Central New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (CNHCC) is holding its annual Travel & Tourism Seminar on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Common Man Inn and Spa in Plymouth, NH.

“We’ve designed the Travel & Tourism Seminar to benefit anyone who is involved with or dependent upon the tourism industry in New Hampshire,” noted Matty Leighton, CNHCC’s executive director. “We have excellent speakers presenting on topics that are relevant and timely, and this year, we’ve added a panel discussion that will be lively and interactive.”

Michelle Cruz, state tourism director, New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, will kick off the event with opening remarks. Cruz provides strategic direction for all of the Division’s programs, marketing, and events.

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 two speakers:

• Ted Kitchens, AAE, director, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Kitchens will share an air service update and discuss how continued increases in service encourage travel and tourism throughout the state.
• Steven Whitman, EdD, AICP, founder, Resilience Planning & Design. Whitman will present on how New Hampshire can balance its efforts to attract and accommodate tourism with the preservation of its natural resources.

The event will also include a panel discussion on “Using Technology to Promote Travel and Tourism.” Panel members are:

• Charyl Reardon, president, White Mountains Attractions Association
• Adam Keul, PhD, director, Plymouth State University’s BA in Tourism Management and Policy program
• Estlin McLellan, trade and industry relations manager, NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development

The 2024 Presenting Sponsor is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). “We are proud to be a member of CNHCC and to support this event as we all work together to enhance the travel experience and support the vibrant tourism industry in our state,” said Ted Kitchens, MHT airport director. “As the state’s second largest gateway for visitors, MHT plays a significant role in boosting travel and tourism for the state.”

“We’ve worked hard to develop and expand the Travel & Tourism Seminar over the past three years,” said Leighton. “The fact that high profile organizations like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Service Credit Union, our Speaker Sponsor, are willing to partner with us is a testament to how the Seminar has grown and the value it delivers to sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.”

Supporting sponsors include: Castle in the Clouds; Granite State Scenic Railway; Hammond Wheeler Realty; Lakes Region Community College; MedCheck Urgent Care; 104.9 The Hawk, Lakes FM 101.5, & Mountain Country 97; Owl’s Nest Resort; Plymouth Orthopedics & Sports Medicine; Vader Security; Waterville Valley Resort Association; and Workflō Consulting.

Registration for the event is open. The event is open to the public and attendees do not need to be CNHCC members to register.

For information about the 2025 Travel & Tourism Seminar, related sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting at the event, contact Matty Leighton at director@centralnh.org or (603) 969-7271.

About Central NH Chamber of Commerce

As a non-profit, non-governmental agency, the Central NH Chamber of Commerce advocates for, connects, and empowers entrepreneurs, business owners and organizations within a 23-town region. Through strong community partnerships, programs and events, the Chamber (a non-profit, non-governmental agency) and its volunteer Board of Directors contributes to building a vibrant and innovative business community.

About Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

Strategically situated in the heart of New England, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located less than fifty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and less than an hour’s drive from the region’s most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. MHT is an award-winning airport named in Travel + Leisure, USA TODAY, and TravelPulse. MHT is served by American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. For more information, visit www.flymanchester.com. For media inquiries, call (603) 624-6349.