Officials in tourism, wedding industries say legislation would boost economy
AUGUSTA, Maine — Representatives of Maine’s tourism and wedding industries say legislation to allow same-sex marriage would give a lift to the state’s economy.
Innkeepers, photographers, the proprietor of a bridal shop and other business owners met with reporters at the State House on Thursday, Feb. 26 in a show of support for the bill sponsored by Sen. Dennis Damon.
Barbara Whitten from the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau says local merchants and restaurant owners got an economic boost after the launch of a program targeted at lesbian and gay tourists.
Whitten said she hopes to see Maine reap more of the benefits from this lucrative market.