Tourism ‘brainstorming’ session scheduled

Groton — What’s your biggest tourism challenge?

Well, perhaps a spot at the table at CURE Innovation Commons on March 24-25, when the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut holds its first tourism hackathon, will help solve the riddle.

According to the chamber, “Participants will break off into groups for an intensive 12-hour collaboration session to address branding, communications and collaboration efforts.”

The event will feature not only tourism industry professionals but also others who have creative ideas for solving problems. The idea is to boost collaboration among people in eastern Connecticut, an area also known in tourism circles as Mystic Country.

“Tourism is a proven job creator and sustainer, generating $14 billion in sales statewide in 2013,” said Tony Sheriden, chief executive of the chamber that recently took the reins of tourism promotion in the region. “A lack of state funds has compelled the private sector to step in to support and grow this vital component of our economy.”

Statewide, the 2013 economic study showed that tourism supported 118,500 jobs, with 80,000 involving direct employment. The jobs number indicates about 5.3 percent of all workers in the state are in tourism-related industries.

Norwich-based Miranda Creative will be helping to plan and coordinate the hackathon.

Andy Wood, senior vice president of external relations at Mystic Aquarium and chairman of the Greater Mystic Tourism Marketing Committee, pointed out that the term hackathon originated in the tech world but has since been expanded to involve people in various industries trying to solve problems.

“I want to utilize this innovative method of brainstorming to shape the future of tourism in Eastern Connecticut,” he said.

The private hackathon will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, March 24, and conclude at 7 p.m. the following day.