About Destination Salem | Your Guide To Visiting Salem, MA (2024)

The Office of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for Salem, Massachusetts

As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping and fun.

The organization is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by both the City of Salem and the businesses that invest in advertising in the annual Salem City Guide & Map and the annual Guide to Haunted Happenings.

Contact Us

Destination Salem
Shipping: 245 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
Mailing: P.O. Box 630, Salem, MA 01970
877 SALEM MA (725-3662) Toll Free | (978) 741-3252 Telephone
info@salem.org

Mission

Destination Salem cooperatively markets, promotes and manages tourism in Salem. The organization advocates the kind of tourism which improves the quality of life for Salem residents and provides the greatest economic benefits to Salem’s tax payers. Destination Salem strives to take a leadership position in the development and promotion of high-end, year-round tourism.

Marketing

Destination Salem’s marketing initiatives focus on the following markets: Leisure Travelers, Regional Visitors, Group Tours, LGBTQ Visitors, International Travelers and Cruise Passengers. The organization strategically places destination advertising and organizes cooperative advertising to reach audiences in these markets.

Click here for Destination Salem’s 2023 Media Kit. For recent media coverage and press releases, click here.

Profile Sheets

Salem Group Tour Profile (2024)

Salem Cruise Profile

International Profile (2024)

Wedding Profile (2022)

Accessibility in Salem (2021)

Insertion Order Forms

2024 Salem Haunted Happenings Brochure

2023 Light Pole Banner Sponsorship

Staff

Kara McLaughlin, Interim Executive Director
Stacia Cooper,Assistant Director/Sales
Kathryn Horrigan, Communications Manager
Brittany DiCologero, Editor
Sharon Driscoll, Info Center Retail Manager

Open Positions

Executive Director, click HERE for more information

2023 Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Destination Salem consists of 15 to 17 directors. The board of directors includes representatives from each of the following organizations and business sectors: Accommodations, Attractions, Non-Profit/Cultural Institutions, Restaurants, Retail, Tours/Transportation, and Salem Resident. Representatives from the City of Salem, Salem City Council, and Salem Chamber of Commerce shall serve Ex Officio. The Board of Directors meets monthly on the third Thursday.

Executive Board

President
Derek O’Brien, Peabody Essex Museum

First Vice-President
Danielle Turner, Turner’s Seafood

Second Vice-President
Jim Bostick, Salem Arts Association

Treasurer
Jessica Moody, Moody’s Home & Gifts

Secretary
Wendy Meigs, Salem Resident

Past President
Tim Maguire, Salem Night Tour

At Large
Mitchell Cox, Salem Waterfront Hotel
Karen Davis, Coon’s Cards & Gift Shop
Alaina Ferriero, Hawthorne Hotel
Karen Gahagan, Salem State University Center for the Arts
Teri Kalgren, Artemisia Botanicals
Dakota Russell, The House of the Seven Gables
Matt Smith, District Trading
Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets
Ashley Tina, Good Witch of Salem

Ex-Officio

Mayor Dominick Pangallo, City of Salem
Tom Daniel, City of Salem
Rinus Oosthoek, Salem Chamber of Commerce
Stacia Cooper, Assistant Director

Salem City Council Liaison

Alice Merkl, Councillor at Large

National Park Liaison

Jennifer Hardin, Salem Maritime National Historic Site

2023 Destination Salem Marketing Committee

Comprised of marketing professionals who work in Salem’s tourism industry, the Destination Salem Marketing Committee meets monthly to review opportunities, publications, and strategy. The committee makes recommendations regarding marketing decisions to the executive director and the board of directors. The marketing committee meets monthly on the first Wednesday.

John Andrews, Creative Collective

Stacia Cooper, Destination Salem

Erica Feldmann, Haus Witch Home + Healing

Cheri Grishin, Essex HeritageTina Jordan, Salem Witch Museum

Karen Scalia, Salem Food Tours

Jeanne Sullivan, City Experiences / Salem Ferry

Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets

Whitney Van Dyke, Peabody Essex Museum

Kathryn Horrigan, Destination Salem

Zoe Quinn, House of the Seven Gables

Virginia Cherol, Salem 400+

Jeremy Fiske, City of Salem

Destination Salem “Still Making History” Logo Use Guidelines

Salem business and organizational partners of the Salem Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, DBA Destination About Destination Salem | Your Guide To Visiting Salem, MA (1)Salem, are welcome to use the “Salem / Still Making History” logo insofar as its use is consistent with the mission and intent of the organization. The logo should be used in black or white and may not be altered, stretched or skewed in any way. The logo should not be altered, including removing or changing the “still making history” copy or altering the hat/sail graphic. When used on a website, the logo should be linked to https://www.salem.org/. Destination Salem reserves the right to restrict use or revoke permission for use of the logo for any reason

