Observations on Maine Tourism.We hear too much bad news about the economy. I work in the Maine Tourism Industry and this didn't match what I hear "on the street", so I started a search on Google for "Maine Tourism" and got some positive stories. We also talk to lots of people across the state as Patti & I sell ads for Hotel Directories, RideMaine, & CruiseMaine. Here are some we would like to share with you.
Jim LeClair (207-415-5646)
Conversations with Local Business People (Week of Feb 25th):Rocell and Thomas Marcellino Of
Calzolaio Pasta Company in Wilton. "We opened three weeks ago and are providing quality Italian food to our customers. We are looking forward to a strong summer and we're partnering closely with area hotels to search for niche markets. We've placed adjacent ads to Wilson Lake Inn and the Comfort Inn, all in Wilton!
Tina Carval of
Pat's Pizza; Hampden. "I've worked hard to adjust my menu to please my local customers. Adding "gluton-free" dough has been a hit. My sales are up over last year. Now I'm targeting new tourist customers with In-Room Hotel Directories."
Conversations with Local Business People (Week of Feb 18th):Park Morrison of Owl's Head Transportation Museum: "We were wary of expectations at our recent Winterfest. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the attendance. Also, our membership program is doing well."
Oscar Verest of the Camden Harbour Inn: "After a strong December, we were concerned about the upcoming season. To our surprise is that we are exceeding last year's bookings for January and February with strong summer reservations."
Rich & Regina Pierson of Beach Inspirations in Lincolnville: "Winter is slow for retail. It gives us time to get ready for summer. Our sales last year were above projections. We're hearing good bookings from the area Inns and are looking forward to a strong summer."
Norm of China Dinah: "I served over 700 meals on Valentine's Day. I don't feel the recession here, business is great!"
Warren Buffet's Annual Letter to ShareholdersWall St. Journal March 2, 2009
"The U.S. - and much of the world - became trapped in a vicious negative-feedback
cycle. Fear led to business contraction, and that in turn led to even greater fear."
"Amid this bad news, however, never forget that our country has faced far worse travails in the past. In the 20th Century alone, we dealt with two great wars (one of which we initially appeared to be losing); a dozen or so panics and recessions; virulent inflation that led to a 21 1/2% prime rate in 1980; and the Great Depression of the 1930s, when unemployment ranged between 15% and 25% for many years. America has had no shortage of challenges."
"Without fail, however, we've overcome them."
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/WSJ-20090228-berkshireletter.pdfMore than 900 attend Lincoln Sno-CrossBangor Daily News March 1, 2009
More than 100 snowmobiles were parked in the clubhouse field as sledders used the races as an excuse to come by snowmobile from hundreds of miles around and travel the Lincoln Lakes region's extensive trail system. Others, like Heather Watson of Glenburn, came to the event for the family fun it represents.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/100614.htmlSki season continues to improve in the NortheastSeacoastonline.com February 27, 2009
February and March are traditionally the snowiest months and there's lots of snow on the ground already. It's been a great season so far and it's only getting better.
Hear that soft hum? That's lifts turning, gliding skiers and riders up hills so they can slide down with big smiles on their faces. Every lift in the Northeast is turning right now.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090227-SPORTS-902270348What the Stimulus Bill Means for High-Speed RailWired February 25, 2009
Expanding the north-south routes of the East Coast will create a rail network stretching from Portland, Maine, to New Orleans and Houston. (How many tourists will be able to access Maine via this plan?)
(Combine this with train service expanding to Brunswick and later to Rockland...)
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/02/what-the-stimul.htmlOld Town mill reopens with new name 170 going back to work at retooled pulp processing facilityBangor Daily News; 2/25/09
The reinvention of the traditional paper mill into a combined pulp and biofuel plant represents "true American manufacturing at its best.
http://www.bangornews.com/detail/100229.htmlHampton InnAugusta hotel project up for review. Freeport-based Maine Course Hospitality Group proposes to build a Hampton Inn with 87 rooms...Kennebec Journal Feb. 09
(This would add to the Hampton Inn opening this summer in Presque Isle, and projects planned for Bath & Ellsworth. The Hampton Inn planning team has a positive look of their business prospects in Maine. Jim)
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5928215.htmlFun, funding and fishThe popular two-day ice fishing tournament hooks thousands of people and many cancer donations.
Portland Press Herald; February 22, 2009
Laderbush said the dip raised about $55,000 this year, with about 130 participants jumping into the water near Raymond Beach. He said he expects late donations to push the total closer to $60,000, more than anticipated given the state of the economy.
"I couldn't believe it. I was really worried this year," Laderbush said.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=240938&ac=PHnwsMaine tourism weathering the economic chillOutdoor enthusiasts appear to be staying close to home, giving Maine businesses a lift.
Portland Press Herald; February 22, 2009
"Flat is the new up in tourism. I'm ecstatic about that," said Pat Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. "We're doing good."
The spectrum of winter tourism and recreation industries - cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling among them - are reporting a strong season, she said.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=240972&ac=PHnwsNet income; Tournament time still an economic boon to Bangor areaBangor Daily News; February 20, 2009
Recession proof? Maybe not, but by most indicators the annual high school basketball tournament at the Bangor Auditorium has seen no sign of slowdown this week, and the beneficiaries have been various city hotels, restaurants and retailers.
Inside the auditorium, patrons have been spending, too. Bass Park Director Mike Dyer said concession sales have been up about 15 percent so far.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/99963.htmlCoping with the recession (Sometimes you have to read past the headline...)
Herald Gazette; February 16, 2009
At Point Lookout in Northport, the former MBNA facility with gym and cabins built on the slopes of Ducktrap Mountain, reservations are picking up.
(Mark) Blair said September and October were the company's strongest months, and for July to December 2009, Point Lookout is already 80 percent booked for events, such as conferences, weddings and family reunions.
"May and June are filling," he said.
http://www.villagesoup.com//Business/story.cfm?storyid=146404Customers are sparing no expenseDespite economy, many areas on pace for record seasons
Boston Globe; February 12, 2009
Happy days are here again, right? Deep in the winter of our economic discontent, people are skiing and riding as much as ever.
Even remote destination areas in New England are enjoying the spike in business. According to Andy Shepard, president of the Maine Winter Sports Center, areas such as Black Mountain in Rumford and Big Rock in Mars Hill have been doing record business.
"I think it's because of the better value we provide," said Shepard. "But we've had record day-trip ticket sales and the seasonal pass sales are 20 percent ahead of last year."
http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/skiing/articles/2009/02/12/customers_are_sparing_no_expenseBorders crumble at snowsled festBangor Daily News; February 8, 2009
More than 300 riders had registered for the 13th annual International Snowmobile Festival by Saturday morning...
"A lot of the people who came are ones who come every year," Ouellette said. "This year we expanded our advertising, [and] it must have worked because we've seen people from as far away as South Carolina."
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/99082.htmlToboggan races a carnival of wacky garb and wild ridesBangor Daily News; February 8, 2009
About 370 toboggan-racing teams from as far away as California - and with names such as Lil' Deuce Moose and the Beer Coasters - participated in the two-day affair. The races bring thousands of people to the ski mountain and have become an economic engine of the area's winter economy.
(LL Bean) Freeport mail-order giant said it was sold out of toboggans until next fall.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/99084.htmlHere are the official numbers for January.
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