The Maine Tourism Association (MTA) applauds the Maine Legislature and Governor Janet Mills for securing funding for Maine’s tourism marketing. The Maine Office of Tourism, which falls under the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), administers the Tourism Promotion Marketing Fund which is used to promote Maine as a travel destination.

CEO Tony Cameron stated, “Obviously tourism businesses were hit tremendously hard by the pandemic last year. Tourism is one of Maine’s largest private industries, employing over 100,000 and generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the Maine economy. Maine needs tourism to be successful, not just for the tourism businesses and workers themselves but for the benefit it brings to the entire state. A successful tourism industry is the key to economic recovery for the state.”

“Marketing Maine does far more than just promote our state as a vacation destination. We market its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and Maine’s unsurpassed way of life. This is a significant part of attracting new residents and businesses to the state. Government is always exploring ways to encourage people who can contribute to Maine’s economy to relocate here. Tourism is often what gets them here to experience Maine for the first time, but tourism marketing benefits go well beyond just tourism businesses – it helps drive our entire economy.”

Over $4 million that was allocated for tourism promotion last year wasn’t used by the state. LD 246 is a Resolve that directs the state to keep those unexpended funds in the Marketing Fund to be used this year. Unexpended funds can be “swept” and used for other purposes, which often happens during the budget process. This Resolve ensures that these funds will be used for their intended purpose.

“MTA greatly appreciates the support of the bill sponsor Sen. Stacey Guerin, DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson, Governor Mills, and the entire legislature for its unanimous support. We know that if a state doesn’t maintain a presence, its visitation will drop off dramatically. Even though our normal number of visitors won’t come here this year, Maine as a destination needs to stay in the minds of our potential visitors for the future. When times are bad, increased marketing is the key to rebounding,” Cameron said.

The Tourism Marketing Promotion Fund (5 M.R.S.A §13090-J) was created in 2001. It is funded through the meals and lodging taxes. Of the revenue derived from those taxes, 95% goes into the state’s General Fund while 5% is used for tourism marketing.

The Maine Tourism Association is the state’s oldest and largest tourism advocate for all tourism-related businesses. Incorporated in 1922, MTA members includes lodging, restaurants, camps, campgrounds, retail, outdoor recreation, guides, tour operators, amusements, and cultural and historical attractions. MTA also operates the seven State Visitor Information Centers from Kittery to Calais, and annually produces the state’s official travel planner, Maine Invites You.