Bar Harbor, ME – Tourism businesses in Down East Maine and Southwest New Brunswick are poised to respond to the growing global market for sustainable tourism. Thanks to the new Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism in Down East Maine and Southwest New Brunswick, businesses can tap into hundreds of local, regional, and national resources to become more environmentally friendly, help protect the region’s abundant assets, and help distinguish the region as a top global destination for visitors looking for an environmentally sustainable, culturally sensitive, and enjoyable experience.

The international border region of Hancock and Washington counties, Maine, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, offers nature-based and heritage tourism opportunities that rival North America’s top destinations.  At the heart of the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine, the region teems with terrestrial and marine wildlife and is rich in maritime and inland history, all of which are in growing demand by increasingly discerning tourists.

“The resource guideoffers tourism businesses the opportunity to access a variety of tips and information to green their operations and incorporate these practices into their marketing and business plans,” says Judy East, chair of the Vacationland Resource Committee and Executive Director of the Washington County Council of Governments.  Natalie Springuel, project coordinator and Maine Sea Grant marine extension associate adds, “The goal is to help businesses become increasingly attractive to visitors who seek quality experiences in places where tourism contributes to the well-being of local communities and environments, while providing an opportunity for local economic development.” 

The resource guidecovers the marine environment, water conservation, building design, energy conservation, air pollution prevention, ecological landscaping, waste management and recycling, green purchasing and information on certification and membership programs. It also covers business planning and marketing resources, along with information about partnerships, packaging opportunities, and customer service. The region the guide targetsbenefits from numerous business leaders who espouse the principles of sustainable tourism, and many of their stories are covered as case studies throughout the document.

This project was completed thanks to a grant from the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, which seeks to promote sustainable maritime activities. The Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine and the Vacationland Resource Committee produced the sustainable tourism resource guide, which is available on the Maine Sea Grant Web site at http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/coastcom/sustour.htm or can be obtained by calling Down East RC&D at 207-546-2368.

For more information, contact:

Judy East, Washington County Council of Governments:  207-454-0465
Gary Edwards/Barbara Maurer, Down East Resource Conservation and Development: 207-546-2368
Natalie Springuel, Maine Sea Grant:  207-288-2944 ext. 298