The 2014 Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be held in Bangor at the new Cross Insurance Center on March 18-19. Online registration for the event opened January 1, 2014 at www.mainetourismconference.com.  

The theme for the Conference is: The Next 5 Years: Today’s Strategies for Tomorrow’s Success. The Maine Office of Tourism will unveil the new 5-year strategic plan for tourism.

Noted travel authority and media personality, Mark Orwoll of Travel+Leisure is the keynote speaker. He will draw on his many years of expertise in the tourism industry to talk about the latest in travel trends and the future of the industry. The Governor’s Conference on Tourism will include professional development sessions, valuable networking, and the opportunity to meet with tourism professionals. It is the only statewide event of its kind and draws attendees from all segments of the tourism industry.

The annual conference includes a trade show and offers the exchange of ideas and best practices that benefit the state’s most vital and valuable industry. Based on the most recent data available, the economic impact of tourism in Maine is $7.5 billion.

“Tourism continues to have a positive impact on the Maine economy,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage. “The investments made by tourism businesses and organizations not only grow the industry and enhance the visitor experience, but also provide our communities and residents with  more to see and do in Maine.”

Early Bird registration fee of $60 is available until February 15, at which point the registration fee will be $75. There is a $20 fee for the industry awards reception which will be held the evening of March 18 at the Cross Insurance Center.

For more information on the event, go to www.mainetourismconference.com. 

The Governor’s Conference on tourism is a project of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development’s Office of Tourism and numerous sponsors.