Boston Harborfest Kicks Off Boston's Peak Summer Season- Record Visitors Forecasted

(Source: Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston visitor industry officials from the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), Freedom Trail Foundation, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, US Coast Guard and the USS Constitution gathered today to kick off Boston’s free weeklong July 4 festival that includes Boston Harborfest and the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Boston was recently named the top summer vacation spot in the country by the US News & World Report as a result of the breadth and diversity of summer activities in Boston.

“We have worked closely with Mayor Walsh and city officials, whose support in promoting Boston’s array of unique outdoor festivals, concerts, and events is the primary reason why Boston was selected as the top US summer vacation destination,” said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For the summer travel season, the GBCVB is forecasting domestic and international visitors to Boston combined to grow by 6.1 % over last summer, and more than 2% higher than the national average. “This robust growth reflects the special events, unique festivals, and major conferences that draw visitors to Boston, along with Massport’s success in winning direct service to Logan Airport from new and traditional markets, and the Bureau’s expanded industry partnerships, creative marketing campaigns, and the ongoing support from Mayor Walsh and his administration,” Moscaritolo pointed out. “A visit to Boston is unlike any other, from whale watching to Red Sox games, movies and concerts under the stars, and of course our iconic history is brought to life along the Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail. Boston in summer is an exceptional experience, and we welcome people from across the globe to visit our city and be a party of our story,” Moscaritolo added.