Office of Tourism Visitor Tracking Research 2018 Calendar Year Annual Report

Regional Insights: Maine Highlands

Prepared by

May 2019 Regional Insights: Maine Highlands

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Visitors to the Maine Highlands: How They Are Unique 4

Visitation and Economic Impact Summary 11

Overnight Visitors 13 Profile 14 Trip Experience 19

Day Visitors 33 Profile 34 Trip Experience 39

Research Objectives and Methodology 52 2018 Regional Report Introduction Maine Highlands

• This report provides a profile of visitors and their trips to the Maine Highlands tourism region during 2018, from a survey of: – 475 overnight visitors, and – 163 day visitors.

• Throughout this report, data for the Maine Highlands tourism region will be presented alongside data for the state of Maine as a whole. Statistically significant differences between the tourism region and the state were calculated at the 95% confidence level and are noted throughout by < > around the larger figure. (A statistically significant difference means the observed difference is more than would be expected by chance 95 out of 100 times.)

• Statistically significant differences between 2017 and 2018 are also highlighted for both the Maine Highlands region and the state of Maine. A statistically significant increase from the previous year is indicated by green text, and a significant decrease from the previous year is indicated by red text.

3 Visitors to the Maine Highlands: How They Are Unique

4 2018 Regional Report Comparisons: Region vs. State Maine Highlands

➢ Visitors to the Maine Highlands tourism region and visitors to the state of Maine as a whole in 2018 differed in a number of ways. These variations can be seen in: • Their demographics, • Their areas of origin, and • The activities they participated in while visiting.

➢ The highlights of these differences are shown on the following pages.

5 Visitor Demographics

Visitors to the Maine Highlands region, compared to visitors statewide, were…

Overnight Visitors Day Visitors

More likely to be first-time visitors. More likely to be first time-visitors.

More likely to be from Canada. Less likely to be from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont, and more likely to be Maine residents. Younger, on average.

More likely to be employed full-time.

6 Trip Interest Areas

Visitors to the Maine Highlands region, compared to visitors statewide, were…

Overnight and Day Visitors

Less likely to have an interest in water activities.

Overnight Visitors

Less likely to cite outdoor recreation as the primary reason for their leisure trip.

7 Trip Interests and Importance (Travel Driver Index)

Visitors to the Maine Highlands region, compared to visitors statewide, were…

Overnight and Day Visitors

Less likely to have their trips driven by water activities.

8 Trip Activities

Visitors to the Maine Highlands region, compared to visitors statewide, were…

Overnight Visitors

More likely to: Less likely to: • Ride horses, • Go to the beach, • Ride all-terrain vehicles, • Go for a pleasure drive, • Snowshoe, • Enjoy coastal/ocean views, • Water ski or jet ski, • Eat lobster or other seafood, and • White water raft, and • Consume other local foods. • Paint, draw, or sketch.

9 Trip Activities

Visitors to the Maine Highlands region, compared to visitors statewide, were…

Day Visitors

More likely to: Less likely to: • Shop in malls or downtown areas, • Go to the beach, • Snowmobile, • Enjoy coastal/ocean views, • Canoe or kayak, and • Eat lobster or other seafood, and • Go fishing. • Visit a historic site or museum.

10 Visitation and Economic Impact Summary

11 2018 Regional Report Visitation and Economic Impact Summary: Maine Highlands Maine Highlands

12 OVERNIGHT VISITORS

13 Profile of Overnight Visitors

14 2018 Regional Report Overnight Visitor Demographics Maine Highlands

➢ Surveyed overnight visitors to the Maine Highlands in 2018 were younger than overnight visitors statewide, with an average age of 36. Seven out of ten were working full-time, with an overall average annual income of $88,000. ➢ Half of surveyed visitors to the region were married. Two out of three had a college degree or more education.

Maine Maine Highlands 2018 2018 (n=2901) (n=475) Age: < 35 46% <54%> 35 - 44 23% 24% 45 - 54 14% 12% 55 + <17%> 9% Mean <39.0> 35.9 Income: < $50,000 27% 26% $50,000 - $99,999 43% 45% $100,000 + 30% 29% Mean $86,400 $88,200 Female <66%> 61% College degree or higher 65% 64% Married 47% 50% Employed full-time 62% <68%>

<> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 15 2018 Regional Report Eight out of ten overnight visitors to the Highlands in 2018 came from the Maine Highlands U.S., with a slim majority coming from the Mid-Atlantic.

