ski season | New Hampshire Public Radio).
Lakes and Camping Tourism (Summer): New England’s many lakes, rivers, and forests support a distinct summer economy centered on camping, boating, and fishing. Areas like New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Maine’s Moosehead Lake and Rangeley Lakes, Vermont’s Lake Champlain and Northeast Kingdom lakes, and countless smaller lakes see a burst of activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Campgrounds, cottage rentals, boat rentals and marinas, fishing guide services, and lakefront restaurants do brisk business. For many rural communities, the influx of second-home owners and vacationers to the lake in summer sustains local grocery stores, bait and tackle shops, and general stores. This type of tourism often overlaps with family traditions – multi-generational travel parties returning each summer. The typical season is mid-June through August, though fishing enthusiasts also visit in spring and hunters in early fall. A few lakes even have a winter season (ice-fishing derbies, snowmobilers crossing frozen lakes), but the economic impact of winter lake use is small compared to summer.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events (Summer–Fall Peak): Throughout New England, seasonal festivals and fairs draw visitors and spur local spending. The agricultural fair season runs from mid-summer into fall – every state has major fairs (e.g. The Big E in MA, Fryeburg Fair in ME, Champlain Valley Fair in VT) that bring tens or hundreds of thousands of visitors. These events boost business for vendors, local hotels and restaurants, and fairgrounds operators. Likewise, music festivals, cultural festivals, and sporting events provide seasonal tourism bursts. Newport’s summer music festivals, fall harvest festivals in many towns, and events like the Head of the Charles Regatta (Boston in October) or Laconia Motorcycle Week (NH in June) attract niche tourism audiences. Even small-town events like maple syrup festivals in spring or holiday strolls in winter can bring visitors from surrounding areas. These events often extend the tourism season by filling in weekends in the shoulder seasons. For example, a well-timed October festival can keep a coastal town busy a few weeks after beach season, and a June food festival can kickstart summer visitation.
Each type of seasonal economy has its typical season(s) of peak activity, but many areas of New England now strive to diversify across seasons – ski resorts host summer weddings and fall foliage rides, beach towns promote holiday shopping strolls, and farms offer winter sleigh rides – to smooth out the extreme highs and lows of purely one-season business.
Tourism Traffic & Revenue Trends (2019–2024)
The period from 2019 through 2024 saw dramatic swings in tourism traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery. Overall, New England’s seasonal tourism has bounced back strongly by 2023, with most states reaching or exceeding their pre-2020 visitor spending levels:
Pre-Pandemic Baseline (2019): 2019 was a high-water mark for tourism in many New England states. For example, Maine had about 16 million visitors in 2019 (state methodologies vary, but Maine reported 15.6 million in 2021 (), indicating 2019 was slightly higher). New Hampshire’s summer 2019 spending was around $2 billion (Business NH Magazine) and Massachusetts saw $20.8 billion in domestic travel spending in 2019 (Domestic Tourism Visitation & Spending Rebounds in Massachusetts). Fall foliage season 2019 was strong region-wide, and winter 2018–19 provided solid snowfall for ski areas. In sum, the region entered 2020 with record or near-record tourism numbers.
Pandemic Impact (2020): The spring of 2020 brought travel to a near halt. Seasonal events were canceled, and many small tourism businesses went into hibernation. Summer 2020 saw significantly reduced capacity – for instance, NH’s summer spending fell from ~$2 billion to $1.4 billion in 2020 (Business NH Magazine). Beach towns implemented capacity limits and ski areas ended early in March 2020. By fall 2020, there was some rebound (drive-in leaf peeping still occurred, but without international tourists). Overall, 2020 saw visitor volume drop by 30–50% in many areas, and widespread losses for seasonal businesses.
Rebound and Boom (2021–2022): With vaccines and lifted restrictions, 2021 and 2022 brought a tourism surge. New England, with its outdoor attractions, benefited early. Summer 2021 smashed records: New Hampshire’s summer spending shot past $2 billion for the first time in 2021 (Business NH Magazine). Many coastal rentals and campgrounds were fully booked by newfound domestic travelers who might have otherwise gone abroad. Vermont saw “revenge travel” fill its resorts once travel curbs eased – by 2022, Vermont’s visitation and spending were approaching 2019 levels. Maine experienced a post-pandemic boom in 2021–22, with 2021 being a banner year (tourist volumes were unusually high as Americans traveled domestically) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). Visitor numbers did start to normalize downward after that peak. Notably, by 2022 Massachusetts’ domestic tourism spending ($22 billion) exceeded the 2019 figure (Domestic Tourism Visitation & Spending Rebounds in Massachusetts), although international travel to New England lagged a bit until late 2022. Fall 2021 and 2022 were also extremely strong foliage seasons commercially (helped by good weather and pent-up travel demand).
