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DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism (DART) and its members collectively work to promote and market the region’s natural, recreational, and cultural assets. Our marketing efforts help to promote sustainable cultural, economic, and environmental health across Washington and Hancock Counties.
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism is a community promotion organization funded by the Maine Office of Tourism and by membership dues and donations. Our mission is to promote the diverse tourism businesses and organizations across Hancock and Washington Counties. We also promote with a local community first approach that seeks to enhance the local economies of this quintessential Maine tourism region.
OUR MISSION:
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism (DART) markets, promotes, and creates visitor resources for the tourism industries of Washington and Hancock Counties with a community first approach.
How We Deliver Our Mission:
- Serve the DownEast Acadia region as the Maine Office of Tourism’s officially designated Regional Destination Marketing Organization.
- Coordinate and partner with likeminded organizations within and outside the region, including the other state designated Regional Destination Marketing Organizations and our Canadian partners.
- Advocate for the responsible use of the cultural, historical, and natural resources of the region.
- Provide our regional tourism partners with opportunities for collaboration, education, product development and other programs to strengthen the economic health of the DownEast Acadia Region.
- We deliver on our marketing plan through a range of promotional channels including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Maine Public Radio, Maine Tourism Association, Regional Brand Sponsorships, our Annual Region Guide & Map, Email Newsletter, and website.
- DownEast Acadia annually attends national and international travel shows representing DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism.
FUNDING:
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism (DART) is a community promotion organization funded by the Maine Office of Tourism, partner donations, and ad sales.
The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) manages DART funds through the Maine Tourism Marketing and Promotion Partnership (MTMPP) program. Maine Office of Tourism provides MTMPP grants to a Regional Destination Marketing Organization in each of the eight Tourism Regions of Maine. DART spends these MTMPP dollars on projects outlined in the organization’s annual Marketing and Promotion Plan.
DownEast Acadia’s annual Marketing and Promotion Plan is designed to promote and market the region’s natural, recreational, and cultural attractions with a focus on sustainable cultural, economic, and environmental growth for Washington and Hancock Counties.
DownEast Acadia’s use of funding is judicious and aims to maximize marketing exposure for the region while supporting local initiatives and retaining economic value locally within Washington and Hancock Counties. DART actively seeks new and innovative methods of increasing visitor market value for our regional partners and the Maine tourism industry.
OUR PARTNERS REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
- Chambers of Commerce
- Economic Development Groups
- Regional Planning and Development Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Professional Business Organizations
- Recreation And Conservation Groups
- Cultural/Heritage Groups
- Historical Societies
- Business Owners
- Individuals