➢ Compared to the state as a whole, the Highlands region received a larger share of visitors from the Mid-Atlantic states and Canada.

LOCATION OF RESIDENCE* STATE/PROVINCE OF RESIDENCE Maine 2018 (n=2901) Maine Highlands 2018 (n=475)

<86%> United States (NET) <22%> 79% 10% 6% 6% 6% 4% 4% 4% <3%>1% 2% 1%

MA ME CT NH RI VT <41%> New England (NET) 25%

26% 22% 13% 10% 45% 7% 9% 4% 4% Mid-Atlantic (NET) 1% 2% <54%> NY PA NJ MD DE

14% Canada (NET) <21%> 13% 9% 5% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1%

ON QB NB NS

*Regions/states/provinces of residence reported here reflect the geographic target area included in the Visitor Profile surveying. Though people from other areas of the country do visit Maine, this study only includes those residing in Maine’s core advertising markets. 16 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report Almost four out of ten overnight visitors to the Highlands were traveling to Maine Highlands Maine for the first time in 2018.

➢ The Highlands attracted a greater share of overnight first-time visitors than the state as a whole.

REPEAT VS. FIRST-TIME VISITORS

63% <74%> Repeat Visitors

First-time Visitors

<37%> 26%

Maine 2018 Maine Highlands 2018 (n=2901) (n=475)

Q11. Was this your first visit in Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 17 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report The average overnight traveler to the region came in a party of three people. Maine Highlands One-third of parties included children.

TRAVEL PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION

3.0 2.9

33% 34% Percent Traveling With Children

Average Number of People in Travel Party

Maine 2018 Maine Highlands 2018 (n=2901) (n=475)

Q24. Including yourself and any children, how many people were in your immediate travel party on this specific trip to Maine? Q25 How many of these people were: Children? 18 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Overnight Visitors: Trip Experience

19 2018 Regional Report Meetings and conventions were the most common reasons overnight business Maine Highlands travelers came to the Highlands region in 2018.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF OVERNIGHT BUSINESS TRIPS

32% Meeting 37%

31% Convention, conference, or trade show 33%

21% Training or professional development 20%

Maine 2018 Business (n=665) 13% Sales or service Maine Highlands 2018 Business (n=173) 10%

3% Other 1%

Q8. What was the primary purpose of your most recent business trip in Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 20 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report Visiting friends and family was the most common purpose of overnight leisure Maine Highlands trips to the region, followed by holiday visits and outdoor recreation.

➢ Highlands overnight visitors were less likely than such travelers statewide to be visiting primarily for outdoor recreation.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF OVERNIGHT LEISURE TRIPS

General visit to see friends or 26% relatives 30%

Holiday visit 13% 18%

Outdoor recreation <23%> 17%

Shopping 8% 10%

Family reunion 6% 8%

History or cultural tourism activities 9% 7% Maine 2018 Leisure (n=2236) Wedding 6% 4% Maine Highlands 2018 Leisure (n=302) Funeral 1% 1%

Class reunion 1% 1%

Other <7%> 4%

Q9. What was the primary purpose of your most recent leisure trip in Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 21 Culinary pursuits were the most popular interests for overnight visitors to the 2018 Regional Report Highlands, followed by shopping and sightseeing. Sightseeing and family fun Maine Highlands were the most likely to be considered the most important interests.

➢ Water activities were less popular among overnight visitors to the Highlands than among overnight visitors statewide.

INTEREST AREAS Most Important Interest Area Maine Highlands 62% Food, beverage, or culinary 58% 31%

51% Shopping 51% 25%

51% Touring or sightseeing 51% 44%

39% Active outdoor activities (non-water) 41% 33%

33% History or culture 36% 31%

30% Family fun or children's activities 31% 44%

<30%> Water activities Maine 2018 (n=2901) 25% 18% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=475) 4% Other 4%

Q35. Which of the following interest areas did you want to pursue during this trip to Maine? Please check all that apply. Q36. Of these interest areas you selected, please rank them in order of their importance in your decision to come to Maine, with 1 being the most important. 22 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. The Travel Driver Index, a measure that combines both interest and importance 2018 Regional Report for trip interest areas, suggests that sightseeing and culinary pursuits were the Maine Highlands primary drivers of overnight visits to the Highlands in 2018.

➢ Water activities were less influential for overnight visitors to the region than for overnight visitors statewide.

