The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has rolled out a first-of-its-kind Massachusetts Whale Trail, a major collaboration among Bay State tourism destinations for the promotion of assets stretching from Provincetown to Pittsfield!
Telling the story of the Commonwealth through its connection to whales, the Massachusetts Whale Trail features nearly 40 stops along the coast, as well as a literary tangent connecting sites in Western Massachusetts. Whale Trail partners include museums, attractions, historic sites, educational centers, and tours.
“We are so excited to be a part of this statewide trail that pays homage to our rich ties to these majestic creatures,” said Wendy K. Northcross, Cape Cod Chamber CEO. “In addition to Cape Cod’s significant role in the early whaling industry and our distinction for first-rate whale watching, we are home to the Center for Coastal Studies, which has rescued more than 200 entangled whales and conducted groundbreaking research into some of the world’s most endangered whale populations.”
The Massachusetts Whale Trail boasts several regional sites and experiences associated with the beloved marine mammal, of which there are currently 11 breeds off the Commonwealth’s coast and account for over 800,000 visitors annually. The trail contains five stops on Cape Cod, including Cape Rib Tours, Captain John Whale Watching, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, and the Center for Coastal Studies. These tours and attractions emphasize Cape Cod’s connection to whales by creating opportunities for visitors to interact with these ocean giants through informative whale watches and immersive experiences at seaside research institutes to tell our cultural narrative of maritime history in the Commonwealth.
In addition to traditional attractions, visitors are encouraged to embrace the broader cultural influence of whales. MOTT’s promotions feature galleries with whale art, such as Black Whale Gallery and whale-inspired inns like The Whalewalk Inn & Spa in Eastham.
“We’re thrilled to announce the new Massachusetts Whale Trail,” says Francois-Laurent Nivaud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “The Whale Trail captures the maritime spirit of Massachusetts and offers a new way for visitors to engage with our long and storied connection to whales.”
Visit whaletrailma.com for itineraries highlighting interactive experiences for visitors by theme. Among some of the early itineraries released is a literary-enthusiast’s track, exploring a route dedicated to the inspiration in Massachusetts for Herman Melville’s famous novel, Moby Dick. Another itinerary is for outdoor adventurers, with whale watching tours and sites to experience marine life first hand. Sites along the trail will also be launching special promotions and packages in support of the trail, using the hashtag #whaletrailMA.
For more details about the Massachusetts Whale Trail, visit whaletrailma.com!
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