DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism (DART) is the Destination Marketing Organization for the DownEast Acadia region, which includes Washington and Hancock Counties. The primary function of DART is to support economic development through the tourism industry with coordinated promotion of the region’s unique cultural and natural heritage assets, including small businesses and natural and cultural attractions.
DART is a collaboration whose members develop, manage, support, and promote natural, recreational, and cultural assets of DownEast Acadia. DART members and partners include chambers of commerce, economic development groups, regional planners, educational institutions, municipalities, business organizations, recreation and conservation groups, cultural/heritage organizations, business owners, state agencies, and more.
DART’s organizational values and goals are to develop, manage, and promote a sustainable tourism industry that will:
- Celebrate & preserve our heritage, culture & environment
- Advocate for the responsible use of cultural, historic, and natural assets
- Contribute to economic growth and increased opportunities for all
- Inspire community and business investment in services and infrastructure
- Create opportunities for positive engagement between residents and visitors
- Strengthen DownEast Acadia as an exemplary place to live, work, and play
PROMOTING DOWNEAST ACADIA
DART strives to promote the diverse experiences of DownEast Acadia through the interconnected stories of the people and places that exemplify the region’s rich heritage and history. DART’s marketing strategies intend to provide a deeper, more personal experience of the region to attract and retain both visitors and residents who share regional values.
DART advocates for responsible use of our cultural and environmental assets, and coordinates with organizations seeking to connect the region’s people and places responsibly and beneficially in a meaningful, mutually beneficial experience.
DART’s funding comes primarily from the Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program (MTMPP) through the Maine Office of Tourism, along with cash-match and in-kind donations from DART Board Members and partners. This funding is dedicated to an annual regional marketing campaign, which includes these initiatives:
- A website for visitors – DownEastAcadia.com
- A regional Visitor Guide – 35,000 copies distributed annually
- Paid advertising – Print, Digital, and Broadcast
- Content creation by writers, photographers, and
videographers. - Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube
- Mini Trip Guides developed around activities and sub-regions
- Partnerships with social media influencers
- Monthly E-newsletters to potential visitors
