Tourism Takes A Village

Hello friends and family—what a whirlwind the past month has been. This time of year always feels like a nonstop frenzy in Manchester, and while it’s exhausting, it also shows just how alive our community really is. The good news is that soon we’ll be able to catch our breath. In the tourism world, colder weather brings planning time, and with that comes the chance to refocus and prepare for the months ahead.

There’s a common misconception that building tourism is as simple as asking the tourism board for money and calling it a day. Nothing could be further from the truth. That kind of shortcut has been tried before, and more often than not, it ends in failure. True tourism success comes from people—numerous people—working on numerous projects, creating experiences that are unique and welcoming for both visitors and locals.

Yes, money matters. But without a dedicated team that invests not just weeks, but months (sometimes years) into an event or program, it’s impossible to pull off something truly special. It’s also important to step outside personal preferences. In small towns, we can’t afford to only do the things we like; we must think outside the box and create opportunities that appeal to a wide audience.

Just as importantly, we have to make room for new voices. Tourism shouldn’t be controlled by a small group of “gatekeepers.” Everyone deserves the chance to try their hand at building something meaningful for the community. Raising money is often the hardest part, sometimes taking years—but that challenge makes the reward even sweeter and the commitment even stronger.

At the heart of it all, great tourism isn’t just about funding. It’s about love, effort, and hard work. And here in Manchester, we’ve got plenty of all three.   Much love, Manchester!