Tourism officials urge visitors to respect New Hampshire's resources
Busy summer tourism season expected
Busy summer tourism season expected
Busy summer tourism season expected
With a busy summer tourism season expected, New Hampshire officials are urging visitors to respect the area's resources.
Summer is the busiest time of year for tourism in the Granite State, and this year is expected to be no exception. Preparations were underway Thursday at the Purity Spring Resort in Madison.
"In terms of tourism numbers as we look ahead to Memorial Day weekend and then this summer even further out, we're looking really good," said Thomas Prindle, marketing manager for Purity Spring Resort, King Pine ski area and Danforth Bay Camping and RV Resort.
Prindle said Purity Spring is almost at 70% capacity this weekend, and Danforth Bay is booked solid.
"We're coming off of a pretty significant series of record-setting seasons in New Hampshire," said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
Visitation and spending have gone up significantly since the summer of 2020 when most things were shut down because of COVID-19. But as the state continues to see growing crowds, officials are urging visitors to follow the rules.
"It's really important for people to realize that we're really depending on a natural asset, and it's not infinite in its ability to provide beauty and the outdoor activities that people really come here for," Caswell said.
Mike Henriques has been hiking trails in New Hampshire for most of his life.
"I think it's super important if you're packing something in that you pack it out," Henriques said.
He said it's important for out-of-towners to abide by the "leave no trace" guidelines.
"Look, if we're all going to be using this phenomenal wilderness, we've just got to all be stepping up and doing what we can to take care of it," he said.
Part of the "leave no trace" guidance includes picking up trash, leaving what you find and respecting wildlife.