July 2026- Partner Pulse
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In This Issue:
- Remembering Stephanie Smith
- Summer 2026 Travel Trends
- Tourism Talks Announcement
- Noteworthy Industry News
- Portland in the Press
- Next Partner Mixer Announcement
- Winter Weekdays Wrap Up
- Partner of the Month
- Featured B2B Partner
- New Partners
Remembering Stephanie Smith
We are devastated to share the news that our colleague and dear friend, Stephanie Smith, passed away on Sunday, June 28.
Stephanie was a valued member of the Visitor Information Center team for 20 years. Her dedication to Visit Portland was extraordinary, and she consistently went above and beyond in everything she did. She was always the first to offer a helping hand, brought intelligence and thoughtfulness to her work, and was an avid golfer who loved spending time on the course.
More than anything, Stephanie will be remembered for her kindness. She had a remarkable way of making everyone she met feel seen, valued, and special. She touched the lives of so many of us, and she will be deeply missed.
Summer 2026 Travel Trends
Longwoods International released their latest study for summer 2026 travel trends. Here are some key takeaways:
- 90% of American travelers are planning on traveling within the next 6 months.
- 31% of travelers plan on spending more this summer than they did last year while traveling.
- 28% plan on spending less while traveling.
- Domestic travel is seeing an uptick, with 37% of travelers reconsidering international trips and planning to replace them with a domestic trip. The drive market will likely increase as well.
- Gas prices are a big deterrent for travel, with 40% of travelers saying the price will impact their travel decisions
Tourism Talks: “Navigating Your Business in Today’s Economy”
Sponsored by the Clarion Hotel, Tourism Talks are free, partner-exclusive workshops for you and your staff led by professionals in their industry.
Join Danielle Couture from Opus Consulting in a discussion covering the economic headwinds hitting the industry right now – from rising costs and declining tourism to labor shortages and lender pressure – and best practices that can help businesses stabilize, adapt, survive, and scale.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Clarion Hotel | 1230 Congress St, Portland
Noteworthy Industry News
Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Tourism, was recently on Maine Calling as a panelist on discovering Maine’s great outdoors. Listen to full segment here.
Greater Portland Metro is rolling out tap-to-pay technology this summer, letting riders use credit/debit cards and digital wallets to board the bus. This change is perfect for cruise ship passengers who want a hassle-free way to explore. Additionally, a Route #8 pilot reroute is adding more Commercial Street access and new service to Scarborough. Learn more.
With the incoming heat wave, Portland will have Cooling Centers open for July 1-3. Read more here.
Portland in the Press:
- Portland was just named “Best Town for Exploring on Foot” in EatingWell’s 2026 Wellness Town Awards. Read article here.
- People Magazine also released an article about Portland winning the “Most Walkable City” accolade. View that article here.
- The Porthole Restaurant and Pub and Fogg’s Water Taxi Services have been featured in a People Magazine article. After a wedding caterer failed to show up, The Porthole and Fogg’s Water Taxi came together and saved the day. Read the article here.
- Dana Street, the owner of Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co. and Street and Co., won the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Restaurateur.” Click here to learn more about his achievement.
Join us for the next Partner Mixer at Belleflower Brewing
Our next Partner Mixer will take place at Belleflower Brewing. Enjoy a craft beer and network with fellow industry peers and Visit Portland staff. Mixers are free for partners and their staff to attend.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Belleflower Brewing | 66 Cove St, Portland
Winter Weekdays Wrap Up
Visit Portland’s Winter Weekdays and Winter Marketing Report is complete.
Click here to see how Greater Portland was marketed during the shoulder seasons.
pARTNER OF THE MONTH
Our Partner of the Month Program highlights Visit Portland Partners who have made extraordinary efforts to support our mission.
Click here to see who we are honoring this month.
fEATURED b2B PARTNER
With 29+ years in business, flyte new media is Maine’s longest-running digital-first agency. flyte new media offers branding, web design, and digital marketing to businesses looking to attract and convert more of their ideal customers and clients online. View listing
New Partners
Why am I seeing both logos?
Our new brand is rolling out in phases, with the launch of our new website serving as a key milestone before a full public transition. Because this update spans every touchpoint, from digital platforms to signage and printed materials, you will see both logos in use for a short period. We appreciate your patience as we work to complete the transition by the end of June.