Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Highlight Massachusetts 250, Conversation with Governor Healey and Bestselling Author Elin Hilderbrand
SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Massachusetts Governor’s
Conference on Travel and Tourism will take place on March 18-19, 2025, at the
Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. It will highlight the strength of
Massachusetts’ tourism sector and the potential for additional growth over the
next two years with major events like Massachusetts 250, FIFA and Sail Boston.
The conference will include a highly anticipated conversation between
bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand and Governor Maura Healey about how
Massachusetts stories inspire tourism through books and film.
“The Massachusetts story is one of revolution and
innovation, health and education, and freedom and inclusion. This is the story
we share through our travel and tourism sector, which drives billions in
economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide,” said Governor
Maura Healey. “As we celebrate Massachusetts 250 and prepare to host
major events like the FIFA World Cup and Sail Boston, we have an incredible
opportunity to showcase our revolutionary spirit and all that we have to offer
here in Massachusetts on a national and global stage. I look forward to
highlighting all of these exciting upcoming events at the Governor’s
Conference, as well as join in conversation with bestselling author Elin
Hilderbrand about the role of film tourism in telling Massachusetts’s story. We’re
also proud to be hosting this important conference in Western Mass, a region
that played an essential role in the American Revolution and contributes so
much to our economy and communities, especially in arts, culture and outdoor
recreation."
“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
come together as a state and celebrate the places, stories, and revolutionary
spirit that defines us,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By
partnering with tourism leaders, we can amplify this moment—inviting visitors
and residents alike to engage with our history in new and meaningful ways.
Through collaboration and strategic storytelling, we can showcase Massachusetts
as the birthplace of the American Revolution and a dynamic destination where
history continues to inspire us all.”
The statewide Massachusetts 250 campaign that inspires
visitation and engagement with the state’s revolutionary history will be
featured during the conference. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary,
with many Massachusetts milestones happening in 2025, this initiative
highlights the places and people that helped shape Massachusetts and the
country. At the conference, a panel featuring experts from the Clark Art
Institute, the Concord Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts will explore how
destinations, museums, and tourism leaders can engage with Massachusetts 250 to
attract and welcome visitors. Through a Museums 250 lens, panelists will
present strategies for immersive storytelling, regional collaboration, and
community engagement—ensuring this historic milestone creates memorable
experiences for residents and travelers alike.
This year’s conference will feature an eagerly awaited
conversation between Governor Maura Healey and Elin Hilderbrand. The celebrated
bestselling author is known for her captivating novels set in Nantucket and
seaside New England, including “The Perfect Couple,” which became an incredibly
popular Netflix limited series in 2024. Hilderbrand will discuss her writing
career, her deep connection to Massachusetts’s coastal communities, and the
role of storytelling in shaping tourism and regional identity.
“When visitors step into the scenes of their favorite films
and shows, they support local businesses, hotels, and cultural
institutions—turning cinematic storytelling into a powerful engine for economic
development and destination appeal,” said Massachusetts Secretary of
Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We eagerly anticipate Elin’s
insights into how narrative shapes cultural character and boosts
tourism—fostering a sense of belonging that strengthens our communities.”
FIFA events and Sail Boston are revenue-generating
opportunities that position Massachusetts on the global stage. Both events, set
for the summer of 2026, offer significant economic impact through international
tourism, hospitality, and global exposure. The conference will discuss how
these marquee events allow Massachusetts to capture the hearts and minds of
international audiences.
“Massachusetts is the ultimate place to root for the home
team—and your own. From our hometown teams to global events like FIFA and Sail
Boston, our state is where legendary teams and fans come together for
world-class competition,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “As we roll out the welcome mat
for these big international events, we are excited to offer unforgettable
sporting moments and exceptional destination experiences that showcase the best
of Massachusetts.”
The conference will also feature discussions on destination
marketing, sustainable development, and collaboration between the public and
private sectors to support Massachusetts’s economic growth. It is expected to
attract a diverse group of tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, and
state officials, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into
the future of Massachusetts tourism.
“We are thrilled to welcome tourism these 300 plus
professionals from across the Commonwealth to Western Mass,” said Mary
Kay Wydra, president of Explore Western Mass. “This conference is also a
great opportunity for local businesses to attend and learn more about how they
can benefit from tourism marketing, the third largest industry in
Massachusetts. We’re ready to welcome these 300-plus leaders to Springfield
next month.”
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