Officials: Maine Sees Successful Tourism Season

Maine tourism officials and business owners say the state's had a successful summer season.

The Portland Press Herald reports that streets in resort cities and towns have been teeming with visitors. Tourism officials credit lower gas prices, overall good weather and an improving economy.

The Maine Turnpike Authority and the Portland International Jetport both are reporting record-breaking summer traffic this year.

Christopher Fogg, head of the Maine Tourism Association, said decreased visits and spending by Canadian visitors due to the drop in the exchange rate will likely keep this tourism season from seeing a record high. The Canadian dollar fell to an 11-year low this year.

Turnpike officials say the number of Canadian cars this summer dropped by about 20 percent.