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 2022 visitor data shows that, in 2022, DownEast Acadia attracted nearly 2.1 million visitors, up from nearly 2.08 million visitors in 2021.
Maine Office of Tourism 2022 visitor data shows that direct visitor spending generated a total economic impact to the DownEast Acadia region of nearly $1.6 billion, up $3.8 million from 2021. Visitors spent $1.08 billion on accommodations, food, transportation, entertainment, and shopping, up from $1.05 billion in 2021. This direct spending supported 16,100 jobs and $562.6 million in wages, up from 12,700 jobs and $413.7 million in wages in 2021.
Profile of Visitors to DownEast Acadia
2022 and 2021 visitor data from the Maine Office of Tourism shows that the top 3 reasons that people visit DownEast Acadia are sightseeing/touring, relaxing/unwinding, and Nature & Bird watching. Top visitor activities in both 2021 and 2022 were touring/sightseeing, culinary experiences, and active outdoor activities. The percentage of visitors seeking an enjoying these activities rose a few percentage points in 2022 or stayed the same as they were in 2021.
During 2022, visitors primarily traveled from 7 US states – Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Most travelers drive to the region. The typical visitor party includes 3.3 people. In 2022, 17% of visitors traveled with children under 18, compared to 30% in 2019. The typical visitor stayed 4.7 nights (down from 6 in 2021).
In 2022 the average visitor age was 48, 78% were married or in a domestic partnership, and 81% are college graduates, the same as in 2021. Visitor frequency was 39% first time visitors to Maine, while 20% had visited Maine more than 10 times, almost exactly the same as in 2021.
In 2022 59% of visitors were employed full time, down from 72% in 2021. Their average annual household income increased from $100,000 in 2021 to $108,000 in 2022; 27% earned more than $150,000 annually.