Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism – Boston, MA

Promoting the Commonwealth to the World

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is the state’s primary agency dedicated to marketing Massachusetts as a premier travel destination for domestic and international visitors. Located near the historic Haymarket district at 136 Blackstone Street, MOTT operates under the Executive Office of Economic Development. Its mission is to generate immediate and long-term economic growth by attracting visitors to the state’s diverse regions, from the coastal charm of Cape Cod to the cultural hubs of the Berkshires. 🗺️ The office collaborates closely with 16 designated Regional Tourism Councils (RTCs) to ensure that every corner of the Commonwealth is represented in global marketing campaigns.

Grant Programs and Industry Support

• Regional Tourism Council Grants: MOTT administers significant funding to the state’s 16 RTCs, enabling them to execute targeted marketing strategies that drive local tourism and economic impact.
• Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grants: This competitive program awards funds to municipalities and non-profits for capital improvements to tourism assets, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring destination resiliency.
• MA250 Grants: In preparation for the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, MOTT oversees grants supporting programming and marketing that tell the historic stories of Massachusetts.
• Film and Sports Marketing: The office works in tandem with the Massachusetts Film Office and the Massachusetts Sports Marketing Office to attract production crews and major sporting events to the state. 🎬

Campaigns and Resources

MOTT spearheads major promotional initiatives such as the ‘My Local MA’ campaign, which encourages residents and visitors to support local businesses and attractions. Through its consumer-facing brand, VisitMA, the office provides comprehensive travel guides, itineraries, and an events calendar. 📅 While the Blackstone Street office is primarily administrative and not a visitor center, staff here manage the state’s presence at international trade shows, coordinate with travel agents, and analyze tourism data to refine marketing strategies. The agency serves as a vital link between the public sector and the private hospitality industry, ensuring that tourism remains a robust pillar of the Massachusetts economy.