Tourism generates significant direct spending that not only benefits the hospitality industry, but also feeds the second-home and retirement real estate market, as well as the retail sector. Tourism remains the engine that drives a significant number of jobs on Cape Cod – and not only the seasonal “back of the house” positions that grow exponentially in the summer.

Amid the worst economy in memory, the Cape Cod tourism industry is approaching the 2009 season with anxiety tempered by optimism. “If you allow yourself to look at the future as half empty, it will become so. You will fulfill that attitude,” says Mark Novota, managing partner of the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club.

“If you want to talk to people – millions of people – you need to engage in social media.” Those are the words of Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes, Chancellor Professor of Marketing and director of the Center for Marketing Research at UMass Dartmouth, who spoke at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce’s Travel Symposium on Wednesday.

Tedd Saunders watched the inauguration of Barack Obama with a sense that, finally, the entire country will take global climate change seriously. “For too long, we have been borrowing huge sums of money from China to purchase dirty fuels from unfriendly, if not dangerous, nations,” he said. “Now, the new president is telling us we must all be part of the solution.”

“Market better. Brand better. Get your name out there. As things start to turn around, people will know to go to your store.” That’s a positive, upbeat message to local retailers from chamber of commerce leaders such as Deborah Converse, president and CEO of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Cape Cod and other resort areas of New England can find opportunities in record high oil prices, along with a weak dollar and slowing economy.

To view or download a PDF of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Membership Application, click here.

The following links can help guide you through the offerings of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.