About Us

Welcoming tourists from next door and around the globe

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

Partner with us to extend your marketing reach

Learn how the Lakes Region Tourism Association can support the growth of your business through marketing and outreach efforts that reach hundreds of thousands of groups, tourists and travelers.

ELEVATE YOUR BRAND

Learn how the Lakes Region Tourist Association can elevate your brand or business through targeted print and digital marketing efforts.

Here's how we do it

What LRTA marketing initiatives support my business?

From targeted marketing support to trade-show representation, the LRTA is here to support your business.

Our multifaceted marketing strategy leverages the power of digital, print and in-person promotion to drive traffic to the Lakes Region and its businesses.

To that end, we print and distribute 700,000 publications locally, nationally and internationally. Our “Where to Guide” and “Map Guide” have the largest distribution of any other Lakes Region publication, at 200,000 and 500,000 copies, respectively.

LRTA partners with White Mountain attractions and local chambers of commerce to purchase national magazine advertisements, as well as digital and billboard campaigns. We proudly represent the region at consumer and trade shows throughout the Northeast, promoting New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains as a year-round destination.

Our robust social media presence includes more than 50,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram with carefully scheduled posts, promotions and contests to attract followers.

Efforts to attract international visitors include sales and trade shows for both consumers and destination marketing companies, as well as meetings with group tour planners and travel writers to increase exposure.

Our exciting monthly email newsletter, “Ripples,” is distributed to a subscriber list of more than 30,000 readers, including potential visitors, tour operators, meeting planners, event coordinators, media and travel writers, and, of course, our members.

The LRTA attends the American Bus Association Marketplace and National Association of Sports Commissions Symposium, maintains a group website and produces a media kit targeted specifically to tour and meeting planners that include venues, itineraries, photography and video promoting the region.

Carefully curated itineraries for a range of personas assist group tour operators with planning, inspire travel writers, and assist our guests in planning their activities.

Finally, LRTA operates two high-traffic visitor centers that welcome guests to the Lakes Region and provide a wealth of resources to ensure a memorable visit.

What is the LRTA’s target demographic?

We work hard to ensure that your message reaches the right audience. Here’s a snapshot of the visitors who make their way to the Lakes Region each year.

Our target market focus utilizes the following criteria:

  • Household income of more than $100,000.
  • Families, couples, singles and groups within driving distance or easy fly/drive distance.
  • Women and women with children, 25–33, 34–45 and 55+.
  • Residents of Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, Springfield, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Ohio, Washington DC and Southern New Hampshire.
  • Residents of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Canada, Japan and Australia.
  • Scandinavian residents (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden).
Does LRTA Provide scholarship opportunities?

LRTA offers scholarships of up to $1,000 to students accepted at an institution of higher learning majoring in a tourism- or hospitality-related field. Applicants must be residents of New Hampshire and are eligible to be awarded this scholarship for a maximum of two years.

Applicants are evaluated based on

  • Personal data.
  • Recommendations.
  • Scholastic aptitude.
  • Scholastic performance.
  • Essay.
  • Financial need.
Does the LRTA have resources for the media?

LRTA has a wealth of information for writers and journalists, from story ideas and newsletter archives to photographs and research materials.

Learn about our region, towns and lakes, as well as ways to obtain media assets and information, in our press resources area.

Are there any special deals for LRTA members?

From discounted group advertising rates and gang-run printing to reduced-price mailing lists and more, the LRTA member co-op program is designed specifically to give small businesses affordable access to a multitude of marketing opportunities.

Advertising cooperative programs offer discounts for advertising through coordinated advertising efforts with both in and out-of-state publications and media outlets. This program is supplemented by Joint Promotional Program Grant funds, which directly reduce your cost.

Gang-run brochure printing can save you hundreds of dollars by printing multiple projects simultaneously. This enables us to negotiate discounted rates and maintain a high-quality product.

For a nominal fee, LRTA can assist you with producing a direct mail campaign by offering advice on market segments and targeted mailing lists, provided on disk or mailing labels. Lists can be sorted by state, region, and inquiry date with travel agents, local and national media, tour operators, and past inquiry lists available.

Where can I get contact information for LRTA resources?

Whether you’re looking for things to do during your Lakes Region vacation, assessing the viability of starting a business, or starting the research for your next novel, the resources below should provide you with everything you need to know.

Belknap County Economic Development Council

Nonprofit regional development corporation serving businesses and municipalities in Belknap County. Business assistance without charge.

383 South Main Street, Laconia
(603) 524-3057

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Business and Industry Association of NH

New Hampshire’s state chamber of commerce and leading business advocate. Our mission is to promote a healthy business climate and robust economic future for New Hampshire. Through advocacy with state legislators and regulators, we shape business-friendly public policy and provide a counterbalance to legislation and regulations that threaten the growth and prosperity of New Hampshire businesses.

122 North Main Street, Concord
(603) 224-5388
mail@BIAofNH.com

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Central New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 831, Campton
(603) 726-3804
info@centralnh.org

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City of Laconia

45 Beacon Street, East Laconia
(603) 527-1270

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Discover Sandwich, New Hampshire

A guide to area businesses, events and activities of this quintessential New England town. There is something for everyone.