TRAVEL DRIVER INDEX

20% Touring or sightseeing 22%

19% Food, beverage, or culinary 18%

14% Family fun or children's activities 14%

13% Active outdoor activities (non-water) Maine 2018 (n=2901) 13% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=475) 12% Shopping 13%

8% Travel Driver Index = percentage selecting History or culture 11% category as interest area X percentage ranking same interest area as most important <9%> Water activities 4%

4% Other 4%

Q35. Which of the following interest areas did you want to pursue during this trip to Maine? Please check all that apply. Q36. Of these interest areas you selected, please rank them in order of their importance in your decision to come to Maine, with1 being the most important. 23 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Overnight visitors to the Highlands engaged in a number of sightseeing activities 2018 Regional Report in 2018, most often sightseeing generally and enjoying the mountain views, Maine Highlands followed by driving for pleasure, enjoying coastal views, and wildlife watching.

➢ Driving for pleasure and enjoying coastal views were significantly less common among overnight visitors to the Highlands as compared to overnight visitors statewide.

TOURING OR SIGHTSEEING ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report touring or sightseeing as an interest area for their Maine trip)

72% Sightseeing 65%

54% Enjoying the mountain views 57%

<57%> Driving for pleasure 46%

Enjoying the ocean views or <63%> rocky coast 43%

Wildlife viewing or bird 35% watching 39%

Taking tours of communities or 27% local architecture 30% Maine 2018 (n=1490)

27% Viewing fall colors Maine Highlands 2018 (n=243) 27%

22% Nature cruises or tours 27%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 24 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Overnight visitors engaged in a variety of culinary activities in the region, most 2018 Regional Report often eating seafood, experiencing uniquely Maine foods, and consuming Maine Highlands other local foods.

➢ Eating seafood and consuming other locally produced foods were less common among overnight visitors to the region than among such visitors statewide.

FOOD, BEVERAGE, OR CULINARY ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report food, beverage, or culinary activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

<58%> Ate lobster or other local seafood 48%

45% Enjoyed unique Maine food or beverages (i.e., whoopie pies or Moxie) 44%

Consumed other locally produced Maine foods (i.e., blueberries, <49%> maple syrup, or apples) 42%

30% Enjoying local food at fairs or festivals 36%

38% Going to local brew pubs or craft breweries 35%

28% Visited Farmer's Markets 34% Maine 2018 (n=1786) 24% Enjoyed high-end cuisine or five-star dining 28% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=274)

19% Ate farm to table or organic cuisine 19%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 25 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Outdoor fun centers were the most popular family-oriented activity among 2018 Regional Report Maine Highlands overnight travelers to the Highlands, though animal parks, amusement parks, children’s museums, water parks, and horseback riding were also relatively popular.

➢ Compared to overnight visitors across the state, those staying in the Highlands were more likely to go horseback riding.

FAMILY FUN/CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report family fun/children’s activities as an interest area for their Maine trip )

Outdoor fun centers (mini-golf, go-carts, batting cages, 46% etc.) 46%

39% Animal parks or zoos 38%

33% Amusement or theme parks 32%

30% Children's museums 29%

27% Water parks 25%

15% Horseback riding <24%> Maine 2018 (n=872) 9% Spectator sports 15% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=147)

11% Agricultural fairs 15%

9% Summer camps 12%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 26 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Similar to overnight visitors statewide, those interested in active outdoor (non- 2018 Regional Report water) activities were most likely to go hiking/backpacking and to explore public Maine Highlands parks.

➢ Riding all-terrain vehicles and snowshoeing were more common among overnight travelers to the region than among overnight travelers to the state as a whole.

ACTIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES – NON-WATER (Base: Those who report outdoor activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

63% Hiking, climbing, or backpacking 56%

46% Exploring state and national parks 45%

23% Bicycling or mountain biking 29%

26% Camping 28%

12% Riding all-terrain vehicles <21%>

6% Snowmobiling 10%

6% Alpine skiing or snowboarding 10% Maine 2018 (n=1143) 4% Snowshoeing <10%> Maine Highlands 2018 (n=193)

5% Hunting (game or bird) 9%

2% Nordic skiing 5%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 27 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Shopping in malls or downtown areas, shopping for gifts or souvenirs, and 2018 Regional Report outlet shopping were the most common shopping activities in the region Maine Highlands and the state, though other forms of shopping were also relatively popular.