Recent Year (2023): By 2023, tourism in New England had largely fully recovered and even grown in many metrics. Vermont’s 15.8 million visitors and $4 billion spend in 2023 marked all-time highs (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Rhode Island set a record with 28.4 million visitors in 2023 (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). Massachusetts saw visitor expenditures generate a record $2.3 billion in state/local tax revenue in 2023 ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ) ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ), indicating robust activity. New Hampshire reported steady growth year-over-year – for example, fall 2022 visitor spending was up 7.3% and winter 2022–23 spending up 17.4% from prior year ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). Maine in 2023 had slightly fewer visitors than 2019, but those visitors spent more on average, yielding higher total spending than pre-pandemic (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). One Maine analysis noted year-round visitor counts remain below 2019, but tourist spending is up even after inflation (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). In summary, 2023 was a banner year region-wide, with tourism economics exceeding pre-COVID benchmarks in spending (helped by higher prices and longer stays).
Early 2024 Indicators: The year 2024 brought some mixed signals. Maine saw a noticeable dip in Summer 2024 visitation (down 9%) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) compared to the previous summer, which industry leaders attribute to a “return to normal” after the unusual post-pandemic surge, as well as inflation making travelers cautious (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). However, Maine’s winter 2023–24 was actually up 9% in visitors, boosted by events like an April 2024 solar eclipse drawing tourists (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). Vermont and New Hampshire encountered weather-related disruptions in mid-2023 and mid-2024 (historic flooding in July of both years) which hurt those summer tourist weeks (Travel & Tourism: Officials hoping for regular weather, for Americans ...). Despite those challenges, fall 2024 tourism was expected to be strong thanks to excellent foliage conditions (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute). Overall, businesses report 2024 as decent but somewhat softer than the 2021–2023 boom. For example, coastal Maine operators said 2024 summer traffic was on par with recent seasons, with visitors spending a bit less freely than before due to economic concerns (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute).
In terms of trends, one key pattern is that visitors are spending more per trip than before. They are “staying longer and spending more,” as Maine’s tourism office observed for 2023 (). This has helped compensate for any slight declines in visitor counts. Another trend is the broadening of seasons – more travelers are coming in off-peak times (e.g. late spring, early winter), which has somewhat smoothed the peaks and troughs. For instance, New Hampshire noted that visitors aren’t only traveling in summer months now but in all seasons, indicating success in positioning as a year-round destination ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ).
Finally, it’s worth noting that tourism’s recovery has varied by sector: outdoor attractions bounced back fastest (even grew during the pandemic as people sought open-air destinations), whereas some cultural institutions lagged. An example: the Currier Museum in NH is still at ~80–85% of 2019 attendance, although that’s better than many museums nationally (Business NH Magazine). But overall, leisure travel demand in New England is high entering 2025, even as the industry keeps an eye on economic factors that might slow consumer spending on travel.
Industry Breakdown of Seasonal Tourism Spending
Tourism in New England’s seasonal economies supports a wide range of industries. The spending by visitors can be broken down into major categories, primarily lodging, food & beverages, retail shopping, recreation/entertainment, and transportation. While the exact breakdown varies by state and season, the pattern is fairly consistent:
Lodging: This includes hotels, motels, B&Bs, short-term rentals (like Airbnb), and campgrounds. Lodging typically accounts for one of the largest shares of visitor spending. For example, in Vermont’s 2023 tourism economy, lodging accounted for about $1.4 billion of visitor spending (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development) – roughly 35% of all spending. In Rhode Island, lodging was 22% of visitor expenditures in 2023 (≈$1.2 billion) (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). Seasonal differences: lodging’s share often peaks in areas where overnight stays are integral (e.g. ski resorts, destination beaches) and is slightly lower for day-trip-heavy seasons. Nonetheless, small lodging businesses are critical in all states – from coastal cottage rentals to mountain inns – and many are seasonal operations.
Food and Beverage: Dining is another top expenditure for tourists. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and food trucks benefit greatly from tourist traffic. Rhode Island’s data shows 26% of visitor spending went to food & beverages ($1.4 billion) in 2023 (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce). Vermont similarly reported about $830 million spent on food and drink in 2023 (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Seasonal travelers often budget for dining out, whether it’s lobster dinners on the Maine coast or après-ski meals in Vermont lodges. Food-related spending remains robust even when visitor counts dip – some Maine businesses noted that while they saw fewer people in 2024, those visitors still spent on local food, albeit being “mindful” of spending (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute). Allied with this category are groceries – tourists also spend at local markets (for example, renting a cottage and buying groceries is counted as tourism spend). Maine tracked about $731 million in groceries bought by visitors in 2023 (8% of total spend) (), reflecting self-catering by vacationers.
