Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) released new findings today that confirm the historic April 8, 2024 solar eclipse significantly increased spending and visitation across the state.
An analysis conducted for MOT found that Maine experienced a 23.4% increase in total spending by out-of-state visitors and in-state travelers as compared to the preceding four weeks. Maine welcomed a significant number of visitors from other U.S. states, with Maine regions in the path of the totality experiencing double-digit increases in visitation compared to the same days of the week during the previous month.
The spike in visitation greatly impacted statewide lodging demand, with hotel occupancy increasing 47%, and short-term rental occupancy by 27% as compared to 2023.
“The eclipse was a unique opportunity for Maine to attract visitors at a traditionally slower time of year, and to showcase parts of the state that some may not have visited before,” said Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Tourism, Film and Outdoor Recreation. “The welcome that visitors received and their introduction to more of Maine’s rich natural beauty supported Maine’s growing reputation as a travel destination. Their appreciation is evident in the positive feedback we heard from communities about how respectful eclipse travelers were during their visit.”
“Businesses, communities, and state agencies spent months preparing to welcome visitors during the eclipse and laying the groundwork for these visitors to have a safe, fun experience,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “As a result of that advance work and planning, the event was a positive one for Maine's economy, and we thank everyone who contributed to that success.”
Spend Data
In contrast to the previous four weeks in Maine the data revealed a 23.4% approximate increase in statewide visitor spending activity. The largest categories of spending increase observed in this analysis were noticed in Bars/Nightlife (+79%), Gas & Service Stations (+45%), Outdoor Recreation (+39%), Pharmacy Stores/Health (+33%), and Accommodations (+19%).
Aroostook County saw a 99% lift in spend while Franklin County saw a 48% lift compared to the same days of the week during the previous four weeks.
Movement Data
Analysis found a strong increase in visitation in Maine locations aligned with the path of totality. The increase was largest in the Maine Lakes & Mountains (+39%) and Aroostook County (+27%) regions.
On the day of the eclipse, approximately 80% of observed visitors were from outside the state. While Boston, MA, and New York, NY, were the top origin market areas by volume, Maine experienced significant increases in visitors from Hartford, CT; Springfield, MA; Providence, RI; Burlington, VT; Philadelphia, PA; and Washington, DC.
During the five-day weekend event window including the day of the eclipse, visitors from within Maine were primarily traveling from the Portland area (56%) and Bangor (35%). Aroostook County saw the greatest increase in visitors from Bangor (+255%) during the eclipse event compared to the four weeks prior, while Franklin County saw the greatest increase in visitors from Portland (+252%).
Visitors to Aroostook County during the eclipse window also visited a variety of other locations including Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor area, Sugarloaf, Quoddy Head State Park, and Kittery Outlets. Visitors to Franklin County visited additional locations that included Acadia National Park, Augusta, L.L. Bean and Old Orchard Beach.
The data was collected and analyzed for MOT by Zartico, a tech firm specializing in destination data, using anonymized geolocation, spending, lodging, and event data collection and analysis.
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