Tourism

Speaking at the Governor's Conference on Tourism in Bangor today, Mills emphasized the importance of preserving Maine's centuries-long relationship with Canada.

Justin Trudeau singled out the Maine beach town when talking about how Canadians might display their frustration and anger over the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric toward their country.

Although President Donald Trump has postponed tariffs against Canada, some in Maine are still worried about the chilling effect on Maine's tourism industry.

Proponents of the moratorium said it will give them to time to study the impact that visitor accommodations have on traffic, permanent housing and the town's water, sewer and other infrastructure.

Fewer visitors stayed with friends or family or in second homes this past summer and stayed fewer days in Maine, according to a recent report from the Maine Office of Tourism.

Dozens of Maine businesses rely on the H-2B guest worker program.

While northernmost Maine was the only region to hit "moderate" colors as of late last week, that should quickly start to change as nights get cooler.

New Census data released last month showed more than 14,000 business applications were filed statewide in 2023.

While the summer season was strong, state officials say they'd like to see more first-time visitors discover some of Maine's lesser known regions during the offseason, as they did during the recent solar eclipse.

Event organizers and business owners said an influx of eclipse chasers was a welcome end to a disappointing winter tourism season.