Retail Shopping: Tourists commonly purchase souvenirs, local crafts, clothing, and other goods. Retail comprises roughly 10–20% of visitor spending in New England states. Vermont data showed $658 million in retail spending by visitors in 2023 (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). In Maine, the retail category (“Shopping”) was about $1.56 billion in 2023 (around 17% of tourist direct expenditures) (). This category includes everything from outlet malls patronized by visitors (for instance, Kittery Outlets in Maine or the premium outlets in Merrimack, NH) to small gift shops in scenic villages. Seasonal peaks: retail thrives during summer and fall trips – e.g. fall travelers often buy maple syrup, crafts, and memorabilia. Many rural towns have galleries and shops that rely almost entirely on tourist spending during foliage and summer. Notably, tax-free shopping is a draw in New Hampshire year-round (Business NH Magazine), and coastal Maine has seen increased spending in local seafood markets by tourists cooking their own catches (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute).
Recreation & Entertainment: This slice includes spending on activities and admissions – such as ski lift tickets, museum admissions, guided tours, boat rentals, amusement park fees, and so on. In Vermont, recreation/entertainment was about $446 million in 2023 (around 11% of visitor spend) (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Rhode Island noted recreation spending grew 7.5% in 2023 to nearly $1.1 billion (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce) (which is ~19% of RI’s visitor spend). This category can swing widely by season: in winter, ski-related recreation is significant; in summer, a lot of recreation spending goes to things like harbor cruises, fishing charters, tickets to attractions, etc. Small businesses in this segment include outdoor adventure companies, tour guides, charter boat operators, ski schools, event organizers, and entertainers. The rise of “experiential spending” is evident – visitors are shifting preferences toward paying for experiences, which boosted recreation’s share recently (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce).
Transportation: Tourists also spend a portion on transportation within the region – primarily on gasoline, rental cars, and local transit. (Airfare to get to New England is usually not counted in state-level tourism spend, but airports see spending in rental cars and concessions from visitors.) In rural New England, gasoline purchases by tourists are notable – Vermont reported about $581 million on transportation (fuel, etc.) in 2023 (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Maine similarly had about $898 million in transportation spending (largely gas) in 2023 (). While fuel costs spiked in 2022, by 2023 they stabilized, and continued strong road trips kept this category high. Also, ferry tickets (e.g. to islands), Uber/Lyft rides, and other local transport fall here. In Rhode Island, air transportation spending by visitors rose 10.2% in 2023 as more people flew into Providence or Boston and rented cars (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce) (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce).
Other & Miscellaneous: A small portion of spending doesn’t fit neatly in the above (perhaps real estate, second-home expenses counted as tourism, etc.). For instance, Maine lists an “Other” category (~3% of spending) (), and Rhode Island includes the imputed value of second-home use in lodging (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce).
In summary, lodging and food are typically the top two sectors, often making up roughly half of all visitor expenditures combined. Retail and recreation usually each claim around 10–20% depending on the state’s offerings. These breakdowns highlight how many different business types prosper from seasonal tourism: hotels/B&Bs, restaurants, shops, and attractions all share the benefit. As one example, Vermont’s 2023 tourism supported $1.4 billion in lodging sales, $830 million in restaurant sales, $658 million in retail, and $446 million in recreation (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development). Similarly, Rhode Island’s 2023 visitors spent $1.4 B on food, $1.2 B on lodging, and ~$1.1 B on entertainment/recreation (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce).
Importantly, these industries are highly interdependent in seasonal locales. A seaside town’s hotel success is tied to the allure of its beaches and restaurants; a ski village’s shops rely on the influx from the slopes. Thus, holistic support for the tourism ecosystem is needed – which includes addressing the shared challenges discussed next.
