Annual Report FY26

DNE FAMILIARIZATION TOUR

THE PURPOSE Increase international awareness and future visitation by providing influential media representatives and tour operators with firsthand experiences that showcase Greater Portland’s unique character, hospitality, and tourism offerings. Familiarization tours help transform awareness into advocacy, creating opportunities for future media coverage, itinerary inclusion, and visitor growth. OUR STRATEGY Leverage immersive destination experiences to build meaningful relationships with international media and travel trade professionals who influence travel decisions in key overseas markets. By showcasing Greater Portland’s people, culture, accommodations, attractions, and authentic experiences, we strengthen the destination’s position within international travel itineraries, generate earned media opportunities, and create long-term ambassadors for the region.

OVERVIEW As part of the 2026 Discover New England Summit, Visit Portland partnered with the Maine Office of Tourism and regional tourism partners to host international media representatives and tour operators on familiarization tours of Maine. Prior to the summit, Portland welcomed eight international media representatives from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Germany, including journalists from Travel Weekly, The Independent, and JRNY Magazine. Following the summit, Portland hosted 20 international tour operators representing Germany, Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. These immersive experiences provided firsthand exposure to the region’s hotels, attractions, dining, culture, and coastal experiences, helping influential travel professionals better understand and promote Greater Portland to international audiences. POST-SUMMIT TRADE FAMILIARIZATION • Hosted 20 international tour operators • Markets included Germany, Italy, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, France, and Belgium

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