In the last several years, Maine Sea Grant has recognized tourism as an important aspect of the coastal economy. Throughout the Gulf of Maine region, tourism offers communities both economic promise and environmental concern. In Maine, the tourism industry and its affiliated support services employ more than fishing, farming, forestry, and aquaculture combined. The region’s fame as a coastal destination requires careful planning and creative partnerships among industry, management, municipalities, and agencies to foster a tourism economy that is both healthy for local communities and inspiring for its visitors.

This kind of tourism planning is referred to as sustainable tourism, ecotourism, nature-based tourism, geotourism, heritage tourism… and many other terms used to define a growing movement within the industry and the traveling public. The overarching goal is tourism practices that both protect the areas and communities visited while at the same time providing a quality experience for visitors.

March 2006 Sustainable Tourism Workshop, Machias ME Photo Credit Meg Scheid

While Sea Grant’s focus is natural resource-based tourism, effective tourism planning requires partnerships among a cross section of niches ranging from adventure to heritage tourism, academia and governments, nonprofits and the service sector. Extension associate Natalie Springuel works with a variety of partners to promote tourism practices and priorities that foster sustainable economic development and conservation of coastal areas. Projects, events, advisory capacity and support are available or have occurred in the following areas:

A Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism will help the Downeast/Acadia and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, region become a leader in the rapidly growing market for sustainable tourism opportunities. The Resource Guide will foster sustainable maritime activities in the Gulf of Maine and help tourism operators become citizen stewards by providing resources that help them green their operations while enhancing their economic potential.

Governor's Task Force on Maine Nature Tourism Initiative
In summer 2006, Sea Grant Extension Associate Natalie Springuel represented the Downeast/Acadia region on the Governor's Task Force on Maine 's Nature Tourism Initiative. The goal of the task force, which the governor created in 2005, is to develop and expand nature-based tourism opportunities in Maine 's rural communities. Rural Maine has a wealth of natural resources, but lacks basic tourism infrastructure to connect visitors to these recreational opportunities.

Marine Extension in Action: Sustainable Tourism Planning 415 KB
For more in depth information on Maine Sea Grant's involvement in Sustainable Tourism, view this two-page document.

Downeast Sustainable Tourism Initiative Year 2010
Maine Sea Grant is an active member of the Vacationland Resources Committee of the Downeast RC&D. In 2005, this multi-organizational committee released the updated DESTINY 2010 (Downeast Sustainable Tourism Initiative Year 2010). The plan's vision is to "seek responsible and sustainable development of cultural and nature-based tourism opportunities for regional economic prosperity" in Hancock and Washington Counties.

From Store to Shore: Sea Kayak Safety and Stewardship Brochure 161 KB
This brochure is published in partnership with multiple outfitters in Maine, the Maine Island Trail Association, the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, and the U.S. Coast Guard to promote safe and responsible paddling on Maine's coast. Printed copies of the brochure are also available on request.

Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Geotourism Task Force
The diverse membership of this task force is collaborating to develop a Gulf of Maine-wide strategy for sustainable tourism.

Maine Coast Natural History Seminar
This annual seminar, sponsored in part by Maine Sea Grant, provides educational programs for Maine sea kayak guides and coastal educators.

For more information about Coastal Tourism Planning, contact Natalie Springuel