Latest news with #Governor'sConferenceonTourism
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Visitors to Maine dropped again in 2024, challenging a top industry
Apr. 17—The number of people visiting Maine fell for the third year in a row in 2024, spotlighting a growing challenge for one of the state's primary industries as Gov. Janet Mills anticipates the loss of Canadian visitors amid President Donald Trump's tariff war. Maine's tourist count dropped 3% last year, from 15.27 million visitors in 2023 to 14.8 million in 2024, according to the state's annual report delivered Thursday at the the Governor's Conference on Tourism in Bangor. After rebounding slightly to 15.6 million visitors in 2021, tourist numbers have fallen off and failed to surpass the pre-pandemic count of 16.4 million in 2019. Meanwhile, spending by tourists increased 2.2%, from $9 billion in 2023 to $9.2 billion last year, continuing to exceed the pre-pandemic tally of $6.5 billion in 2019, based on data provided by the Maine Office of Tourism. Visitors stayed nearly 12.4 million nights in Maine hotels and other accommodations last year, up 0.8% from 2023. However, the typical visitor stayed 4.5 nights, down 6.3% from 4.8 nights in 2023. "While visitation softened, the state attracted visitors who spent more," said Carolann Ouellette, director of the tourism office, noting a continuing trend. "We also saw an increase in overall room nights and a notable (8%) increase of visitors in fall and winter." The office hopes to expand Maine's reach by introducing the state's unique "brand and rich culture to new audiences," Ouellette said in an emailed statement. "Our 2025 goal is to continue to attract right-fit travelers across all seasons." In addressing the conference Thursday morning, Mills predicted that Maine could have 225,000 fewer visitors from Canada this year because of the tariffs and insults that Trump has lobbed across the northern border in recent weeks. "That's hundreds of thousands of fewer people staying in our hotels, making reservations at our restaurants, shopping in our small businesses," Mills said in a prepared statement provided to the Press Herald. "On the eve of another summer tourism season, we are once again facing great economic uncertainty," she said. "This time that uncertainty is not being driven by a pandemic, but by harmful rhetoric and painful tariffs that our Canadian neighbors say make them feel unwelcome in the United States and uncertain about visiting our state." She noted that last month, the number of Canadians who returned from the U.S. by car — 1.5 million — was 32% lower than in March 2024. That was the third consecutive month of year-over-year declines and the steepest plunge since the pandemic, according to Statistics Canada. Mills also pointed out that nearly 800,000, or 5%, of Maine's visitors last year were from Canada, and those Canadians spent nearly $500 million, she said. Mills said the loss of Canadian tourists can't be filled by attracting more visitors from other states or leaving more room for Mainers taking "staycations." She said she's committed to working with Canadian leaders to preserve and promote cross-border travel, tourism and economic advantages. "It's important to remember the survival of many small businesses in our hospitality sector depends on overnight visitors who stay longer and spend more," Mills said. "Maine and Canada have a cherished relationship founded not only on mutual financial economic advantages but also on centuries-old familial and cultural bonds that supersede politics." The 3% decline in tourists for all of 2024 is less dramatic than the 9% drop in summer tourists last year, which was attributed in part to less available rental housing and fewer visitors staying with friends and family or in second homes. Nearly 8 million fewer people visited Maine last May through October compared to the same period in 2023. Mills said Maine's tourism industry faces other challenges, including a worker shortage, which her administration is addressing by investing in job-training programs in the hospitality industry. The annual tourism report noted that Maine's visitors supported nearly 116,000 jobs that paid $5.4 billion in wages last year, up nearly 2% over 2023. It also reported survey data showing that 68% of prospective visitors ranked Maine's natural beauty as their primary reason to make the trip and 82% said they would likely drive here rather than fly or use other mass transit. And it laid out a plan to increase tourism in 2025 by highlighting Maine's beaches, shops filled with unique products, hotels and hiking trails. "We will promote the things that set Maine apart from any other destination in the world — our dark night skies, with no light pollution, perfect for stargazing," Mills said. "Our restaurants, with award-winning food and drinks that tempt people to stay longer than they ever intended. Our recreation businesses, which make our beautiful outdoors easy and enjoyable to explore." Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eureka Springs, Bentonville win titles at Arkansas tourism awards