Challenges for Seasonal Small Businesses
Despite the overall positive economic impact of seasonal tourism, small businesses operating in these seasonal economies face distinct challenges and bottlenecks. Many of these issues have intensified in recent years (2019–2024) due to economic shifts, labor market changes, and climate pressures. Key obstacles include:
Labor Shortages and Workforce Housing: Perhaps the number one challenge voiced by seasonal businesses is difficulty finding enough workers during peak season. Unemployment is low across New England, and many tourism businesses can’t find the staff they need despite high demand (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz) (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz). A Maine Tourism Association survey in 2023 found only 29% of tourism businesses had sufficient staff for the summer season, while the rest were understaffed – some expecting to fill only half of needed positions (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz) (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz). As a result, businesses have had to shorten hours or reduce services solely due to lack of employees, not lack of customers (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz) (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz). Contributing to this is the shortage of affordable housing for seasonal workers. Workers can’t live near the jobs in resort areas because housing is too costly or scarce (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.). In Vermont’s resort towns, for instance, many homeowners turned properties into short-term rentals, shrinking the long-term rental supply for workers (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.). This has forced staff to commute long distances or not take the jobs at all. One report notes Vermont businesses are cutting hours or even closing because employees can’t find local housing (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.). The labor crunch is exacerbated by New England’s aging population (more workers retiring) and limits on seasonal foreign worker visas. Maine, which needs ~38,000 summer seasonal workers, historically relied on the H-2B visa program for guest workers, but cap constraints in recent years left many positions unfilled (Maine Tourism - Summer Squeeze | Down East Magazine) (Maine Tourism - Summer Squeeze | Down East Magazine). In 2021–2023, J-1 student work travel visas and H-2B visas resumed to some degree post-COVID, but businesses say it’s still not meeting demand (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz) (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz). Encouragingly, New Hampshire’s White Mountains region reported some improvement in staffing by 2023 thanks to more J-1 visa students returning and even retirees rejoining the workforce (Business NH Magazine) (Business NH Magazine). Nonetheless, labor remains a critical bottleneck across New England tourism, often forcing businesses to operate below capacity.
High Operating Costs and Inflation Pressure: Seasonal small businesses are grappling with rising costs for supplies, food, energy, and labor. Inflation in 2022–2023 drove up prices of everything from ingredients for restaurants to linens for inns. Business owners report that even if customer volume is stable, the cost of supplies and wages is so high that profit margins shrink (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). As one Portland, Maine restaurateur explained, “If the volume is down even a little bit… the take-home is even less because of inflation… you’re working harder to get a smaller net” (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). This squeeze is tough in seasonal environments where businesses make the bulk of their income in a few months – they have less flexibility to absorb cost spikes year-round. Additionally, fuel and utility costs in New England are relatively high, impacting heating for winter businesses or refrigeration for summer seafood vendors. Small businesses also mention that customers themselves are becoming price-sensitive; for example, a coastal Maine shop noted visitors in 2024 were spending more cautiously and opting for cheaper options (cooking their own seafood rather than dining out) due to economic concerns (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute). Persistent inflation, even as it moderates, remains a concern into 2024.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks and Capacity Constraints: Seasonal surges put stress on local infrastructure – and inadequacies here can be an inefficiency that limits business. Transportation congestion is a prime example: roads to popular tourist areas often jam up, potentially deterring visitors or making the experience worse. Cape Cod’s two access bridges, built in the 1930s, are notorious choke points. During maintenance work in spring 2023 on the Sagamore Bridge, there were “significant traffic delays – roughly 420,000 person-[hours]” of delay accumulated ([PDF] Community and Regional Impact of the Cape Cod Bridges). That illustrates the scale of the issue when infrastructure is under repair or simply under capacity. Plans to replace the Cape bridges are underway, but in the meantime congestion remains a seasonal headache. In the White Mountains of NH, soaring visitation led to overcrowded trailhead parking lots and traffic on local roads, straining public services and prompting officials to consider management solutions (Business NH Magazine) (Business NH Magazine). Public transit and parking in many tourist towns are limited – e.g. Acadia National Park had to implement a reservation system for popular sites due to traffic and parking overloads. For businesses, these bottlenecks can literally limit the number of customers who can reach them. Likewise, some areas lack adequate broadband or cell service to support remote-working visitors or modern payment systems, though improvements are being made gradually. Utility infrastructure (water/sewer) can also be an issue in small towns that triple in population for the summer. Addressing these infrastructure needs is essential for long-term growth; otherwise, as one tourism leader cautioned, “the volume [of visitors] has tested the limits of local roads, parking, and services” in peak times (Business NH Magazine).
Regulatory and Seasonal Business Constraints: Seasonal businesses often face regulatory hurdles that can feel magnified given their short operating window. For example, complex permitting processes or zoning restrictions can delay a new restaurant or expansion until after the season is over, effectively costing a year. Many coastal towns and resort areas have strict regulations (for environmental or community reasons) that can limit business operations – such as noise ordinances that might curtail live music at night, or signage rules that affect marketing. While these are important for community character, small businesses sometimes find the compliance burden high relative to their size. Another regulatory issue is the shifting landscape of short-term rental regulations. Platforms like Airbnb have enabled more tourists to stay in areas without hotels, boosting overall capacity (as noted in Milbridge, Maine, where Airbnbs enabled more visitors and benefited local markets (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute)). However, some cities (e.g. Burlington, VT or Portland, ME) have moved to restrict short-term rentals to protect housing affordability, which could in turn cap tourism lodging growth. Striking a balance is tricky: Vermont commentators note it’s “not a battle between [short-term rental] owners and local businesses” – a balance is needed so that both tourism and workforce housing can thrive (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.). On the labor side, federal visa regulations (H-2B cap, etc.) are a regulatory pain point outside businesses’ control. In summary, navigating the legal and regulatory environment – from liquor licenses to health codes to labor laws – adds complexity for seasonal operators who don’t have large corporate support staffs.