Statement of Inclusion

Salem’s tourism community is dedicated to acceptance of diversity and combating discrimination. We are committed to the wellbeing of our community and encourage everyone to challenge bigotry and to foster a prejudice-free environment in which all people are respected, heard, and appreciated for who they are and how they identify.

Destination Salem reminds our visitors, employees, and residents to hold each other accountable, take care of one another, and be kind.

About Destination Salem | Your Guide To Visiting Salem, MA (2024)

FAQs

What makes Salem Massachusetts a popular tourist destination? ›

Best known for the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials, the town Salem, Massachusetts, draws millions of visitors from near and far each year. Thanks to centuries worth of haunted lore, booking a trip to Salem during spooky season — known to locals as Haunted Happenings — may be at the top of the list for many travelers.

What is so special about Salem? ›

Salem is widely noted for the Salem witch trials of 1692, which strongly informs the city's cultural identity into the present.

How many days do you need to visit Salem, MA? ›

Though some visitors may enjoy a day trip to the city, to savor Salem fully, a visit of 2-3 days is recommended.

What is the highest salary of Tour Guide? ›

Tour Guide salary in India with less than 1 year of experience to 15 years ranges from ₹ 0.2 Lakhs to ₹ 9.5 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 5.0 Lakhs based on 151 latest salaries.

What is the average age of tour guides? ›

The average age of an International Tour Guide typically ranges from their mid-20s to early 40s. Many individuals in this profession start their careers in their mid-20s after gaining relevant education and experience in tourism or hospitality.

What is the most beautiful street in Salem? ›

A scenic drive through Salem takes you along Chestnut Street, often labeled the most beautiful street in America for its unrivaled examples of Federal architecture.

Is Salem worth the trip? ›

Salem is a beautiful seaside town with excellent food, beautiful architecture, stunning hotels, and bed and breakfasts. October is prime time to visit, with the Haunted Happenings celebration in full swing. Parades, film nights, haunted houses… and huge crowds might be your thing.

Is one day in Salem enough? ›

There is just so much to see and do in this quaint city that I discover something new on every visit. If you only have one day don't worry, a day trip to Salem, MA is the perfect way to get a taste of what this city has to offer. Trust me, you'll be planning a return visit before you even leave!

What is a fun fact about Salem Massachusetts? ›

Salem has the oldest pear tree in America. The Endicott pear tree is over 375 years old. It was first planted by Governor John Endecott and still bears fruit today.

What is special for Salem? ›

Salem is well known for its textile industries. Handloom products in cotton and polyester, as well as handicrafts, are a famous specialty here. You could also choose to buy the silver anklets sold in Salem. They are handmade and extremely beautiful.

Is the original Salem Village still standing? ›

The Salem Village Parsonage, in modern-day Danvers, is where it all went down. While the parsonage was built in 1681 (and first housed one George Burroughs, an unfortunate cleric who was later himself accused of witchcraft and hanged), it was torn down by the late 18th century in a state of near-collapse.

Is Salem a walkable town? ›

Salem is a walkable town. With many sights along the way to your destination there are plenty of finds to see along the way.

Can you just walk around Salem? ›

First off, Salem is super walkable. You can absolutely take some form of public transportation into the city and then walk the rest. Most attractions are within a reasonable distance so it shouldn't be a problem on foot, honestly.

What to wear in Salem, MA? ›

The clothes you pack for Salem should always be comfy and easy to travel with. No matter the season, you will want to pack layers as there can be some cold weather in New England sometimes. Think sweaters, cardigans, or even a heavy winter coat if you visit during winter.

How much money does Salem make from tourism? ›

According to the state government, tourism in Salem generates more than $140 million a year in local spending.

Does being a Tour Guide pay well? ›

As of May 31, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Tour Guide in California is $17.19 an hour.

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