With the arrival of the giant trolls, the midcoastal destination
is now among Maine's top tourist
attractions
BOOTHBAY, Maine, July 19,
2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Coastal Maine Botanical
Gardens (CMBG) announced today that it contributed $41.9 million to Maine's economic growth in 2021, citing a new
study by Stepwise Data Research. This includes more than
$15.2 million in total earnings and
490 direct and indirect jobs. Within Lincoln County alone, CMBG supported
$24.5 million in business output,
$8.8 million in total earnings, and
310 total jobs.
The study: "Economic Contribution of Coastal Maine Botanical
Gardens 2022" can be downloaded here.
"These findings show the immensely positive role Coastal Maine
Botanical Gardens has played in the growth of tourism in
Maine," said Steve Lyons, Director, Maine Office of Tourism.
"The continued innovations at the Gardens have contributed to both
increased visitation to the Boothbay area, and the extension of that
visitation into the shoulder seasons."
CMBG President and CEO Gretchen
Ostherr noted that, "For fifteen years Coastal Maine
Botanical Gardens has been working to inspire meaningful
connections among people, plants, and nature. Now we are proud to
be a leading economic catalyst for the state of Maine."
As New England's largest botanical garden, CMBG has tripled its
number of visitors since 2014 and had its largest visitor year in
2021, with 336,000 visitors.
"Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has emerged as one of
Maine's top tourism attractions. I
commend them for creating exciting and innovative new installations
that capture the awe of Maine
people and visitors alike," said Governor Janet Mills. "In an increasingly busy world, the
Gardens offer us an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the
natural world around us."
Ostherr noted that her staff has been gratified by the
extraordinary impact of the giant trolls and how effectively they
bring sustainability to life for children and adults. "Most
visitors come simply to experience the wondrous beauty of our
gardens, but now we are seeing growing numbers of visitors who want
to meet our five magnificent trolls. These Guardians of the Seeds
and protectors of the trees are both a delight and an
inspiration."
Economic Driver for Maine
As CMBG rebounded from the impact of the pandemic, the
organization's capital expenses rose to a record $7.9M in 2021, the study noted. Amongst the new
investments: a Native Butterfly and Moth House, A Native Bee Hub,
and a return visit from The Caterpillar Lab in August.
The study also noted that the sharp growth in visitation and
revenue at the Gardens was due to multiple factors, including
"increased demand from the public for meaningful outdoor
activities." Other findings included:
- CMBG has grown significantly since 2014, with much of that
growth experienced between 2019-2021.
- Operational revenue has more than doubled since 2019 (+111%)
and increased steadily even through the pandemic.
- In 2021, the organization received the most visitors in a
single year (336,400 people) since its grand opening in 2007, in
large part due to the arrival of the giant trolls.
- The largest component of CMBG's economic contribution came from
the regional spending of their visitors.
- Visitors came from all 50 U.S. states. Roughly three-quarters
of visitors were from Maine.
- In addition to spending at CMBG itself, visitors spent an
estimated $5.8M at Maine restaurants, $3.1M on lodging, $2.0M at retail stores, and $1.2M on other recreational activities. In total,
the $15.2M of direct visitor spending
contributed to earnings and jobs in the Maine economy across a multitude of
sectors.
Future Impact Looks Strong
The study noted that CMBG aims to invest an additional $42.5 million in capital projects between 2022
and 2027 to support further increases in visitation. If these
projections are realized, and if CMBG's operating expenses and
visitor spending patterns follow the same basic structure in 2027
as they do today, CMBG's economic contribution to the Maine economy in 2027 will rise
proportionately, supporting a total of at least 640 jobs and
$19.9M in earnings.
"This report confirms what we had suspected and helps to
quantify CMBG's significant impact on the state's economy and the
growing effect we expect to have," said Ostherr. "We are pleased
that the word is OUT and increasing numbers of visitors are
enjoying the wonders, the respite, and the delights of Coastal
Maine Botanical Gardens. We have invested in the infrastructure to
make this a major destination for all of New England."
New This Year
Camping with the Trolls!!
As part of their longstanding partnership with L.L.Bean, CMBG is
unveiling a chance to win a campout with the trolls. The promotion
begins on July 1, 2022, ends on
9/4/22, and offers families the chance to win an ultimate family
campout at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, including an L.L.Bean
camping prize package and a night hike tour of the giant trolls. No
purchase is necessary to win, and the drawing is open to legal
permanent residents of the 50 U.S. states & D.C.
Trolls Are Here to Stay
The five giant trolls – a.k.a the Guardians of the Seeds – have
taken up permanent residency and will stay for the duration of
their lifespans. These magnificent works of art were constructed by
internationally known recycled arts activist and artist, Thomas
Dambo, and they have much wisdom and joy to share.
Treasure Hunt with the Trolls
Now, visitors can visit each troll, find the hidden seeds, and win
a prize at the end of your journey. You can meet each troll and
learn about their special power:
- Roskva -- is the strongest of the trolls and stands for the
trunks.
- Lilja – is youngest of the trolls and holds the scent of the
flowers.
- Birk -- is the wisest and most mysterious of the trolls and
holds the roots.
- Søren -- is a very curious troll and sticks up for the
branches.
- Gro -- is the wanderer and smiles with the leaves.
Kids Free Wednesdays
Thanks to generous support from L.L.Bean, kids are free every
Wednesday through July & August. (Reservation required.)
More Activities in Boothbay
If you're headed to the Boothbay
region, there are many other great things to see and do.
- Visit Boothbay Harbor – it's
full of top-rated restaurants and accommodations, art galleries, a
footbridge that spans the harbor; incredible locally owned shops;
luxury yacht viewing, and more.
- If you're up for a scenic walk, check out the beautiful
Boothbay Land Trust Trails. (Try Ovens Mouth).
- Check out the Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce for a wide
range of events.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was started in 2007 as a
grassroots effort that began as a casual conversation between
friends and evolved into the largest botanical garden in New
England. Come visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens this
spring/summer - get your tickets today.
About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
At nearly 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest
public garden in New England. Voted Travelers' Choice in 2021, the
nationally recognized public garden is located in Boothbay, Maine. The mission of the Gardens is
to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature
through horticulture, education, and research. Visit
MaineGardens.org or call (207) 633-8000.
Media Contact
Belinda Donovan, Ethos Marketing,
1 2073188026, bdonovan@ethos-marketing.com
SOURCE Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens