When we previously wrote about the Octola Lodge we learned that Lapland Finland has 8 seasons.

The Sami people, who are indigenous to the Arctic region, follow a calendar based on eight seasons instead of four.

These eight season were originally defined by the cycles of the flora in fauna in the area.

  1. Spring Thaw (Spring)
  2. Growing Season (Early Summer)
  3. The Midnight Sun (Mid-Summer)
  4. The Haymaking Season (Late Summer / Early Autumn)
  5. The Autumnal Equinox (Autumn)
  6. Christmas Season (Early Winter)
  7. Winter Season (Winter)
Lapland Finland during "Early Winter" photo credit @voyagefox_

So does Maine have 8 seasons? Most Mainers would say no, but hear me out.

  1. Winter (Jan - March)
  2. Mud Season (April - May)
  3. Spring (June)
  4. Summer (July - August)
  5. "Indian" Summer (September)
  6. Fall (October)
  7. Stick Season (November)
  8. Holiday Season (December)
Schoodic Peninsula during "Holiday Season" photo credit @gkretchy

Noah Kahan obviously agrees with existence of Stick Season. Most Mainers won't deny Mud Season. Furthermore, no one fight you when you argue that the Holiday Season in New England is one of a kind, and we all know September in particular is having a glorious run this last decade or so as a "Summer Extension" month in New England.

What is fascinating and inspiring about destinations like Lapland is how they have completely embraced their 8 seasons and packaged them up in an adventurous yet digestible way for visitors and locals alike.

Mainers tend to love the fact that Vacationland is virtually tourist free from September - May. However, in recent years that has been changing, both visibly, and when you sift through the data. First off, at a glance, you can tell there are more people in the state than ever in September and October, and through the Holiday Season. Not only are most Southern Maine restaurants, hotels and activities gaining popularity during these months, but Downeast Maine is also starting to feel more populated through the fall.

Furthermore, if you check the data tourism now contributes to over 20% of Maine's GDP, and in 2023 tourism brought in $9 billion in direct spend, and while trends have evened out since the boom years of the pandemic, there is a push for Maine to look towards both shoulder season and off season months for new visitor growth opportunities – and it is starting to show in the spend.

Mix in the fact that Outdoor Travel category is growing so fast big players like Marriott and Hyatt both acquired outdoor hospitality companies this year and it is clear that Maine has a real chance to grow visitors in all 8 of their seasons if the destinations in the state keep the momentum going. That is, if you buy into the fact that Maine, like Lapland Finland, has 8 seasons.

Links

After post-pandemic boom, Maine’s tourism industry seeks path back to growth
A 9% drop in visitors this summer isn’t cause for too much concern among industry leaders, who say after-effects of the pandemic and economic challenges this year make it difficult to discern a trend.
Press HeraldRachel OhmPortland Press Herald

Shoulder season is the focus.

Marriott acquires Postcard Cabins amid greater outdoor travel play - The Points Guy
Marriott International announced two major pushes into the outdoor travel space Thursday morning.
The Points GuyCameron Sperance

Marriott & Hyatt have made Outdoor Hospitality M&A in the past year.