Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Limestone Rotarians hosted a special guest speaker during their Dec. 3 meeting as Vaughn Stinson, CTC (certified travel counselor), CEO of the Maine Tourism Association (MTA) gave a presentation on tourism in Maine and the MTA. Stinson spoke about the $400 million impact tourism has on Maine and how, despite shaky economics globally, the tourism industry will continue to thrive.
“It’s a growing industry, and one where even in the toughest of times, people understand a vacation is more than just going out and spending money,” Stinson said. “It’s a chance to recharge your batteries and it’s a chance to refresh.”
He also added that national research shows that the American worker is still one of the hardest workers in the world and one of the most productive.
Whether tourists hail from across the continent or across the state, the average American psyche has come to understand the necessity of taking a vacation. What’s changed, however, is what constitutes a vacation.
“20 years ago, people would take a week-long vacation,” Stinson said. “Now-a-days, in situations where both spouses are working, that might be broken up into three for four long weekends.”
What are tourists and vacationers doing in Maine? A lot of the “S” word, which is, of course, snowmobiling. An activity enjoyed by family and friends of all generations, snowmobiling currently has a $350 million dollar impact on the state. In the past 10 years or so, that number has increased by $25 million.
Even with the recession, Maine continues to offer unique opportunities to vacationers even outside the winter months, especially for one aspect that’s often overlooked. Maine attractions tend not to be as congested as other tourist attractions.
“I know that some people get upset when they go to Bar Harbor and have to wait a few minutes to get in, but it’s sometimes hours to get into Yellowstone and some of the other national parks,” Stinson said. “We generally don’t have those kinds of crowds at our national parks — though sometimes I admit it does get compacted. Most of the time, vacationers can see and do the things they want to do in Maine and not have to be bothered with crowds and that’s a real great selling point.”
A presentation on Tourism in Maine and Aroostook was scheduled for Dec. 10, but was postponed due to last weeks storm. The presentation is set to be rescheduled for early 2010.