P.O. Box 116, Sandwich

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Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau

Gateway to New Hampshire workforce and career information. Visit our site for Community Profiles.

45 S. Fruit Street, Concord
(603) 224-3311

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Granite State Ambassadors

New Hampshire’s information specialists. Say hi to our volunteers at many of the state’s welcome centers.

470 Mast Road, Goffstown
(603) 851-8624
info@nhgsa.com

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Greater Ossipee Area Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 121, West Ossipee
(603) 651-1600
info@ossipeevalley.org

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Home Builders & Remodelers Association of new hampshire

As one of the largest trade organizations in the state, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of New Hampshire’s primary function is to protect its members’ interests at the various levels of local, state and, through its affiliation with the National Association of Home Builders, federal governments.

P.O. Box 105, New Hampton
(603) 387-1817
lakesregionbuilders@gmail.com

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Laconia Motorcycle Week Association

P.O. Box 5399, Laconia
(603) 366-2000
info@laconiamcweek.com

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Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce

328 Main Street, P.O. Box 532, New London
(603) 526-6575
adin@lakesunapeeregionchamber.com

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Lakes Region Tourism Association

Regional marketing organization dedicated to serving the needs of tourism-based businesses and guests traveling to the area. Develops and distributes visitor publications.

Visitors info available at:

  • 61 Laconia Road, Tilton
  • Alton Bay Information Center, Route 11A (next to town dock)

(603) 286-8008
(800) 60-LAKES
alanders@lakesregion.org

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Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce

Formerly the Greater Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce Summer
Information booth on Route 3 just below Weirs Beach.

383 S. Main Street, Laconia
(603) 524-5531

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Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

272 Daniel Webster Highway, P.O. Box 732 Meredith
(603) 279-6121
info@meredithareachamber.com

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New Hampshire Fish & Game

11 Hazen Drive, Concord
(603) 271-3421

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New Hampshire Marine Patrol

The Marine Patrol’s mission is to provide a safe, enjoyable and environmentally responsible use for all the state’s public waters. The bureau provides a comprehensive Marine Safety Program, places more than 5,000 aids to navigation, and offers boating education for all recreation and commercial boat operators.

31 Dock Road, Gilford
(603) 293-2037
marinepatrol@dos.nh.gov

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NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development

100 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Concord

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NH State Parks

New Hampshire State Parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, as well as year-round recreation fun for the whole family.

172 Pembroke Road, Concord
(603) 271-3556

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Town of Alton Parks and Recreation

328 Main Street, AVAS Public Park, Alton
(603) 875-0109
parksrec@alton.nh.gov

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Town of Bristol

5 School Street, Bristol
(603) 744-3354

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Town of Meredith

41 Main Street, Meredith
(603) 279-4538

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Town of Plymouth

6 Post Office Square, Plymouth
(603) 536-1731

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Town of Wakefield

2 High Street, Sanbornville

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Town of Waterville Valley

P.O. Box 500, Waterville Valley
(603) 236-4730

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Umbagog Area Chamber of Commerce

A four-season recreational paradise encompassing the Umbagog area of northern New Hampshire and Maine.

P.O. Box 113, Errol
(603) 482-3906
info@umbagogchambercommerce.com

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WeirsBeach.com

An online vacation planning guidebook for Weirs Beach, featuring photographs of its natural beauty and postcards from its historical past. Extensive information for the first-time or any-time visitor.

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Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce

159C Main Street, North Woodstock
(603) 745-6621

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White Mountain National Forest

71 White Mountain Drive, Campton
(603) 536-6100

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Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce

32 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 547, Wolfeboro
(603) 569-2200

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Need guidance? Navigate with our maps and directions

A New Hampshire Lakes Region vacation is within driving distance from many cities in the Northeast, with easy access to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Logan Airport in Boston.

BOS – Logan International Airport

Boston, MA
(800) 23-LOGAN

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2 hours to Lakes Region, NH

MHT – Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

Manchester, NH
(603) 624-6556

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1 hour to Lakes Region, NH

PSM – Portsmouth International Airport

Portsmouth, NH
(603) 433-6536

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1 hour to Lakes Region, NH

Mileage to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Approximate driving mileage to the Lakes Region from:

  • Albany, NY | 175
  • Baltimore, MD | 464
  • Boston, MA | 100
  • Halifax, NS | 652
  • Hartford, CT | 167
  • Manchester, NH | 42
  • Montreal, PQ | 223
  • Philadelphia, PA | 372
  • Portland, ME | 76
  • Providence, RI | 150
  • Quebec City, PQ | 292
  • Toronto, ON | 520

 

Distances around the Lakes Region

Approximate driving times around the Lakes Region:

  • Wolfeboro to Laconia | 45–60 min
  • Meredith to Laconia | 20 min
  • Bristol to Meredith | 30 min
  • New Hampton to Meredith | 15 min
  • Laconia to Holderness | 45–60 min
  • Tilton to New Hampton | 10 min
  • Meredith to Moultonborough | 20 min
  • Circle Lake Winnipesaukee | 1.5–2 hrs
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