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In This Issue:
- Fall Travel Demand
- Fall Hotel Trends
- Destination Sales Department Update
- Visit Portland Upcoming Events
- Tourism Talks
- Portland on the Move
- UK FAM visit
- Taste of Maine Conference
- Prior Mixer Wrap-Up
- Noteworthy Industry News and Events
- Portland in the Press
- Visitor Guide Ad Info
- Partner of the Month
- Featured B2B Partner
- New Partners
- Visit Portland Referrals
This month’s newsletter is packed with valuable updates, opportunities, and helpful information. Take a few minutes to read through it and stay in the know.
Fall Travel Demand is Strong
- Here are some takeaways from the latest Longwoods International American Travel Sentiment Study:
- 74% of travelers are planning a day or overnight leisure trip this fall.
- Top destination types: cities/urban areas (43%) and small towns/rural areas (38%), followed by beach/coastal (35%) and national/state parks (34%).
- Top reasons for a fall trip: visiting friends/relatives (48%), cooler weather (35%), and fall foliage/seasonal scenery (35%).
- Top planned activities: visiting friends and family (52%) and road trips (41%) remain #1 and #2, but outdoor activities are seeing the biggest year-over-year jumps — fall foliage viewing (+10.1 pts), hiking/biking (+5.2 pts), farmers markets (+6.6 pts), and farm/harvest activities (+3.5 pts).
Read report
Fall Hotel Trends
Here are some takeaways from the latest Tourism Economics report:
- Hotel room nights are running 2.7% above the 2025 average, showing continued growth
- Fall hotel booking pace is strong and ahead of last year, especially September (+9.1% YoY vs. -2.5% in 2025)
- Nearly all hotel chain scales are seeing demand and rate (ADR) growth year-to-date, led by luxury (+6.6% ADR) and independents (+4.3% ADR)
- 2026 RevPAR forecast is +2.8%, a solid rebound from 2025’s -0.3%
Destination Sales Department Update
We’re excited to announce that Visit Portland’s Destination Sales Department is welcoming a new team member.
You may have noticed our new department name: Destination Sales (formerly Group Sales). The new name better reflects the work we do. We don’t just connect groups with hotels and meeting spaces. We showcase all that Greater Portland has to offer and help planners bring their vision to life, connecting them with everything from venues and accommodations to transportation, dining, and local experiences.
Leading the team is Abby Traver, Director of Destination Sales, joined by our new Destination Sales Specialist, Maddi Frissora. Originally from outside Boston, Maddi has called Portland home for the past two years and brings a hospitality background, a love of travel, and enthusiasm for sharing the destination with others.
Together, Abby and Maddi will connect meeting and event planners with Visit Portland partners and help create memorable experiences throughout Greater Portland.
Tourism Talks: KeyBank Presents “Payment Strategies Every Business Should Know”
Sponsored by the Clarion Hotel, Tourism Talks is Visit Portland’s complimentary workshop series that brings our partners together to learn, share ideas, and hear from professionals on topics relevant to their businesses.
For our next Tourism Talks, KeyBank will lead a practical conversation about managing cash flow and making everyday payment processes more efficient.
Topics will include:
- Ways to reduce payment delays and streamline collections
- Digital payment options for businesses
- Improving cash flow visibility and forecasting
- Creating a smoother payment experience for customers
Plus, attendees will be entered into a drawing for a YETI cooler
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Clarion Hotel | 1230 Congress St, Portland
Portland on the Move: The Maine Office of Tourism’s Black Diamond Media UK FAM
Our September familiarization tour (FAM) was a huge success. We welcomed six UK media professionals to Greater Portland, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand what makes our region such a special destination.
A special shout-out to our incredible partners Rocky Bottom Fisheries , Luke’s Lobster, and Uncommon Hospitality for helping make their time in Greater Portland so memorable. Thank you for showcasing the experiences, hospitality, and flavors that make our destination so special.
Taste of Maine Conference
Visit Portland took Greater Portland’s story to New York City last week, connecting with dozens of travel and lifestyle media professionals at the biennial Taste of Maine Media Marketplace, attended in partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism.
Dave Page and Whitney Riley met one-on-one with writers from outlets including Afar and Travel + Leisure, pitching story ideas around Greater Portland’s outdoor adventures, culinary scene, and sustainability initiatives. Visit Portland also shared a taste of the region through mainelove Water and Dean’s Sweets chocolates included in media gift bags.
Most importantly, the team came home with new media contacts and opportunities to follow up with writers as they plan future Maine stories and trips.
Partner Mixer at Shipyard brewing Co. Wrap-Up
Last week, we had a wonderful evening connecting with Visit Portland partners at Shipyard Brewing Company for our Partner Mixer. A special thank-you to flyte new media for sponsoring the event and to Shipyard for hosting us.
It was a great opportunity to catch up, make new connections, and enjoy some good food and great company. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.
Noteworthy Industry News and Events
- Portland Downtown has opened a new public restroom at its office on 87 Center St. For more information, email Cary Tyson.
- According to the Maine Office of Tourism, initial reports show tourism remained steady this summer with visitors being more cost-conscious. Learn more.
- The Maine Office of Tourism recently held a Q3 Tourism Industry Stakeholder Briefing. View recap materials.
- Maine’s Fall Foliage report is out.
- Greater Portland Metro is celebrating the launch of Route 25 in Scarborough on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Scarborough Town Hall. RSVP here.
- A new season of Eggs & Issues from the Portland Regional Chamber has begun. The next session, the Cumberland County District Attorney Candidate Forum, is October 8, 2026, from 7:00 AM-9:00 AM at Hannaford Hall. Register here.
Portland in the Press
- AFAR Magazine and Maine Office of Tourism co-released a 4-day itinerary highlighting Portland, Maine. Read the article here.
- Travel Noire released an article discussing Black history and culture, featuring the Portland Freedom Trail. Check out the article here.
- The Portland International Jetport was featured in a Lonely Planet article spotlighting small airports in the U.S.
- Eating Well voted Portland, Maine as a “Top Foodie City.”
Reserve Your Visitor Guide Ad Spot
Don’t miss your chance to be featured in Visit Portland’s 2027 Visitor Guide — one of our most valuable tools for reaching visitors planning their trip to Greater Portland. Ad space is limited and spots are filling up, so reach out today to Moose, Visit Portland’s Advertising Specialist, to secure your placement and make sure your business is front and center for next year’s travelers.
Cover of Visitor’s Guide. Photo credit: Harleigh Gastman
Acadia Wilderness Lodge. Photo Credit: Peter G. Morneau PhotographyPartner of the Month
Our Partner of the Month Program highlights Visit Portland Partners who have made extraordinary efforts to support our mission.
See this month’s honoree here.
Featured B2B Partner
Owl’s Eye Media brings interactive 3D technology to Greater Portland, offering Matterport 3D tours that let clients virtually walk through a property from any device, along with high-quality real estate photography to make listings stand out. Together, these services help businesses create more immersive, accessible ways to showcase their spaces and boost visibility online. View listing
Owl’s Eye Media Logo. Provided by: Owl’s Eye MediaNew Partners
Farmhouse Social Kitchen & Bar
TicketSmarter
Wander ~ Peaks Island Audio Walking Tour
Connect to Wilderness
Visit Portland Referrals
Pro Tip: If you refer a business to Visit Portland, you’ll receive $25 off your partnership renewal.
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.