Interesting article in the July 24th edition of the
Portland Press Herald about "
Time poverty costing
Maine tourist dollars".
According to Greg Dugal of the
Maine
Innkeepers Association, Maine is experiencing shorter
average stays than a decade ago. This trend is mirroring a
national trend and the root of this is based upon peoples
lack of free time. Our lives are seemingly more
complicated than a generation ago and we are pressed for
the precious free time we do have. More activities for
the kids, more pressures on the job front, more things
going on after work, on weekends...with the end result
that we're becoming time "poor"!
OK, I know that much of that is true for me and from
what we hear from our Innkeeper friends, they agree that
this phenomenon is having an influence on the season. But
what to do?
Bob Smith, owner of the nearly 80 year-old
Sebasco
Harbor Resort in Phippsburg has just opened a new spa
and is in the midst of a massive overhaul that includes,
new suites, and many other upgrades. Bob says that they
are now trying to offer a wider range of guest activities
and amenities designed to entice longer stays and that the
early results are...positive. They are
targeting the family decision maker, the lady of the
house, because, according to Bob, she makes the family's
vacation plans about two-thirds of the time. Interesting
statistic for future targeted marketing.
At the end of the day, it's all about packaging and
marketing. We hear this from other Innkeepers too... and
they are ones that seem to be positively bucking this new
trend and are enjoying a good season. Kudos to them!
Rick