SHOPPING ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report shopping as an interest area for their Maine trip)

47% General shopping at malls, downtown 50%

49% Shopping for gifts or souvenirs 48%

53% Outlet shopping 46%

39% Shopping for unique, locally produced goods 34%

Maine 2018 (n=1492) 31% Shopping for products with the 'Made in Maine' identifier 31% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=243)

28% Shopping for antiques, local arts and crafts 29%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 28 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Visiting historic sites and museums was the most common cultural activity 2018 Regional Report among overnight travelers to the region, followed by visiting art exhibits and Maine Highlands learning about the culture. Nightlife and artistic pursuits were also popular.

➢ Painting, drawing, and sketching were more common among overnight visitors to the Highlands than among such travelers statewide.

HISTORY OR CULTURE ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report history or culture as an interest area for their Maine trip)

65% Visiting historic sites or museums 63%

45% Visiting art museums or local artisan exhibits 45%

42% Getting to know the local people and/or culture 43%

30% Participating in nightlife or other evening entertainment 30%

17% Painting, drawing, or sketching <25%>

17% Attending plays, musicals, or theatrical events 16%

15% Maine 2018 (n=954) Attending popular music concerts or events 15% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=170) 8% Attending operas or classical music events 14%

8% Attending sports events 7%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 29 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Going to the beach was the most common water activity among overnight 2018 Regional Report visitors to the Highlands region in 2018, followed by outdoor swimming. Many Maine Highlands also swam in pools, fished, or canoed or kayaked in the region.

➢ Perhaps predictably, overnight visitors to the region were less likely than overnight visitors to the state as a whole to go to the beach, but were more likely to go water skiing or jet skiing or white water rafting.

WATER ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report water activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

Going to the beach <65%> 55%

Outdoor swimming (lake, ocean, river) 53% 46%

Pool swimming (indoor or outdoor) 39% 38%

Fishing (ocean, lake, stream, river, ice) 31% 36%

Canoeing or kayaking 31% 33%

Water skiing or jet skiing 12% <23%>

White water rafting 10% <18%> Maine 2018 (n=875)

Motor boating 14% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=117) 16%

Sailing 11% 15%

Surfing 6% 12%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 30 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report The Bangor Mall and were the most popular destinations in Maine Highlands the Highlands region in 2018.

TOP DESTINATIONS LESS POPULAR DESTINATIONS*

34% Bangor Mall 9% Moosehead Marine Museum

29% Baxter State Park 9% Collins Center for the Arts

19% Hollywood Casino 9% Peaks Kenny State Park

18% Moosehead Lake 8% Cole Land Transportation Museum

18% Maine Beer Trail 7% Mt. Kineo

12% Maine Discovery Museum 7% Gulf Hagas

12% UMaine Museum of Art 6% Maine Forest and Logging Museum

11% Mt. Katahdin 6% Penobscot Theatre

10% Bangor Waterfront Concert Series 5% Katahdin Iron Works

10% 5% Page Farm & Home Museum

10% Dysart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop 5% Thomas Hill Sandpipe

10% Sebec Lake

* Does not include options selected by fewer than 5% of responding visitors. (n=475)

Q32: Within the region you visited, what specific towns or cities did you visit? Please check all that apply. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 31 Half of overnight visitors to the Highlands region in 2018 definitely will visit 2018 Regional Report Maine again in the next 2 years, and at least one-quarter have already made Maine Highlands definite plans to return.

LIKELIHOOD OF FUTURE TRAVEL (NEXT 2 YEARS)

75% 77% I already have specific plans

Definitely will 24% 25% Probably will

Might/Might not 51% 52% Probably will not

Definitely will not 15% 13% Net: Already have plans/Definitely 7% 6% will

Maine 2018 Maine Highlands 2018 (n=2901) (n=475)

Q44. How likely will you be to travel in Maine in the next two years? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 32 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. DAY VISITORS

33 Profile of Day Visitors

34 2018 Regional Report Day Visitor Demographics Maine Highlands

➢ The average surveyed day visitor to the Maine Highlands in 2018 was in their early forties and had an income of $67,000. ➢ Half were married, and about six out of ten were working full-time or had a college degree.

