Two waves of French tour operators and writers have visited Maine this fall giving us high visibility with key decision makers in this new development market. With the 400th anniversary of the landing of the French on St. Croix Island looming large in 2004, the Office of Tourism is promoting the event and the region to those in a position to sell it to the French consumer.

Capitalizing on the historic site's location between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada, the two-nation vacation itineraries MOT is promoting that focus on French heritage on both sides of the border give this broad appeal to French nationals.

Eight tour operators, a trade journalist and a photographer for the Michelin Guides explored the coast for four sunny days in September on a familiarization tour sponsored by US Airways France. Most were new to Maine and several committed to adding it to their product line when they returned home. All declared that Maine exceeded their expectations. Most felt it would work well for an upscale clientele looking for regional authenticity in dining, sightseeing and lodging.

Following on the heels of the first familiarization tour, four journalist/photographers packed every minute of their four days with sightseeing, museums, interviews, shopping and espresso stops before departing Bangor and their favorite photo op, the Paul Bunyan statue. Only one of the journalists had been to Maine previously and they all pronounced it "tres magnifique."

The considerable marketing clout of tour operators and the editorial coverage provided by the writers will begin to position Maine as a "must see" destination to the French. Two more familiarization tours are planned for spring 2004.

The Office of Tourism thanks the numerous "PR Partners" who helped make these familiarization tours successful.