Climate Change and Weather Impacts: New England’s tourism is inherently weather-dependent, and climate change is introducing new uncertainties. Winters have generally warmed – in New Hampshire, winter temperatures have risen over 4°F since 1900 (Climate Change Connections: New Hampshire (Skiing) | US EPA) – leading to later first snow, more winter rain, and shorter reliable snow seasons. Ski areas have invested heavily in snowmaking and energy-efficient operations to adapt (The Impact of Climate Change on the US Ski Industry | Earth.Org) (Greener snowmaking is helping ski resorts weather climate change), but some lower-elevation ski hills struggle to stay open during mild winters. As an example, in the winter of 2023–24, a small ski area in NH received only 27 inches of natural snow vs. 100 inches normally, and had to rely entirely on man-made snow to open (How New Hampshire is weathering a short and sparse ski season | New Hampshire Public Radio). Many ski resorts in southern NH and MA had to end their season early by mid-March 2023 due to warm weather and heavy rains “turning the slopes soupy” (How New Hampshire is weathering a short and sparse ski season | New Hampshire Public Radio). This directly hits winter revenue and also affects year-round perception – if skiing becomes less reliable, fewer people will invest in season passes or property in those areas. Fall foliage is also at risk from climate shifts. Scientists have observed the fall foliage season starting later than decades ago and sometimes shorter in duration (Foliage Season Under Fire from Climate Change | Climate Central). Extreme weather events can dull foliage (e.g. drought or excessive rain can cause leaves to drop early). “Other threats from climate change could cost states that rely on billions from leaf peepers in lost tourism revenues,” one report warned (Foliage Season Under Fire from Climate Change | Climate Central). Indeed, the timing and quality of foliage are increasingly volatile, which complicates travel planning for tourists and marketing for states. Summer tourism faces climate challenges too: warmer ocean temperatures and rising seas threaten beaches (beach erosion, occasional closures due to high bacteria after heavy rains), and increased likelihood of extreme weather (like tropical storms or heavy downpours). The July 2023 floods in Vermont were a stark example – catastrophic flooding in central Vermont during peak summer caused road closures and extensive damage, “further disrupted travel and tourism” in the region (Travel & Tourism: Officials hoping for regular weather, for Americans ...). Some lodging businesses and attractions had to close for repairs right in the middle of the season. Similarly, flash floods hit parts of New Hampshire’s White Mountains in 2023, and flooding recurred in July 2024 in Vermont (Travel & Tourism: Officials hoping for regular weather, for Americans ...), raising concerns that such events may become more frequent. Heat waves can also affect visitor comfort (New England doesn’t typically see the extreme heat of the South, but high humidity spells could deter outdoor recreation or strain the power grid during AC use). In coastal areas, the threat of stronger storms looms – a direct hit from a hurricane (rare but possible, as with Hurricane Bob in 1991) could devastate a Cape Cod summer or Newport’s marina economy. Overall, climate change introduces both gradual challenges (shorter winters, later falls) and acute risks (extreme weather) that seasonal businesses must increasingly factor into their contingency plans and investments (insurance, infrastructure hardening, diversification).
Business Turnover and Owner Transitions: Seasonal businesses often have higher turnover rates, as the combination of the above challenges can make it tough to survive long-term. Even pre-pandemic, it was estimated that approximately 50% of small businesses fail within their first five years (Percentage of Businesses That Fail [Updated Jan 2024] - Shopify), and that rate can be higher in volatile seasonal sectors. The pandemic forced many closures in 2020, and while new businesses have opened since, some never returned. In late 2023 and 2024, New England media noted a spate of closures, especially among restaurants. In Portland, Maine, several notable restaurants shut down, and an owner there pointed to “a dip in tourism” as one factor but also “increased costs of doing business and trouble finding enough staff” as major drivers (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). That encapsulates the lethal combo for many: even with tourists coming back, the labor shortages and high costs can push a marginal seasonal business to close. There’s also a demographic wave of retirements (the “silver tsunami”) in New England – many tourism business owners (innkeepers, shop owners) are older and looking to retire, and if they can’t find a buyer or successor, the business may close rather than continue. This trend is significant in rural areas; for example, Maine’s fast-aging population means fewer young entrepreneurs to take over seasonal family businesses (Maine Tourism - Summer Squeeze | Down East Magazine). Community leaders are increasingly concerned about this ownership transition issue – programs like the Northeast Transition Initiative have emerged to help small business owners plan sales or conversions to employee ownership (Northeast Transition Initiative | Ensuring your business legacy.) (Northeast Transition Initiative | Ensuring your business legacy.). Turnover rates can also be seasonally skewed: many new ventures try to launch for a summer or fall season, but if they miss the timing or have one bad season, they might not make it to the next. The closure of a small seasonal business can have outsized community impact (e.g. the only cafe in a village that’s a tourist stop). On a positive note, the strong tourism rebound has also led to new openings – for instance, new breweries, outfitters, and restaurants have popped up in tourist towns to meet demand. But sustaining them requires navigating all the aforementioned challenges.
