The Maine Tourism Association (MTA) recently polled its members about spring and summer business and what challenges they are facing due to workforce shortages, supply chain problems, high gas prices, and COVID.

According to Tony Cameron, Chief Executive Officer, 52% of members responding to the survey stated that they believe spring business will be better than a normal year like 2019. This is up from January when only 23% thought the spring would be better than 2019. In this survey, 29% said business would be equal to a normal year and only 18% think it will be worse.

Some 60% of respondents are predicting the summer season will be better than a pre-pandemic year, while 26% say it will be the same. Only 12% believe summer business will be worse than 2019.

“I am very pleased to see that tourism businesses are predicting such a strong spring and summer season. I think all our members believe the demand is there from visitors as is reflected in the survey numbers. The challenge is in meeting that demand. There will be visitor money left on the table if our businesses can’t meet the demand due to staff and supply shortfalls. The optimism from our members that these shortfalls will have less of an impact than they were predicting just a few months ago is very encouraging,” stated Cameron.

Of those responding to this survey, only 26% said they planned to reduced hours or days of operation from what they would normally offer in spring. This is down from over 50% when surveyed in January. Of those who plan reductions, the causes (more than one could be chosen) stated are: not enough staff – 83%, predicting less business due to high gas prices – 30%, less business predicted due to COVID – 17%, and supply chain challenges – 17%.

Members were also asked about their thoughts on hiring staff. Most, 43%, thought it would be the same as last year while 37% thought it would be more difficult. Only 9% thought it would be easier than last year.

The Maine Tourism Association, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, is the state’s largest advocate for all tourism-related businesses. Incorporated in 1922, MTA members include lodging, restaurants, camps, campgrounds, retail, outdoor recreation, guides, tour operators, amusements, transportation and cultural and historical attractions. MTA also operates seven State Visitor Information Centers from Kittery to Calais, and annually produces the state’s official travel planner, Maine Invites You. MTA, along with seven other tourism association partners, recently launched mainetourismjobs.com, an online career center dedicated solely to tourism careers.