Lakes Region tourism numbers remain steady
A picnic area is pictured at Maine Wildlife Park. Mark Latti, communications director at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said revenue at Maine Wildlife Park in summer 2026 has been in line with previous years. (Rory Sweeting/Staff Writer)
Tourism numbers in the Lakes Region appear to have remained steady two months into the summer tourist season.
Billi “Tux” Burke serves as executive director of the Maine Lakes Chamber, which covers Bridgton, Naples, Harrison, and multiple nearby communities. Burke said the majority of tourists in the region were domestic, coming from areas such as New York and Florida. While restaurants and campgrounds were very busy, she noted that boat rentals had not seen the business they were accustomed to.
Burke said the Maine Lakes Chamber has undergone a complete rebrand and rebuilding over the past few years and strives to serve as an alternative to mainstream travel recommendation sites. She recommends the chamber’s guide of the area.
Data in Maine indicates that tourism, and the economic benefits that come from it, has stayed level compared to previous years, if not slightly increasing. Taxable sales data from the Sebago Lakes Region economic summary released by the state indicates spending on restaurants and lodging hit around $15 million in May 2026, an increase of nearly $1 million from the previous year, and data from the Maine Turnpike Authority shows traffic has increased 2.39% between June 2025 and June 2026.
Matt Hesser is general manager at Point Sebago Resort, a development in Casco consisting of a mix of campground areas, rental cabins, and second homes. Hesser said business was up compared to last year in all three of these areas, with the largest number of guests coming from the Boston area.
Mark Latti, communications director at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said revenue at Maine Wildlife Park was in line with previous years, though he did not disclose where the majority of guests were visiting from. The park does not have separate pricing for residents and non-residents.
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Tagged: Maine tourism, Maine Wildlife Park
Rory, an experienced reporter from western Massachusetts, joined the Maine Trust for Local News in October 2024. He is a community reporter for Windham, Raymond, Casco, Bridgton, Naples, Standish, Gray,. More by Rory Sweeting
