The Maine Tourism Authority announced the 2024 Maine Tourism Awards in Portland on April 25, honoring Coastal Maine Botanical Garden with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Tourism for exemplary contributions to the industry. The Gardens is recognized by Oriental Jade (Innovation & Creativity Award), The Craignair Inn by the Sea (Leadership & Growth Award), Wayne Davis of Trainriders Northeast (WelcomeME), and Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Woods Initiative (Stewardship). We received this award together.
“Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens combines many of the attributes people seek in Maine: nature, art, and a place to stop and appreciate life,” said Steve Lyons, director of Maine Tourism. “Our efforts to introduce shoulder-season events, expand our gardens, and showcase Maine-made products are all benefits for the surrounding area and the state as a whole.”
“When the Garden opened in 2007, our founders never imagined we would serve more than 300,000 visitors a year,” writes Garden President and CEO Gretchen Oster . “The Governor’s Award honors the dedication of our founders and the hard work and vision of all the staff and volunteers who have helped make this place what it is. Maine Tourism, our generous community members and support Thank you to all the important partners who have contributed to the garden’s success. We look forward to welcoming you back this spring. ”
This Governor’s Award follows the prestigious “Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling” award, which was awarded to the Maine Coastal Botanical Garden and nine other major gardens at the International Garden Tourism Conference in November. The gardens were selected based on their commitment to fostering and showcasing garden experiences that both serve as attractive tourist destinations and inspire travel. The winners were selected by a jury of garden tourism leaders, with support and endorsement from the American Public Garden Association, the Canadian Garden Council, and the Mexican Botanical Garden Association.
“We are thrilled to be able to positively impact Maine’s economy by connecting people with plants and nature,” Oster shares. “It is extremely humbling to have our efforts recognized on a local, national and international scale.”
Stepwise Data Research’s 2021 study found that the Maine Coastal Botanical Garden contributed $41.9 million to Maine’s economic growth during the year’s study. This includes more than $15.2 million in total revenue and 490 direct and indirect jobs. Within Lincoln County alone, the garden supported her $24.5 million in business production, $8.8 million in gross revenue, and a total of 310 jobs.
For more information, visit MaineGardens.org.
