CARIBOU — Leading officials of Maine tourism gathered at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on Jan. 13 to discuss the state of tourism in Aroostook County with about 35 individuals attending. The event was spearheaded by the Director of the Maine Office of Tourism, Pat Eltman. “My office and all our contractors are visiting the eight tourism regions throughout the state for the purpose of sharing information, explaining our marketing strategies and hearing from the people who are part of Maine’s largest industry — tourism,” Eltman said.
Maine Visitor Research Survey results were presented, MOT advertising and public relations programs were discussed and the official MOT Web site — the most powerful sales tool of the office according to Eltman — was reviewed.
“It’s impossible to see into the future, but I feel all of Maine is well positioned to see growth in tourism” Eltman said. “Maine offers visitors a unique and unsurpassed experience and we are doing all we can to spread the word.”
MOT has been aggressively marketing the tourism appeal of Maine, which includes using a more retail approach by promoting discount packages and getaway suggestions on visitMaine.com.
“Aroostook County’s natural beauty, the abundance of outdoor recreation and its rich cultural heritage offers visitors an authentic experience,” said Eltman. “That is the kind of experience that is a popular trend right now. People are looking to get back to basics and spend time with family and friends,” she added.
“I was glad to see so many people at the meeting,” said Director of the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Department Kathy Mazzuchelli. “It was an interesting perspective from Eltman and support staff. I think clearly the Maine Office of Tourism provides some significant opportunities for Aroostook County business and Chambers of Commerce but, like anything else, the end product that MOT produces is only going to be as good as what the outside puts in and we all need to be working forward toward a solution and not be part of the problem,” she added.