Maine Maine Highlands 2018 2018 (n=1756) (n=163) Age: < 35 37% 38% 35 - 44 18% 19% 45 - 54 16% 17% 55 + 28% 25% Mean 43.0 41.5 Income: < $50,000 38% <48%> $50,000 - $99,999 39% 36% $100,000 + 22% 17% Mean $74,100 $67,300 Female 78% 75% College degree or higher 58% 58% Married 49% 49% Employed full-time 49% 57%

<> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 35 Half of the day visitors to the Highlands in 2018 were Maine residents, and 2018 Regional Report about one-quarter had traveled from Massachusetts. Maine Highlands Most of the region’s Canadian visitors were from New Brunswick.

➢ Compared to statewide visitors, those who visited the region for the day in 2018 were more likely to be from Maine and less likely to be from Massachusetts or New Hampshire.

STATE/PROVINCE OF RESIDENCE

United States (NET) 90% 83%

Maine 35% <49%>

Massachusetts <35%> 23%

New Hampshire <16%> 8%

Rhode Island 2% 2%

Vermont <2%> 1%

Canada (NET) 10% 17% Maine 2018 (n=1756)

New Brunswick 5% 12% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=163)

Quebec 4% 5%

Nova Scotia <1% 1%

Q2. In what State or Province do you reside? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 36 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report Roughly one out of ten day travelers to the Highlands region in 2018 were Maine Highlands coming to Maine for the first time.

➢ Day visitors to the region were more likely than day visitors to the state overall to be coming to Maine for the first time.

REPEAT VS. FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Repeat Visitors 87% <94%> First-time Visitors

<13%> 6% Maine 2018 (n=1756) Maine Highlands 2018 (n=163)

Q10. Was this your first trip to Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 37 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report The average visitor to the region and state traveled in a party of three people. Maine Highlands Four out of ten parties included children.

TRAVEL PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION

2.9 3.0

39% 34% Percent Traveling With Children

Average Number of People in Travel Party

Maine 2018 Maine Highlands 2018 (n=1756) (n=163)

Q15. Including yourself and any children, how many people were in your immediate travel party on this trip? Q16. How many of these people were: Children 38 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. Day Visitors: Trip Experience

39 2018 Regional Report A variety of business needs brought visitors to the region for the day in 2018. Maine Highlands

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF DAY BUSINESS TRIPS

30% Meeting 28%

22% Training or professional development 18%

15% Convention, conference, or trade show 15% Maine 2018 Business (n=327) 17% Maine Highlands 2018 Business (n=43*) Sales or service 13%

16% Other 26%

Q8. What was the primary purpose of your most recent business trip in Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 40 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. *Please note small sample size. Use caution when interpreting results. 2018 Regional Report Shopping, outdoor recreation, and visits to friends or family were the most Maine Highlands common leisure purposes of day trips to the Highlands.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF DAY LEISURE TRIPS

Shopping 22% 28%

Outdoor recreation 26% 20%

General visit to see friends or relatives 21% 17%

Family reunion 5% 9%

Holiday visit 5% 6%

History or cultural tourism activities 5% 5%

Wedding 3% 5% Maine 2018 Leisure (n=1624) Maine Highlands 2018 Leisure (n=143) Funeral 1% 1%

Class reunion <1% <1%

Other 10% 7%

Q9. What was the primary purpose of your most recent day leisure trip in Maine? <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 41 Shopping was the most common interest of day visitors to the region, followed 2018 Regional Report by culinary experiences, sightseeing, and non-water activities. Family fun and Maine Highlands sightseeing were most often considered to be the most important interests.

➢ Day visitors to the Highlands were less likely than visitors across the state of Maine to be interested in water activities.

INTEREST AREAS Most Important Interest Area Maine Highlands

Shopping 56% 56% 40%

Food, beverage, or culinary 56% 47% 25%

Touring or sightseeing 41% 37% 46%

Active outdoor activities (non-water) 33% 37% 38%

Family fun or children's activities 29% 30% 49%

Water activities <34%> 21% 31%

History or culture 18% Maine 2018 (n=1756) 21% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=163) 16% Other 7% 10%

Q18. Which of the following interest areas did you want to pursue during this trip to Maine? Please check all that apply. Q19. Of these interest areas you selected, please rank them in order of their importance in your decision to come to Maine, with 1 being the most important. 42 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. When combining interest and importance, shopping was, by a slight margin, 2018 Regional Report the top driver of day visitation to the region. Sightseeing, family fun, land- Maine Highlands based outdoor activities, and culinary activities also drove travel to the region.

