PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 14, 2022
Maine’s tourism industry recovered from pandemic doldrums last year, with record numbers of summer visitors and a billion dollars more in spending than two years prior. Even with near-record visitation and massive spending, though, Maine’s critical summer tourism economy faces headwinds in the form of persistent workforce challenges that could hobble future growth. Direct tourism spending was $7.8 billion, more than a billion dollars more than the record set in 2019. Matt Lewis, CEO of the HospitalityMaine trade group, said there’s no indication spending will slow this year. “Bookings are at an all-time high, and daily rates are soaring,” Lewis said. “I don’t see any reason that we wouldn’t be on track to exceed 2021.”