Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1498032
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 M AY 1 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S H O S P I TA L I T Y / TO U R I S M To learn more about Efficiency Maine's programs and incentives, visit efficiencymaine.com/at-work or sign up for a free virtual customer consultation: www.efficiencymaine.com/ business-customer-consultation Incentives Available for Hospitality Businesses Meghan Black, owner of Humble Comfort Food and Spirits in Brewer, worked with Efficiency Maine to install two heat pumps and upgrade from fluorescent lighting to LEDs. With the upgrades, the business has reduced energy costs by more than $1,700 a year. "The restaurant is much brighter and warmer since the new lighting was installed," said restaurant owner, Meghan Black. "I have definitely seen a decrease in my electricity bill since the new lights went in. It was a hard year at the restaurant, and the lights and the heat pump made me excited to get back to work." S O U R C E : Maine Office of Tourism OTHER FINDINGS Tourism is a major part of the Maine economy. An estimated 15.3 million people visited Maine in 2022 and research shows they're staying longer than ever. Maine experienced a 10.2% increase in tourism-related visitor days in 2022 over 2021. Visitors to Maine spent 12,138,100 nights in Maine accommodations throughout 2022, up 18.4% from 2021 Direct tourism expenditures in 2022 totaled over $8.6 billion, up from $7.8 billion in 2021, with an overall economic impact of over $15.8 billion and 151,000 jobs supported by tourism Tourism-supported jobs contributed nearly $5.6 billion in earnings to Maine's households Canadian day and over- night visitation in Maine in 2022 accounted for 734,100 visitors and $413 million in spending 78% of visitors stayed one or more nights in Maine on their trip in 2022 (up 6% from 2021) The tourism industry generated over $1.2 billion in tax revenue