Kerri Bickford is a former Maine state representative and former chair of the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development. She lives in Topsham.

Mainers know that our state has earned its reputation as “Vacationland,” a designation that transcends the phrase on our license plates and speaks to a defining element of our state’s identity and the foundation of our economic vitality. Families from across the country have come here for summer escapes, fall foliage, coastal retreats, fresh seafood and outdoor adventures that become lifelong traditions passed from one generation to the next. 

Tourism is deeply embedded in Maine’s character, from more than 3,000 miles of coastline and waterfront that define our coastal communities, to our pristine lakes, rugged mountains and distinctive small towns. It is a cornerstone of who we are and a vital driver of economic prosperity across the state. Tourism is not a secondary industry in Maine. It is one of the foundational pillars of our economic strength.

In 2024 alone, tourism generated $15.9 billion in total economic impact, supporting 115,900 jobs and delivering $5.4 billion in wages to Maine workers. Those numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent livelihoods for hospitality workers, local retailers, transportation providers, seasonal businesses and families across our state who depend on a strong and steady visitor economy.

Much of that travel demand is fueled by the travel rewards ecosystem. Millions of Americans rely on airline miles and credit card rewards points to make travel more affordable. These programs help families offset the cost of airfare, hotel stays, dining and vacations, often making the difference between taking a trip and staying home.

For a destination state like Maine, that matters enormously.

Now, Congress is considering S.3623, also known as the Durbin-Marshall credit card bill, a proposal that would impose new mandates on the credit card system that could potentially affect rewards programs. Supporters argue the bill could lower certain credit card transaction costs for merchants. But for tourism-dependent states like Maine, lawmakers must fully consider the unintended economic consequences.

According to Airlines for America, frequent flier miles earned through airline co-branded credit cards helped fund flights for 47,761 domestic visitors to Maine, generating more than $62 million in economic activity and supporting 626 jobs in our state. This spending flows directly into local communities: hotel bookings in Portland and Bar Harbor, shopping in local stores, transportation services and visits to our parks, ski areas and coastal destinations.

If credit card rewards programs are weakened, reduced or fundamentally altered, consumer travel behavior will change for the worse. Even a modest reduction in travel incentives would mean fewer visitors to Maine. That means fewer hotel stays, fewer restaurant reservations and less spending at the local businesses that anchor our communities. Protecting travel rewards is not about preserving credit card “perks.” It is about protecting consumers and the economic engine that supports Maine workers, small businesses and local communities.

As Congress debates changes to the credit card system, it must carefully evaluate what those changes could mean for Maine — where tourism is not just important, but essential.

When visitation declines, Maine’s communities will feel the consequences.