In summary, while tourism brings tremendous opportunities, small businesses in seasonal economies face a complex web of challenges: hiring enough people, housing those workers, covering rising costs, dealing with infrastructure limits and regulations, and adapting to weather extremes. These challenges are interrelated – e.g., lack of worker housing fuels labor shortages, and a flood can exacerbate housing issues or drive up insurance costs. The next section discusses strategies and initiatives to mitigate these issues and improve resilience for seasonal enterprises.
Recommendations for Sustainable & Resilient Seasonal Economies
To ensure New England’s seasonal tourism economies continue to thrive – and that small businesses can survive and prosper – a multi-pronged approach is needed. Below are key recommendations and initiatives to improve small business sustainability and resilience in seasonal economies:
Extend the Tourism Season and Diversify Offerings: Communities and businesses should collaborate to expand shoulder seasons and create year-round attractions. This evens out revenue and employment. For example, coastal towns can develop off-season festivals or holiday markets to draw visitors beyond summer. Ski resorts have already added summer mountain biking, zip lines, and fall foliage rides to become four-season resorts. In Maine, officials stress the importance of “continuing to grow those shoulder seasons” so tourism isn’t so heavily concentrated in summer (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth). The White Mountains have demonstrated success here – the region “evolved into a year-round destination, providing stability… with opportunities for employment throughout all four seasons” (Business NH Magazine) (Business NH Magazine). Small businesses can benefit by diversifying their own offerings (e.g. a farm might host berry picking in summer, foliage hayrides in fall, and maple sugar tours in spring). Regional marketing organizations should continue to promote off-peak travel deals and highlight lesser-known seasonal activities, which can help redistribute visitor traffic and reduce overcrowding in peak times.
Invest in Workforce Housing and Seasonal Workforce Solutions: Addressing the labor shortage requires tackling its root causes – chief among them, housing. Public-private initiatives to develop affordable housing for seasonal and year-round workers in tourist regions are crucial. This could include converting unused properties to dormitory-style housing, incentivizing developers to build workforce housing, or establishing rental assistance programs for seasonal staff. One case is Nantucket, MA, where a project for seasonal worker housing is underway using modular construction (What Communities are Doing to Solve Seasonal Housing Needs) (Contract Awarded for Nantucket Workforce Housing Project). Additionally, towns might regulate short-term rentals to ensure a portion of homes remain available to local workers (without completely stifling the Airbnb economy that supports tourism – a balanced approach is needed (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.)). Vermont’s business community has called for “fast-track development of workforce housing near job centers” as a “key to keeping the economy strong.” (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.). Alongside housing, continuing to streamline the seasonal visa programs (H-2B, J-1) at the federal level is important – New England’s Congressional representatives should keep advocating for sufficient visa cap exemptions for returning seasonal workers, as they have in recent years. In the interim, states and chambers can help businesses with creative staffing solutions: job fairs targeting students and retirees, sharing staff among businesses (so an employee can get full-time hours by working at multiple places), and providing transportation for workers from areas with more affordable housing. Moreover, workforce development programs should be bolstered. This includes training local youth in hospitality trades and showcasing that tourism jobs can be viable careers (with pathways to management). Vermont’s tourism commissioner noted that employment in the sector is still about 16% below pre-pandemic levels and many jobs are unfilled, so efforts like scholarships, apprenticeships, and hospitality career education could help build a stronger workforce pool () (). By making tourism and hospitality a more attractive, stable employment option (with the prospect of housing, benefits, and advancement), businesses will be better able to staff up for peak seasons.
