The sun is shining, birds are singing, spring flowers are blooming, and businesses are opening. Everywhere you look there are signs Maine’s busiest season is almost upon us.
Mainers like to performatively roll their eyes and groan with the influx of our friends from away, but there isn’t a person in the state who doesn’t recognize and appreciate our visitors’ economic and cultural value.
It is not too strong a statement to say Maine could not exist as it does without the annual influx of our friends from away. According to the Maine Office of Tourism, in 2023, visitors brought with them $5.2 billion dollars that they invested in products and services. Left behind, that money continues to circulate in our economy as employees and businesses alike buy products and services themselves.
According to the same source, Maine continues to attract both new and loyal repeat visitors, with 22% of visitors coming to Maine for the first time, and 37% having visited more than 10 times, and Mainers make up 12% of the state’s tourist market.
Our returning friends may notice we may look a little worse for wear in some respects and truth be told, it’s been a tough sledding this winter. Two major storms in January devastated areas along the coast, damaging properties and flooding areas and roads.
It is possible that delightful little tourist spot may be not be open this year, or if it is, signs of winter damage may still be visible. Never mind the bruises. We’re still here. We’re still standing and we are happy to see you.
Come in and enjoy yourselves this season. We still have all the hospitality. Our seafood is still the best in the world, we think, and the best of our beloved home – the chefs, the artists, entertainers and entrepreneurs – are still on par with any you’ll find anywhere.
We invite you to patronize our establishments, buy some art, and visit our locations. The more you enjoy yourselves, the sooner we will return to full power.
