Maine’s efforts at growing its top industry — tourism — have largely been focused on marketing. All we have to do is persuade you to come, and we’re confident that you’ll love our coast, our villages, our woods and lakes, and our fine dining and recreation. A study by the Maine Center for Economic Policy suggests taking a hard look at three rural areas that are attractive to tourists and instead of just promoting them as destinations, invest in making them better suited to tourism.
The three areas the MCEP study highlighted are Washington County, Piscataquis County and northern Franklin County. Each has its lure, and each is succeeding in landing tourism spending. But each also has untapped potential, perhaps limited by amenities that are missing or underdeveloped. The full study will be published later this summer, but an overview by MCEP’s David Vail points the way with several recommendations.
Washington County’s Bold Coast near Cutler and the Passamaquoddy Bay region offer striking natural appeal, a rich cultural heritage and “a prime two-nation destination” in Roosevelt-Campobello International Park, MCEP asserts. “The region’s perceived remoteness actually means a less congested, more authentic alternative to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor,” Mr. Vail, a professor at Bowdoin, writes. In addition, Canadians from the nearby Maritimes could be drawn to the area.
Washington County’s shortcomings include quality lodging and good roads, the report states. National chain motels and hotels would help draw people to the area, and after an initial visit, they may return to stay in some of the county’s local inns. Better-maintained roads and suggested tours with clear signs also would help provide a low-stress way to explore the region.
Piscataquis County’s Moosehead Lake region is already a four-season destination, but the county’s “100 Mile Wilderness” has potential for further visitation. “The main growth opportunity centers on the Appalachian Mountain Club’s lands and facilities, complemented by green infrastructure investments, gateway town revitalization and expanded leisure and hospitality services,” the report notes.
Northern Franklin County could offer greater natural and recreational draws in the summer and fall, MCEP asserts, and Farmington could be polished as “a more attractive gateway to the larger region.”
MCEP recommends a $100 million state investment — a daunting price tag in these times, it concedes. Funding such an investment might come through bonds and dedicated tax revenue, and through private funds. It also recommends that regional entities help decide how that money is distributed through competitive grants. “Backing tourism and other promising growth sectors is crucial for revitalizing regions whose ‘mature’ manufacturing and natural resource-based industries no longer sustain rural employment and thriving communities,” MCEP argues. “In addition to attracting more high-spending visitors, amenity investments will also improve quality of life for rural Maine residents and strengthen rural Maine’s appeal to the mobile entrepreneurs and highly educated young people who are crucial for economic revitalization.”
These three rural regions — and others — should seize these recommendations and work to find the money for the needed investment.