Improve Infrastructure and Capacity Management: Both government investment and smart management are needed to remove infrastructure bottlenecks. Transportation infrastructure upgrades are a top priority – for instance, accelerating plans to replace the aging Cape Cod bridges and improving key road corridors in tourist areas. Even smaller steps like better traffic control and shuttle services can alleviate road congestion. Some areas might implement reservation systems or timed entry during peak periods to spread out visitor flow (as done in parts of Acadia National Park). Parking expansions or remote parking with shuttles can help at crowded natural attractions. Investing in public transit options in tourist regions (seasonal trolleys, park-and-ride lots) could reduce car dependence. On the technology front, extending broadband internet and cell coverage to rural tourist spots enables businesses to use modern point-of-sale systems and lets visitors work remotely (potentially extending their stays). Utilities in seasonal towns should be modernized for resilience – for example, ensuring reliable power (with backup generators or microgrids for critical tourist districts) so that a storm doesn’t knock out a whole weekend of business. Environmental infrastructure is also key: beach towns might need improved wastewater treatment to handle summer loads, and ski areas need water resources for snowmaking. Policy-makers should view these investments as supporting a major economic driver. A study on the Cape Cod bridges noted the huge cost of do-nothing (delays and lost business) versus the benefit of new infrastructure ([PDF] Community and Regional Impact of the Cape Cod Bridges). Similarly, investing in more visitor centers, rest areas, and amenities can improve the distribution of visitors (encouraging them to explore different towns, not just overcrowded hotspots). In some cases, capacity limits must be recognized – part of resilience is not exceeding what infrastructure and the environment can bear. Thus, managing tourism growth sustainably (perhaps through permits for popular hikes, etc.) will ensure longevity of the resource and the businesses that depend on it.
Enhance Small Business Support and Financial Resilience: Seasonal businesses often need tailored financial tools. Regional banks can play a role by offering flexible credit lines or offseason loans that acknowledge the cyclical cash flow of these businesses (for instance, a loan that can be repaid in the 4 profitable months and draws down in the lean months). Local and state governments could expand grant or low-interest loan programs for small tourism businesses – especially to help them through unexpected disruptions (e.g. a flood or a pandemic). Building a cushion is hard for many, so external support can improve resilience. Additionally, providing technical assistance is valuable: chambers of commerce and tourism offices can host workshops on digital marketing, seasonal hiring practices, or energy efficiency (to cut costs). One innovative idea is promoting cooperative models – for example, encouraging seasonal businesses to pool resources for bulk purchasing to reduce costs, or share employees or housing. To address the “silver tsunami” of retiring owners, initiatives to help with business succession (connecting retiring owners with aspiring buyers, or facilitating employee buyouts) can preserve establishments and jobs. At the community level, shop-local campaigns that include tourists (educating visitors on supporting local small businesses versus chain stores) can help direct spending in ways that strengthen the local business mix. Another recommendation is encouraging diversification of revenue: businesses could be coached on how to add online sales (a gift shop could sell products year-round online to supplement in-person summer sales) or how to cater to locals in the off-season to have some year-round income. All these measures improve a small business’s ability to weather the offseason and bounce back after setbacks.
Embrace Climate Adaptation and Sustainability: Given the growing climate risks, seasonal economies must incorporate adaptation strategies. Ski resorts should continue investing in efficient snowmaking and explore diversification (many are already preparing for a future with fewer ski days by building out non-snow amenities). Beach communities should pursue coastal resilience projects – such as dune restoration, beach renourishment, and flood-proofing of waterfront structures – to protect the assets that draw tourists. Diversifying the tourism calendar also helps mitigate climate risk (e.g. if foliage is late one year, perhaps a new late-fall festival can capture visitors anyway, or if winter is weak, promote spring events to make up for it). Improved emergency preparedness is critical: tourism regions should have plans for evacuations, disaster response, and quick recovery to help businesses reopen quickly after extreme weather. The example of Vermont’s response to flooding – with communities rallying to reopen roads and the state marketing a message that “we’re open for fall foliage” – shows the importance of a coordinated effort to reduce long-term tourism losses. Investing in sustainable tourism practices can also be a selling point: e.g. offering electric vehicle charging in tourist towns (attract EV-driving visitors), encouraging eco-friendly tours, and protecting the natural beauty that the tourism depends on. There is also a role for philanthropy and public funds to support adaptation; for instance, the Vermont Community Foundation suggests funding climate adaptation efforts in tourism areas (like trail work, snow monitoring technology, etc.) to sustain outdoor recreation economies () (). In short, integrating sustainability ensures that seasonal attractions – be it fall foliage or winter skiing or pristine beaches – endure for future generations of visitors and businesses.
