Governor Baldacci heralds Maine's new vessel dock

Jason · August 23, 2006

USA Governor Baldacci heralds MaineÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s new large vessel dock for cruise ships at Bangor Landing

Source: BYM News

While Governor John E. Baldacci heralded the addition of a new large vessel dock at Bangor Landing on the Penobscot River, he announced the travel market research findings for 2005, delivering good economic news for Maine.

The report indicates Maine gained visitor market share, which breaks a several year travel industry trend of flat markets, both nationally and regionally.

"Natural resources and tourism are vibrant elements of our State and our economy," said Governor Baldacci. "They are priorities of my administration. We celebrate that our extraordinary natural resources attract new residents, tourists, and the jobs that come with them."

Maine's overnight marketable trips in 2005 increased 12 percent compared to a two percent increase nationally. Also noted in the report is that in the category of visits to friends and relatives, the U.S. overall saw an increase of 7 percent, while Maine saw an increase of 11 percent.

"More people are choosing Maine as a vacation destination and that is great news for our economy," said Governor Baldacci. "Overnight trips to Maine totaled 9.7 million and resulted in direct expenditures of $3.1 billion," Baldacci added, noting that these gross expenditures represent a 15 percent increase over 2004 expenditures.

Additional research findings outlined Maine's intra-region market share, which also saw a gain in 2005. In comparison with the other New England states, Maine and Massachusetts were the only two states to experience a significant increase in market share of regional visitors.

Maine's share of this market climbed 14 percent over last year. Massachusetts' increase was 10 percent, while Vermont and Rhode Island had minimal increases and New Hampshire and Connecticut's intra-region market share declined.

The backdrop during Governor Baldacci's announcement was the American Cruise Line ship, American Glory and the new large vessel dock in Maine's Queen City of Bangor.

"The new dock at Bangor Landing will provide cruise ship passengers with direct access to Bangor's waterfront and will open the door to greater economic possibilities for the city and the state in general," said Baldacci.

The Governor also recognized American Cruise Lines (ACL), which has used Bangor as a homeport since 2004, for their commitment to offering cruises along Maine's coast. ACL responded to the increased demand for Maine Coast & Harbors cruises by adding three more cruises and a second ship this year.

Since starting to offer Maine trips in 1975, American Cruise Lines has tripled their capacity in the state by offering high-end, luxury cruises along Maine's coast. Next year, American Cruise Lines will be placing a brand new ship, American Star, in Maine for the 2007 season. By operating the new 100-passenger, 215-foot American Star in Maine, American Cruise Lines expects to double the number of berths available to guests.

The appeal of Maine's port cities of Portland, Bar Harbor and Bangor has carried over to Bath, Belfast, Bucksport, Camden and Rockland, which serve as boutique ports of call. Maine has seen a dramatic increase in coastal cruising programs and is also summer homeport for Cruise West and American Canadian Caribbean Line.

"The popularity of coastal Maine ports and cruises has had a very positive impact on Maine's economy," said Dann Lewis, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. "In 2005, cruise ships visiting just two Maine ports contributed more than $20 million in sales to the state's economy."

Lewis said the economic numbers, taken from a study conducted by the University of Maine Department of Resource Economics and Policy Center for Tourism Research and Outreach, revealed a total economic impact in 2005 of $13.7 million in Bar Harbor and $6.7 million in Portland with regard to overall sales. A total of 270 full- and part-time jobs in the two ports were supported by cruise ship activity.

Lewis commended CruiseMaine for their work in attracting cruise ships to the state. "CruiseMaine plays a lead role in the marketing of Maine to the cruise ship industry and their efforts have contributed a great deal to the industry's expansion in our state," Lewis said.

The growth in Maine's cruise industry, along with the increase in overnight visitation and expenditure for 2005 is cause for optimism. "The 2005 visitor figures as good news for Maine's economy and we're challenged to keep the momentum going," added Lewis.