Maine Office of Tourism Research
Maine Office of Tourism commissions seasonal surveys and analyses for all of Maine. A yearly report for the DART region provides information on economic impact, number of visitors, and activities enjoyed. Following are summaries for data collected in 2021.
Economic Impact of Tourism in DownEast Acadia
Maine Office of Tourism 2021 visitor data shows that, in 2021, DownEast Acadia attracted 2,076,700 visitors. Direct visitor spending generated a total economic impact to the DownEast Acadia region of $1,529,974,800. Visitors spent $1,052,960,800 on accommodations, food, transportation, entertainment, and shopping. This direct spending supported 12,700 jobs and $413,755,200 in wages.
Profile of Visitors to DownEast Acadia
2021 visitor data shows that the top 3 reasons that people visit DownEast Acadia are sightseeing/touring (45%), relaxing/unwinding (43%), and Nature & Bird watching (33%). Top visitor activities are touring/sightseeing (71%), culinary experiences (70%), and active outdoor activities (59%).
Visitors primarily traveled from 6 US states – Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey respectively. Most travelers drive to the region (75%). The typical visitor party includes 3 people, and 1 in 5 visitors traveled with children under 18. The typical visitor stays 6 nights.
The average visitor age is 48; 78% are married or in a domestic partnership, 81% are college graduates, 72% are employed, and their average annual household income is $100,000. Visitor frequency was 39% first time visitors to Maine, while 21% had visited Maine more than 10 times.