Maintain Strong Marketing and Regional Collaboration: Finally, continuing to invest in tourism marketing and coordination is key. Small businesses benefit greatly from state and regional marketing campaigns that draw visitors to the area. The return on investment (ROI) for tourism marketing in New England is very high. New Hampshire reports an ROI of $17 in visitor spending for every $1 invested in marketing, and even higher ROI for tax revenue ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ). It’s crucial that states and chambers of commerce maintain or increase marketing budgets – cuts could be counterproductive. Industry leaders in NH have warned that a proposed 30% reduction in marketing funds could result in a $68 million loss in tax revenue and a weaker economy ([PDF] FY26/FY27 Operating Budget Presentation Governor Phase ...). Thus, consistent funding for tourism promotion (through digital campaigns, attendance at travel shows, etc.) will keep New England competitive as a destination, especially as international travel returns and people have more choices. Moreover, regional collaboration should be strengthened. Tourists do not care about state lines – a traveler might ski in Vermont, visit coastal Maine, and see Boston on the same trip. New England states can work together on multi-state itineraries and not view each other purely as competitors. Efforts like jointly promoting fall foliage routes or regional culinary trails can distribute benefits. Chambers of commerce can partner across town lines to create regional passes or packages (for example, a “Lakes & Mountains Adventure Pass” that includes attractions in both NH and Maine). By working together, destinations can share best practices and present a cohesive, enticing image to the market. Collaboration can also extend to problem-solving: e.g., a regional approach to workforce recruitment could make a difference (one idea is a New England seasonal jobs portal to attract labor to the region).
Encourage Economic Diversification in Seasonal Towns: While tourism will remain the focus, towns that are heavily tourism-dependent should seek some diversification to be more resilient. As Vermont’s tourism commissioner put it, communities should ask “what else beyond tourism can be done in your town” to keep the economy rolling in the face of seasonal or weather variability () (). This might mean attracting a small manufacturer or remote workers to be based there, or developing year-round educational or arts institutions. The presence of some non-tourism industries or a resident base with other income can buffer the local economy in off-seasons or downturns. For business owners, diversification can also mean having multiple lines of business (for example, a landscaping company that serves resorts in summer might do snow removal in winter). Essentially, resilience comes from not having “all the eggs in one basket” seasonally.
By implementing these recommendations – extending seasons, solving workforce issues, upgrading infrastructure, supporting businesses financially, adapting to climate realities, maintaining promotion, and diversifying economically – New England’s seasonal business communities can thrive in a more sustainable way. The result will be more stable year-round employment, stronger small businesses, and the preservation of the unique seasonal charms that make the region so special to residents and visitors alike.
( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events ) New England’s fall foliage season – a major tourism draw – generates around $8 billion in revenue annually for the region. However, climate change is causing the foliage season to start later and become less predictable (Foliage Season Under Fire from Climate Change | Climate Central) ( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events ). Adapting to such changes is crucial for the sustainability of seasonal tourism economies.
Sources:
Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Tourism Highlights & Summer 2024 Report () (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth)
Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing – 2023 Economic Impact Press Release (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development) (New Data Shows Tourism is $4B Industry in Vermont | Agency of Commerce and Community Development); Vermont Community Foundation – “Warming Winters” Report () ()
New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism – FY2023 Seasonal Results ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ) ( Record Setting Summer Season - NH Economy ); Business NH Magazine (May 2024) (Business NH Magazine) (Business NH Magazine)
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism – 2023 Stats ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ) ( Massachusetts Tourism statistics ); Mass. Gov Press (2024) (Domestic Tourism Visitation & Spending Rebounds in Massachusetts) (Report Shows How Tourism Drives Economic Growth in ...)
Rhode Island Commerce – 2023 Visitor Economy Impact Release (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce) (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce)
Connecticut Tourism (CT Insider 2025) (Opinion: How tourism drives CT's growth, competitiveness) (Opinion: How tourism drives CT's growth, competitiveness); CT DECD – Economic Impact of Tourism 2023 (Economic Impact of Tourism)
Maine Public/Press Herald – Tourism Trends 2024 (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth); Island Institute (2024) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute) (Tourist industry holds steady - Island Institute)
Mainebiz – Workforce Shortage Poll 2023 (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz) (Tourism businesses in Maine fear shortage of workers this summer | Mainebiz.biz)
Vermont Housing & Economy Blog (2025) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.) (Vermont’s Housing Crisis Is Hurting Local Businesses—Here’s How We Fix It Vermont businesses are struggling to find workers, and the reason is clear: there aren’t enough affordable homes nearby. Here’s how workforce housing can help save our economy.)
Climate Central – Foliage and Climate Change (Foliage Season Under Fire from Climate Change | Climate Central); USFS – Fall Foliage Revenue ( Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests - News & Events )
NHPR – Warming Winters and Ski Industry (How New Hampshire is weathering a short and sparse ski season | New Hampshire Public Radio) (How New Hampshire is weathering a short and sparse ski season | New Hampshire Public Radio)
Various news outlets for supplemental stats on visitation, spending, and business challenges (Rhode Island Announces Record Number of Visitors in 2023 | Executive Office of Commerce) (After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth) ([PDF] FY26/FY27 Operating Budget Presentation Governor Phase ...).