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A few Northwest Arkansas cities were recognized at the recent Henry Awards, presented by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism during the Governor's Conference on Tourism, held Feb. 23-25 in Bentonville. The Henry Awards, named after 17th-century explorer Henri de Tonti, honor individuals and organizations for their exceptional efforts in promoting tourism in Arkansas. Tourism Attraction of the Year was awarded to the Peel Compton Foundation in Bentonville for its Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, a 500-acre outdoor destination that combines mountain biking, camping and community experiences, according to a news release. Crystal Bridges launches museum school program 'We are incredibly honored to receive this award,' Debra Layton, Executive Director of the Peel Compton Foundation, said in the release. 'This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, volunteers, and the local community who have supported us in making Coler Mountain Bike Preserve a premier destination. We strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.' Tourism Person of the Year went to Jack Moyer of Eureka Springs, recognized for his role in shaping the city's hospitality and tourism industry through strategic partnerships and a commitment to excellence, according to Talk Business. On the edge of the River Valley, Russellville's Moon Over Main event won the Natural State Tourism Development Award for attracting over 46,000 visitors from across the U.S. and 45 countries for the 2024 solar eclipse. To read more, head to . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Sanders signs tramway bill, touts tourism projects at GovCon
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill at the 51st annual Governor's Conference on Tourism that the general assembly says advances outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Gov. Sanders signed SB203 at GovCon on Tuesday, paving the way for the construction of a downhill mountain biking trail with chairlift service in Bella Vista. The bill specifies operator liability for tramways at state parks. The governor signed the bill following her speech at the governor's conference. In her speech, Gov. Sanders highlighted the steps local leaders have taken to grow the tourism industry in the state. 'I'm under no illusions that Arkansas tourism is breaking records because of the state government, but because of the people here in this room.' Gov. Sanders shared stories of business owners around the state that specialize in outdoor recreation. She says the state government is dedicated to uplifting these industries. 'Hunting and fishing guides, bike mechanics, trail builders, chefs, resort operators, innovators and entrepreneurs. I'm here to tell you that the state has your back,' Sanders said. According to the governor, 50 million visitors spent more than $10 billion in 2024, both of which are state records in tourism. She says these travelers support more than 70,000 jobs in The Natural State, adding roughly $800 million in state and local taxes. Gov. Sanders also highlighted The Natural State Initiative, led by First Gentlemen Bryan Sanders. Since its inception in 2023, the governor says the initiative to promote outdoor recreation has increased investments in trails and improved amenities, as well as offering tax credits and grant programs. Gov. Sanders also laid out her administration's plans for the future of tourism in the state. Mountain Biking Trails in Mena The governor highlighted the development of mountain biking trails in Mena. According to the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation's master plan, this project will create more than 100 miles of trails, including 30 gravity-specific trails suited for mountain biking. Improvements to Petit Jean State Park The governor added that she plans to enhance Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton — Arkansas' very first state park. According to the project's master plan, this will include multi-use mountain biking trails, catered to cyclists of all skill levels. The project also aims to preserve the park's natural resources by removing invasive species. Completion of Delta Heritage Trail Gov. Sanders noted that the Delta Heritage Trail project is close to completion. So far, almost 70 miles of trail have already been completed in the 84-mile-long project. According to the project's plan, these trails will eventually cross the White and Arkansas rivers. Maumelle Pinnacles Lastly, the governor says she's excited to see the completion of the Maumelle Pinnacles project that began in late 2023. The goal of this project is to increase options for outdoor recreation at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, including cycling, horseback riding rock climbing, boating and hunting, among others. According to its master plan, the project also aims to protect drinking water at Pinnacle, as the park supplies 90% of Little Rock's fresh drinking water. Gov. Sanders concluded her speech at GovCon with Arkansas' growth in new visitors. She says that the state is the #1 destination for inbound movers. 'Arkansas is not only the best place to visit, it's the best to live, to work, to raise a family and to retire and something that we can all be proud of.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
