In Maine, businesses statewide are bracing for a summer of shorter day trips as travelers navigate higher fuel prices and inflation.
In Greenville, local businesses in the rural Moosehead Lake region report that tourism is one of the essential drivers of the rural economy. Businesses across Maine are seeing mixed booking numbers, though there is one consistency across them all: more one-day reservations.
Kathleen Pierce, director of membership and communications at Hospitality Maine, elaborated on why this might be the case. “Airfare costs are up. Gas is inching up. But people are restless and they want to get out,” Pierce said. “It’s a great solution that’s more affordable.”
This more affordable solution seems to be what the majority of locals are planning to do for their summer vacations. Maine’s Bar Harbor hotel bookings are up 10% over last year, as restless visitors from neighboring states seek budget-friendly solutions amid rising gas prices and airfares.
“When people feel they need to hold back on international travel, they think of places like Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Kennebunkport,” said Pierce.
In 2025, the Maine Tourism Association reported about a 4.4% decline in visitation, but noted that there was a slight jump in spending by each tourist. These trends align with others that have been reported across the US and the world. Travelers choosing to spend on vacations are steadily becoming more willing to spend extra for premium/luxury resorts, handmade souvenirs from small or local businesses, and luxury airline seats, all to make sure they are satisfied with their vacations.
