Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Brings Back Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism for First Time in 10 Years

Boston — Today, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) hosted the 2024 Governor’s Conference, a full-day gathering to discuss the latest topics impacting travel and tourism in Massachusetts. The Healey-Driscoll Administration outlined this event as an objective in the 2023 economic development plan, Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations. This is the first time the conference has been held in Massachusetts in a decade. 

During the event, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll provided keynote speeches. The conference also included dynamic panels with industry leaders, a presentation of Massachusetts tourism awards, and the new brand reveal for Massachusetts 250, the administration’s marketing plan to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Massachusetts 250 website and social media channels launched today in conjunction with the brand announcement.  

"Massachusetts has so much to offer with its natural beauty and outdoor activities, history, world-class arts and culture, sports teams, and a diversity of food and communities. Our tourism industry is one of our greatest assets. That’s why we’re thrilled to relaunch the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism after a decade,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Together, we can further grow our tourism industry by passing our administration’s Mass Leads Act, which dedicates $100 million to our tourism economy – with arts, culture, and the creative economy at the center of the strategy.” 

“From the Boston Tea Party, to Lexington and Concord, to Dorchester Heights and beyond – critical engagements of the American Revolution happened right here in Massachusetts. Over the next three years, we’ll be commemorating the history that is the core of the Massachusetts story by celebrating the wins and reflecting on lessons learned,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to unveil the Massachusetts 250 logo, website and social media today and we encourage Massachusetts residents to check them out to keep informed all of the events coming up that they won’t want to miss.” 

"The travel and tourism industry provides a wide range of employment opportunities, from seasonal jobs to fulfilling lifelong careers, enriching our workforce. It positions Massachusetts on the global stage, attracting diverse visitors from around the globe to experience the beauty of Massachusetts throughout the year,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We’re excited to host the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, inviting experts to showcase our state’s talents and collaborate on areas of improvement – together, working towards making Massachusetts a global leader in tourism and culture.”  

“We are delighted to bring the Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism back to Massachusetts,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “Our tourism industry is significant, generating $24.2 billion in visitor spending, $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, and employing more than 130,000 people across the state. The conference provides a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and professional development and we look forward to making it an annual convening that will strengthen the Massachusetts tourism industry.” 

The tourism industry employs approximately 130,000 residents and contributes more than $24 billion to the state’s economy. As part of Governor Healey’s new “Mass Leads Act,” the administration commits more than $100 million in capital authorization to growing the state’s tourism economy with an understanding that arts, culture, and the creative economy are part of the solution.   

“Travel and tourism is an essential part of our statewide and local economies. Massachusetts has so much to offer the domestic and international visitor. Historic commemorations, literature, arts and cultural organizations, food and farms, our beautiful outdoors with beautiful trails and recreational opportunities, sporting events, scientific and environmental innovation, and more. We have it all,” said State Representative Mindy Domb, Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “By bringing our travel and tourism partners together, the Governor’s Conference highlights the depth of the sector’s economic impact, features the variety of experiences available in the commonwealth, and promotes the collaboration that fuels the sector’s growth.” 

As part of the Conference, Governor Healey presented four tourism awards on behalf of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, recognizing achievement and contributions to the Massachusetts tourism industry.  

The Larry D. Meehan Lifetime Achievement Award 
Presented to Patti Lloyd, Senior Vice President of Sales at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, for her 24 years of promotion of Cape Cod, The Islands, and Massachusetts. As a member of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Larry Meehan had a remarkable 30-year career in the tourism industry. This award, presented by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, is bestowed upon one individual who has made a unique contribution to the growth and vitality of the Massachusetts tourism industry.  

The Revolutionary Achievement Award 
Presented to Jonathan Lane, Executive Director of Revolution 250, Inc, for his innovative approach to embracing all things commemorating the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This newly established award will annually recognize an individual who has contributed to the Massachusetts tourism industry in a “revolutionary” way.  

The Film Industry Achievement Award  
Presented to Charlie Harrington, a location manager who has made outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts film industry over the past 40 years. 

The Award of Appreciation 
Presented to Tony D’Agostino, who is retiring as MOTT’s Director of Research, for his outstanding commitment to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Regional Tourism Councils, and the Massachusetts tourism industry.   

The 2024 Governor Conference sets a new precedent bringing the conference back annually and will expand on efforts to position Massachusetts as a top travel destination.  

###