Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting (SPAT) was awarded a Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) Recovery Grant for its marketing campaign to successfully promote Wellfleet and its quintessential American oyster. The campaign will inform potential visitors about all that Wellfleet has to offer as a tourist destination, it’s rich shellfishing history and connect them to Wellfleet’s shellfish farmers and wild harvesters in order to reinvigorate tourism to this unique region and increase demand for its exceptional shellfish.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is vital to the economic well-being of Massachusetts,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Our administration recognizes the challenges this industry has faced during the pandemic, and these grants will support the Commonwealth’s recovery by allowing grant recipients to market to their local strengths.”
More than $1.5 million was awarded to 59 tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, and municipalities as part of the newly created Travel and Tourism Recovery (TTR) Grant Pilot Program. Funds from the program are dedicated to marketing projects that support the My Local MA campaign, enhance tourism recovery, and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. The program’s goal is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through the development and enhancement of the state’s tourism industry.
“Wellfleet SPAT is extremely grateful for the generous support of MOTT through the Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant,” said Nancy O’Connell, S.P.A.T. board president. “We are excited to embark on our campaign to market Wellfleet’s famous oysters and to support our legendary shellfishing industry.”
Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the shellfishing and aquaculture industries. SPAT achieves this through its college scholarship program, community grant awards and other industry related initiatives. To date over $740,000 has been reinvested back into the community.
Last year, SPAT directed $92,400 toward emergency pandemic relief efforts to support shellfishing families at this time of need. The organization has also committed $100,000 to a marketing campaign to differentiate Wellfleet Oysters from other oyster brands, to promote Wellfleet’s unique growing region and connect consumers with the shellfish harvesters and where their food is coming from. To learn more visit wellfleetspat.org.
