Tourism is one of Maine’s largest industries providing jobs and supporting local, regional and state-wide economies. At the Governor’s Conference on Tourism held April 9 and 10, the Maine Office of Tourism shared the 2018 economic impact figures:

–Tourism supports 110,000 jobs in Maine (1 out of every 6 jobs)

–Total tourism expenditures in 2018 exceeded $6.2 billion which equates to an impressive $17 million per day or $708,000 per hour

Maine experienced a 10% increase in overnight visitation. The direct spending by overnight visitors was more than $4.7 billion, which in this segment alone, provided more than $464 million in valuable tax revenues.

Governor Janet Mills enthusiastically addressed the crowd of more than 200 attendees about the importance of tourism and the tremendous economic impact to local economies throughout the state. Governor Mills commented on how tourism helps local and regional economies flourish. She also talked about how tourism breathes life into small businesses. During her speech she mentioned, with excitement, the Boothbay Harbor region a couple of times which has certainly seen the positive economic impact of tourism throughout the region.

The Maine Office of Tourism (“MOT”) also announced grant opportunities for non-profit organizations and municipalities to promote their regions. One tourism grant opportunity is in connection with Maine’s Bicentennial celebration in 2020. In 2020, as Maine celebrates its 200th anniversary local communities can join in that celebration by promoting visitation to their region.

The MOT is offering up to $100,000 in marketing grants to help local communities promote their special place with their own unique bicentennial events. The Bicentennial Marketing grants will provide matching marketing money for tourism related bicentennial events that will help drive overnight visitation.

For more information about these tourism marketing grants contact Hannah Collins at the Maine Office of Tourism at 207-624-7456 or visit: https://motpartners.com/programs-services/marketing-grants/