➢ Water activities were less of a driver of day visitation to the Highlands than to the state as a whole.

TRAVEL DRIVER INDEX

16% Shopping 22%

16% Touring or sightseeing 17%

15% Family fun or children's activities 15%

Active outdoor activities (non-water) 12% 14%

17% Food, beverage, or culinary 12% Maine 2018 (n=1756)

<14%> Water activities 7% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=163)

3% History or culture Travel Driver Index = percentage selecting 3% category as interest area X percentage ranking same interest area as most important 6% Other 9%

Q17. Which of the following interest areas did you want to pursue during this trip to Maine? Please check all that apply. Q18. Of these interest areas you selected, please rank them in order of their importance in your decision to come to Maine, with 1 being the most important. 43 <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report General shopping in malls or downtown areas was the most common shopping Maine Highlands activity in the Highlands region, followed by shopping at outlets.

➢ Shopping in malls or downtown areas was more common on day trips to the region than on day trips to the state as a whole.

SHOPPING ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report shopping as an interest area for their Maine trip)

49% General shopping at malls, downtown <66%>

55% Outlet shopping 48%

35% Shopping for gifts or souvenirs 32%

32% Shopping for unique, locally produced goods Maine 2018 (n=978) 29% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=91) 23% Shopping for products with the 'Made in Maine' identifier 22%

26% Shopping for antiques, local arts and crafts 19%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 44 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. General sightseeing was the most common sightseeing activity for day trips to 2018 Regional Report the region, followed by driving for pleasure, enjoying mountain views, and Maine Highlands enjoying ocean views.

➢ Enjoying coastal views was less common among day travelers to the Highlands than it was among day trippers statewide.

TOURING OR SIGHTSEEING ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report touring or sightseeing as an interest area for their Maine trip)

72% Sightseeing 81%

61% Driving for pleasure 62%

48% Enjoying the mountain views 62%

Enjoying the ocean views or <74%> rocky coast 49%

26% Viewing fall colors 31%

Wildlife viewing or bird 33% watching 30% Maine 2018 (n=716) Taking tours of communities 23% or local architecture 23% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=60)

15% Nature cruises or tours 14%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 45 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report Those seeking family fun for the day engaged in a number of activities in the Maine Highlands region.

FAMILY FUN/CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report family fun/children’s activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

26% Children's museums 36%

Outdoor fun centers (mini-golf, go-carts, batting 46% cages, etc.) 35%

18% Agricultural fairs 32%

38% Animal parks or zoos 27%

37% Amusement or theme parks 27%

27% Water parks 19% Maine 2018 (n=512)

11% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=49*) Summer camps 16%

10% Spectator sports 8%

8% Horseback riding 6%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 46 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. *Please note small sample size. Use caution when interpreting results. Similar to day visitors statewide, those traveling to the Highlands region for 2018 Regional Report land-based outdoor activities most often went hiking, climbing, or backpacking, Maine Highlands though many also explored the region’s public parks.

➢ Day travelers to the Highlands were more likely than those across state as a whole to report going snowmobiling.

ACTIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES – NON-WATER (Base: Those who report outdoor non-water activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

67% Hiking, climbing, or backpacking 70%

47% Exploring state and national parks 49%

13% Riding all-terrain vehicles 20%

23% Bicycling or mountain biking 18%

5% Snowmobiling <16%> Maine 2018 (n=587) 6% Alpine skiing or snowboarding 12% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=61) 8% Hunting (game or bird) 10%

3% Snowshoeing 7%

1% Nordic skiing 4%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 47 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report Day visitors to the Highlands in 2018 engaged in a wide variety of culinary Maine Highlands activities.

➢ Eating lobster or other local seafood was less common among day trippers to the Highlands than among such travelers statewide.

FOOD, BEVERAGE, OR CULINARY ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report food, beverage, or culinary activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

45% Enjoyed unique Maine food or beverages (i.e., whoopie pies or Moxie) 52%

Consumed other locally produced Maine foods (i.e., blueberries, 50% maple syrup, or apples) 42%

30% Enjoying local food at fairs or festivals 37%

<58%> Ate lobster or other local seafood 35%

32% Going to local brew pubs or craft breweries 31% Maine 2018 (n=980)

26% Visited Farmer's Markets Maine Highlands 2018 (n=77) 26%

16% Ate farm to table or organic cuisine 20%

15% Enjoyed high-end cuisine or five-star dining 15%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 48 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 2018 Regional Report The most common water-based activities in the region were canoeing or Maine Highlands kayaking, outdoor swimming, fishing, and going to the beach.

