PLYMOUTH – Central New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (CNHCC) is holding its annual Travel & Tourism Seminar on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Common Man Inn and Spa in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

The seminar includes educational presentations, a networking luncheon and a mini travel expo where attendees can explore and interact with area businesses and organizations. This year’s program features three speakers:

Lori Harnois, director of Travel and Tourism Development for the state of New Hampshire. Harnois will present a summary of 2023 tourism outcomes for the state, as well as information about 2024 trends, predictions and state marketing strategies.

Susan O’Donnell, executive director of Rath Young Pignatelli and an adjunct professor for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at the New Hampshire Technical Institute. O’Donnell will present on managing quality and developing best customer service practices in the hospitality and travel industry.

Tyler Ray, founder and principal of Backyard Concept, LLC, a professional advocacy firm supporting the outdoor recreation sector. Ray will present on connecting businesses to the outdoors and the benefits of supporting outdoor recreation initiatives.

“The Chamber’s mission is to fuel the economic engine of our region, and travel and tourism is an important part of the economy here and across the state,” noted Matty Leighton, CNHCC’s executive director. “We’re thrilled to bring together business owners and professionals from all over New Hampshire to help them prepare for a successful 2024 season.”

The 2024 Presenting Sponsor is Visit Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. The sponsorship is a joint collaboration of the Waterville Valley Resort Association (WVRA), the town of Waterville Valley and Waterville Valley Resort.

“Visit Waterville Valley, New Hampshire is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Travel and Tourism Seminar,” said Tom Gross, a multi-business owner in Waterville Valley and president of WVRA, a member organization that markets and promotes Waterville Valley shops, restaurants, activities, sports venues, nonprofits, the town and lodging properties throughout New England.

“WVRA’s goal is to increase the number of visitors to the Waterville Valley region, whether it’s for a vacation or a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming New Hampshire business owners to our neck of the woods,” added Gross. “Our community and its citizens thrive because of the efforts of organizations like WVRA, CNHCC and our state’s Division of Travel and Tourism Department.”

Supporting sponsors include: Service Credit Union, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Tenney Mountain Resort, NH Electric Cooperative, Elaine Hughes Realty Group, MedCheck Urgent Care, Realty One Group Next Level, Lakes Media, WXRV 92.5 The River, Owl’s Nest Resort, The Dam Brewhouse, Aurental Technology Consulting, Sharon Thorne Allstate Insurance, Grafton Regional Development Corporation, Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast, Plymouth Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Roper Realty and Workflō Consulting.

Registration for the event is available now at centralnh.org. The event is open to the public and attendees do not need to be CNHCC members to register.

For information about the 2024 Travel & Tourism Seminar, related sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting at the event, contact CNHCC executive director Matty Leighton at director@centralnh.org or (603) 969-7271.