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Maine’s Tourism Boom: The Hidden Engine Behind $16 Billion in Visitor Spending

A State Built on Travel

Maine’s rugged coastline, misty mountains, and charming coastal towns draw millions each year. But tourism isn’t just a seasonal attraction—it’s the backbone of the state’s economy. In 2024 alone, visitors injected $16 billion into Maine’s economy, supporting 116,000 jobs and paying out $5 billion in wages to local workers. Every dollar spent flows into hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation, sustaining families and small businesses from Portland to Bar Harbor.

The Secret Fueling Maine’s Travel Boom: Rewards Programs

For many travelers, the decision to visit hinges on affordability—and credit-card rewards are a game-changer. Airline miles and points slash the cost of flights, hotels, and dining, turning dream vacations into reality. But this system is now under threat.

A Bill in Congress Could Change Everything

Legislators are reviewing S. 3623, the Durbin-Marshall credit-card bill, which aims to overhaul how credit-card companies charge merchants. While the goal is to reduce costs for some businesses, the unintended consequence could be diminished or eliminated rewards programs.

The impact on Maine would be severe.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

• 48,000 visitors to Maine used airline miles from co-branded credit cards to book flights.
• These travelers spent $62 million in-state.
• Their visits supported 626 jobs across hotels, shops, parks, and ski areas.

Without these rewards, many families would stay home—and the ripple effects would be devastating.

A Domino Effect Across Maine’s Economy

• Fewer visitors = lower hotel revenue.
• Empty restaurant tables = fewer shifts for local workers.
• Quieter shops = small businesses struggling to survive.

From Bangor to Acadia, tourism is the lifeblood of Maine’s economy. A decline in rewards programs doesn’t just mean fewer perks—it means fewer jobs, weaker communities, and a weaker state.

The Stakes for Policymakers

Congress must consider the full impact of this bill. Is saving merchants a few cents worth risking 116,000 jobs and $16 billion in economic activity?

For Maine—and the millions who rely on its tourism economy—the answer is clear.