➢ Day visitors to the region were more likely than those across the state to go canoeing/kayaking and fishing, but were less likely to go the beach.

WATER ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report water activities as an interest area for their Maine trip)

29% Canoeing or kayaking <76%> 60% Outdoor swimming (lake, ocean, river) 62% 30% Fishing (ocean, lake, stream, river, ice) <52%> <76%> Going to the beach 41% 12% Motor boating 28% 32% Pool swimming (indoor or outdoor) 24% 8% White water rafting 20% Maine 2018 (n=593) 8% Sailing 14% Maine Highlands 2018 (n=34*) 10% Water skiing or jet skiing 13% 5% Surfing 13%

Q20. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 49 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. *Please note small sample size. Use caution when interpreting results. 2018 Regional Report Getting to know the local people and culture, visiting historic sites, and visiting Maine Highlands art exhibits were the most popular cultural activities in the region and state.

➢ Day visitors to the region were less likely than visitors to the state overall to visit historic sites or museums.

HISTORY OR CULTURE ACTIVITIES (Base: Those who report history or culture as an interest area for their Maine trip)

46% Getting to know the local people and/or culture 60%

<69%> Visiting historic sites or museums 46%

43% Visiting art museums or local artisan exhibits 34%

22% Participating in nightlife or other evening entertainment 21%

19% Attending popular music concerts or events 21% Maine 2018 (n=316)

13% Attending sports events Maine Highlands 2018 (n=34*) 12%

13% Attending plays, musicals, or theatrical events 12%

14% Painting, drawing, or sketching 8%

5% Attending operas or classical music events 2%

Q37. In which of the following activities did you participate during this trip? Please check all that apply. <> indicates a significant difference between this region and the State at the 95% confidence level. 50 Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. *Please note small sample size. Use caution when interpreting results. The Bangor Mall was the most popular attraction on day trips to the Highlands 2018 Regional Report region, followed – distantly – by Baxter State Park and a variety of other Maine Highlands destinations.

TOP DESTINATIONS LESS POPULAR DESTINATIONS*

48% Bangor Mall 7% Cole Land & Transportation Museum

26% Baxter State Park 7% Peaks Kenny State Park

21% Moosehead Lake 7% Collins Center for the Arts

17% Dysart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop 7% Maine Forest and Logging Museum

15% Bangor Waterfront Concert Series 7% Katahdin Iron Works

15% Mt. Katahdin 5% Penobscot Theatre

14% Maine Discovery Museum

14% Hollywood Casino

10% Maine Beer Trail

* Does not include options selected by fewer than 5% of surveyed visitors. (n=163)

Q24: Within the region you visited, what specific towns or cities did you visit? Please check all that apply. Red text indicates a significant decrease from the previous year and green text indicates a significant increase from the previous year. 51 Research Objectives and Methodology

52 2018 Regional Report Research Objectives and Instruments Maine Highlands

Three distinct online surveys are used to achieve the five primary goals of Maine’s visitor tracking research.

Survey Instruments

National Overnight Day Research Objectives: Travel Survey Visitor Visitor Identify Maine’s share of the U.S. travel market Estimate the number of visitors who come to Maine Provide a profile of Maine visitors Estimate the amount of spending generated by tourism in Maine Determine the Maine traveler’s level of satisfaction and view of Maine

DESCRIPTION OF SURVEY INSTRUMENTS

National Travel Survey Overnight Visitor Day Visitor ➢ Nationally-representative sample ➢ Sampled from core advertising ➢ Sampled from Maine and a 100-mile of the U.S. population markets: New England, NJ, NY, PA, MD, radius of Maine’s borders ➢ Surveyed bi-weekly DE, DC, and Canada ➢ Have taken a day trip in Maine greater ➢ Have taken an overnight trip to Maine than 50 miles from home in the last four in the last four weeks weeks ➢ Surveyed monthly ➢ Surveyed monthly

53 2018 Regional Report Survey Fielding Maine Highlands

➢ Survey results were collected during calendar year 2018, for travel to Maine occurring from December of 2017 through November of 2018. The number of respondents participating for the statewide survey is:

2018 Completed Research Component Surveys Overnight Visitor Survey 2,901 Day Visitor Survey 1,756 National Travel Survey 20,579

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