December 2023 Partner Newsletter

December 2023 Partner Newsletter

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In This Issue:

  • Holiday Open House Recap
  • Cruise Ship Arrival
  • Submit Holiday Events + Deals
  • Industry News + Events
  • Featured B2B Partner
  • New Partners

We Hosted Our Holiday Open House

Thank you to all who attended our Holiday Open House, and a huge thank you to our food and beverage sponsors: Maine Oyster Company, Maine Day Ventures, Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours, SeaPortland and Casco Bay Custom Charters.

The winner of the staff Elf on the Shelf contest was “Ralphie”, Kate’s display as well as her corresponding A Christmas Story leg lamp outfit, was spectacular and a ton of fun. 

From the entire Visit Portland team, we wish you a happy holiday season and a great year ahead.


Cruise Ship Arriving December 20th

Portland will be getting another cruise ship visit on Wednesday, December 20th. The MSC Meraviglia has been diverted from its original itinerary to Florida and the Caribbean due to poor weather conditions down south. Instead, the ship will go to Boston, Portland and St. John, NB. It’s scheduled to dock at Ocean Gateway Pier at 7 AM and depart at 5 PM. The ship has capacity for 4500 passengers. We expect many visitors to enjoy our city that day. Please let us know if you have any special offers you may wish to provide. Visit Portland staff and volunteers will greet those passengers who choose to disembark and steer them to your doors.


Submit Your Holiday Events + Deals

L. L. Bean Northern Lights, Photo Credits: Serena Folding

The Holidays are here, and so are your Holiday inspired events and deals. Don’t forget this season to add all of the Ugly Sweater Parties, Holiday Fundraisers, New Year’s Parties, and more.

Even if you’re already looking ahead to the new year, we know you’re planning an action-packed 2024. Don’t wait and add your events and deals using your Web Dashboard login.


Industry News + Events

  • Maine Office of Tourism held their Q4 Stakeholder Update, reporting on Summer 2023 visitation. View the recording hereand the presentation slides here.
  • Almost 80% of meeting planners plan to work with local CVBs in 2024. Read more about Cvent’s 2024 Meeting and Event Trends.
  • CruiseMaine will be hosting their Annual Stakeholder Meeting to discuss this year’s season, and the future of cruise tourism in Portland. Planned for early January, official date to be announced soon.

Featured B2B Partner

Kennebec Savings Bank

Combining quality banking expertise with a passion for community, we provide dedicated, personalized customer service and demonstrate a commitment to our local communities.

New Partners

Casco Bay Hotel

Explore the region’s vibrant culinary scene, rich history, attractions and more all easily accessible from our recently renovated hotel.

Sweetspot Dispensary

Sweetspot is the only recreational dispensary you need. Our friendly staff is committed to helping you find the right products for you. Don’t miss out on our daily deals!

Vine Nirvana

Learn about a variety of wines and their stories, as well as how to evaluate each wine like a professional with Vine Nirvana’s fun, interactive wine tastings.