November 2022 Partner Newsletter
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IN THIS ISSUE
- Visit Portland Turns 40
- Roles in Protecting Tourism
- Who Is Open For The Holidays?
- MOT Update
- Hospitality For Lobster
- Lynn Celebrates 20 Years
- Condolences
VISIT PORTLAND CELEBRATES OUR 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Visit Portland was formed on October 21, 1982, as the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland. Forty years later, we are still going strong in marketing the Greater Portland region to visitors, meeting planners, tour operators, wedding couples, media, and more.
We are proud to do the work that we do. Happy Anniversary everyone.
OUR ROLE IN PROTECTING TOURISM
Visit Portland is a marketing organization focused on positively affecting our local economy through visitation. Maine relies heavily on a strong tourism economy, and it’s important to us to protect the industry and the businesses that rely on tourism. Our primary role is not advocacy, but there are times when information should be shared. Provided are links to the referendums that we feel will negatively affect tourism should they pass. We hope you use this information to help you make voting decisions as we navigate the upcoming November elections.
Tourism targeted referendums:
QUESTION A: REGULATE SHORT-TERM RENTALS
QUESTION B: REDUCE SHORT-TERM RENTALS
HOLIDAYS ARE QUICKLY APPROACHING
This time we are getting ahead of the ask and going straight to the source. We have created a survey to identify which holidays you will be open for. We will direct visitors to your website for additional info on hours, menu, and logistics, so please be sure to update those holiday specifics on your channels as well.
OFFICE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
The Maine Office of Tourism invites you to join Director Steve Lyons for the Q4 2022 Tourism Industry Stakeholders Update next week on Thursday, November 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
Topics to be covered include:
- 2022 Summer Seasonal Visitor Tracking Report from Downs & St. Germain
- PR Program update – Marshall Communications
- Summer Marketing Campaign results and Winter Campaign sneak peek – Miles Partnership
Advance registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
HOSPITALITY FOR LOBSTER
HospitalityMaine is working with local businesses to help the Maine Lobstermen’s Association raise funds to help protect Maine’s lobster industry. Examples of this are:
The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport is offering 50 percent off when guests donate $30 to #SaveMaineLobstermen.
16 Bayview in Camden and 555 North in Brunswick are all offering a portion of sales on specialty drinks to the lobster industry this fall. Want to follow suit?
Join the “Hospitality for Lobster” campaign using the hashtag #hospitality4lobster when you share your deals this fall/winter. Direct donations can also be made to HospitalityMaine or the Maine Lobsterman’s Association.
For more information reach out to Matt Lewis, CEO, HospitalityMaine
LYNN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AT VISIT PORTLAND
Although a native of Maine, Lynn started her hospitality career in Florida in 1988 when she was lucky enough to join the team at the Orlando World Center Marriott, a 2,100-room, 450,000-square-foot convention center property. She spent 14 years working directly with event planners in the meetings industry, managing conferences from 500 – 5,000 people.
In October 2002, she returned home to Maine, and it was then that she joined Visit Portland (formerly the Convention & Visitors Bureau). Lynn was promoted to President + CEO of Visit Portland in 2013 after working 11 years in various organizational roles, including Director of Tourism Marketing.
“I love this job; promoting our partners, and this great community is really rewarding. And I’m blessed to have an amazing staff and board by my side daily.” -Lynn Tillotson
THE PASSING OF GREAT MAN
Capt. Charles “Chuck” O’Reilly died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Oct. 22, 2022.
Chuck was a volunteer at the Visitor Information Center from ____ to ____.
Chuck always greeted everyone with a huge smile, a bold voice, and, if there was time, an engaging story. Chuck was warm and welcoming and quickly made you feel like you had known him for years. We thank him for his years of service to Visit Portland, our partners, and our visitors. He will be dearly missed. (Obituary)