Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 12, 2010

CONTACT: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, info@maynelymarketing.com

RECORD BREAKING COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY

Blue skies and leaf peepers from throughout the world combined to create a successful Columbus Day weekend for Mt Washington Valley businesses.  Fall ahead of LY for most.

North Conway, NH - Mt Washington Valley businesses posted a strong Columbus Day weekend according to an informal survey from the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Businesses responding to the survey almost unanimously concurred that the weather, combined with an increase in Canadian, distant-market domestic and European visitors lead to a strong Columbus Day weekend.  Most businesses reported an increase in revenues over last year for the fall to date.

Many lodging members reported being sold out for the weekend.  The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites, Windy Hill B&B and Omni Mount Washington Hotel (along with their other properties) were sold out for all or part of the weekend.  Mary Ann Mayer at the Mount Washington B&B noted that although they are traditionally sold out for the Columbus Day Weekend, it happened sooner this year, with guests making reservations farther in advance for the first time in a long time.  Ken Lydecker reported that the Riverside Inn has been sold out since September 30, and will continue to be 100 percent full through October 17.  Sandy Allan at Beaver Hollow Campground reported that numbers were up for the Columbus Day weekend and attributed that to more Canadian visitors and families.  She also noted an increase in "big rigs" this fall.  Elaine DiRusso at Wyatt House reported a 3 percent increase over last year for the Columbus Day weekend.  Beverley Dryjas of Will's Inn/BearBrook House reported a 28 percent increase over last year for the Columbus Day weekend.  Don King's report for the Royalty Inn contrasted with these findings, as a decrease in business was posted there, due in part to less international visitors and people spending less there.  Lodging properties responding to the survey generally felt there was increase in visitors from the Midwest, California and Alaska, as well as more Canadian, UK, German, French and Dutch visitors.  Most of those responding concurred that visitors to the Valley were spending more than in years past.

Restaurant owners including Corrine Rober, owner of the Margarita Grill in Glen, NH weighed in with positive comments about the Columbus Day Weekend.  "We were up We were up 8% in revenues," said Rober. "There were more people than ever in the Valley this weekend, or at least it seemed that way, and we definitely have seen more international travelers and quite a few Canadian visitors," finished Rober.  Rober did note that the beautiful weather affected lunch crowds; people didn't want to come inside because the weather was so nice. Spokespersons for the Omni Mount Washington Hotel reported that all food and beverage outlets were full and at record levels.  Roderick Bartlett, General Manager, Red 

Bill Bissett of Lake Kezar Country Club weighed in that the weekend was on par with last year, and that the course has had a great fall with numbers up over last year.  Additionally, Jonathan Rivers reported that Indian Mound Golf Course was similarly on par with last year for the weekend, and noted many last minute tee times booked as golfers held out for great weather.  Rivers noted "Best golfing conditions I have ever seen at all the courses in the Valley, golfers have been very pleased". Rivers is expecting the fall to end up over last year. 

Those responding to the survey from the Valley's attractions were very positive about the weekend.  Cathy Bennett of Cranmore Resort shared "Saturday was a block buster night at the Ghoullog with one of the best nights ever for the four year-old event. Friday and Sunday nights were also strong". Catherine Bredor, co-owner of the Cog Railway shared, "The Mount Washington Cog Railway just experienced a record holiday weekend including a record single day! The spectacular weather, with an advance forecast to match coupled with the efficient new bio-diesels allowed guests to spend more time at the summit enjoying the Observatory Museum which is free with a Cog ticket." Bredor added,"The season is significantly ahead of last year and since we end the year with Santa Trains the last two weekends of November, we expect to see that continue". Bruce Hicks reported in saying "Santa's Village had a strong fall season following a great summer. Fall attendance was ahead of 2009 and though the weather was not great, we were able to keep our Ho Ho H2O Water park open most of September."  Hicks is anticipating a robust end to the fall season as the park turns spooky for the "Silly, Spooky Halloween Extravaganza" on October 23, 24 and 30.

"The Columbus Day wrap-up survey verifies what we observed throughout the weekend," noted Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. "All the right factors including beautiful foliage contrasted against bright blue skies, an increase in Canadian, international and distant-domestic visitors coupled with an improving economy, came together this weekend to drive more travelers to Mt Washington Valley than we've seen in recent Columbus Day weekends.  With fall foliage ready to peak next week in the Southern parts of the Valley and many exciting events scheduled throughout the Valley, the next two weeks should continue to attract leaf peepers in record numbers," finished Crawford.

For more information in visiting Mt Washington Valley, NH, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ or call 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). For further information about New Hampshire, visit the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism website at http://www.visitnh.gov/.

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