Cape Business Owners Hopeful For Successful Tourism Season
SANDWICH (CBS) - The holiday weekend and the warm weather proved a strong pairing for tourism on the Cape. This summer is predicted to be one of the most successful seasons in years.
"It's likely we could claw our way back to where we were before the great recession started in '08," said Wendy Northcross, CEO for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.
Northcross said the numbers show a 20% increase in business from last year.
Over at the Belfry Inn on Main Street in Sandwich the rooms were sold out.
As owner Christopher Wilson checked in guests from around the world, he also rushed to finish the last-minute details of a wedding reception.
"Things are looking good, we're hiring more people, the economy is improving," said Wilson.
Memorial Day weekend for the Belfry Inn was sold out and Wilson said advance bookings were up from last year.
Wilson also said international tourism is up thanks to a weak dollar.
Not too far, beachcombers were enjoying their first taste of summer after a brutal winter.
"This is definitely the first time I've seen the sun in a couple of weeks," said Allyssa Woodman from Reading.
Although things look optimistic, business owners say their success depends on the weather.
"It has to be sunny," said Wilson. "That's the key."
