No ‘Trump Slump’ in Old Orchard Beach; bookings by Canadian tourists up

Beach umbrellas with beach enthusiasts crowd the shores of Old Orchard Beach.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH (AP) — While experts warn of a “Trump Slump” in international visitors, one Maine town is already exceeding expectations.

The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/2pCuJp5 ) reported one hotel manager in downtown Old Orchard Beach has already seen a $200,000 increase in bookings from this time last year.

Innkeepers say the increase in tourists is due to an improving exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. The area is home to an influx of Canadian visitors who spent more than $975 million in Maine last year, according to the Maine Office of Tourism.

Tourism associations say President Donald Trump’s “America-first” rhetoric will lead to a loss of $10.8 billion in spending from tourists avoiding the country.

At Old Orchard Beach, one campground owner says his regular guests come no matter who is president.