Maine sees decrease in tourism this summer
Analysts encourage Mainers to support local businesses
Analysts encourage Mainers to support local businesses
Analysts encourage Mainers to support local businesses
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of Maine's summer tourism season. But there were fewer tourists this summer due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Maine Tourism Association says the summer season is huge for the state's economy, usually reeling in an average of 37 million people. But that certainly was not the case this year.
Many scheduled events had to be canceled, cruise ships and buses weren't bringing in large crowds. Currently, only visitors from New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey are exempt from the testing or quarantine restrictions.
"Obviously it's all for public health and safety, so I think a lot of people understand why that is, but it's also been really tough on businesses." said Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association.
The Maine Tourism Association credits many restaurants owners and people in hospitality for stepping up their use of personal protective equipment and providing a safe atmosphere to guests.
"They've proven that they can operate safely to provide a safe, fun environment for people to come on vacation and forget their worries." Cameron said. "No one wants to think about a virus when they're on vacation."
Cameron says with the decrease in tourism, Mainers should use the opportunity to visit local businesses.
"The really big goal is to be able to sustain as many businesses as we can so that way we can recover for next year." Cameron said. "Obviously, there is still a lot of unknowns for what is going to happen with the pandemic."