New England destinations getting Canadian cancellations

Some tourism suppliers and DMOs in the New England states are reporting Canadian customers canceling visits because of President Donald Trump's rhetoric re tariffs on and possible annexation of their country.

On 1 February Mr. Trump had announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada. Although on 3 February he put the tariff proposal on hold, Mr. Trump then on 10 February said he still plans to go forward with a plan to annex Canada as a 51st US state.

Canada has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US. Quebec Premier Francois Legault also has threatened to remove American liquor products from stores in his province.

Boston-based Consul General of Canada Bernadette Jordan said, "When you have someone saying they want to make Canada the 51st state, it does not resonate well in Canada."

I'd say this situation calls for a fast-reaction response from New England destination marketers, particularly those in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Will that happen, and happen soon enough? Stay tuned.

Discover New England seeks UK PR support

DNE, the New England regional DMO is offering a one-year $145K PR/communications contract - potentially extendable for 2 additional years - to get help in attracting UK residents as tourists.

KBC PR, which currently represents DNE in the UK, plans to repitch.

The RFP in a nutshell:

• Agency will be responsible for targeting UK travel, trade and consumer media, operators, agents, airlines and consumers.
• Agency will coordinate its efforts with those of US national DMO Brand USA.
• DNE may invite finalists to pitch in person in Boston (and pay for their own travel).

DNE 2025 Summit Early-Bird Pricing Ends Tomorrow

The Discover New England 2025 Tourism Summit & International Marketplace will take place 7-9 April in Newport, RI. Event is expected to draw more than 300 tourism professionals and host more than 4,000 meetings between representatives of New England tourism businesses and international tour operators.

Unfortunately, the early-bird pricing for suppliers can only be found by engaging with DNE by email. But the early-bird rate for domestic receptive operators and OTAs is $395 vs. regular price of $495. So discount for suppliers is probably of similar magnitude.

You can begin the registration process here:

https://discovernewengland.org/registration/

JetBlue begins daily BOS-PQI service

JetBlue has begun a new daily service between Boston Logan and Presque Isle (ME) International Airport, using 100-seat Embraer 190 aircraft.

If the route proves to be profitable, plans are to upgrade to 140-seat Airbus A220 aircraft for 2025.

BOS-PQI Flight #206 leaves Boston at 8:45 PM and arrives in Presque Isle at 10:10 PM. Return flight #207 leaves Presque Isle at 5:45 AM and arrives at Logan at 7:10 AM.

Google Flights just now quoted me a price of $97 round trip for 10-14 October.

Only a few slots left for DNE sales missions to UK and Ireland

Only one seat remains available for the Aer Lingus Road Show 19-22 February. DNE has 2 tables and 3 suppliers committed for this event. The one remaining seat can be yours for $2000 plus travel expenses. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with hundreds of agents and operators in Belfast, Dublin, Limerick and Cork. No Partner discount is available for this event. If interested, email Michele Cota mcota@discovernewengland.org with subject "Aer Lingus Road Show."

Two seats remain available for the UK & Ireland Sales Mission 23-29 June. Meet with operators, airline reps and UK and Ireland media. Along with desk meetings, there will be 2-3 hosted events, e.g., luncheon, training or reception. Price of $3000/delegate does not include transatlantic air travel, UK-Ireland air travel, lodging, etc. Partner price is $2500. If interested contact Kerrie Tripp ktripp@discovernewengland.org .