ME hotels work to boost business, employment during off-season [Video]

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — The winter months of Maine to many businesses are defined as their “Off-Season”, especially those businesses in hospitality and tourism. 

Some hotels across Maine are trying new things this year to drive up their business.

According to the Maine Office of Tourism, visits to Maine increased by 20 percent, last winter over the one before.

A place in Kennebunkport is trying something new this winter to help out the local economy. 

“This is the first year that Yachtsman has been open year-round, and we’ve seen a wonderful impact,” Derek Hunt, general manager of Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club, said. 

“It’s really exciting to see the growth in Kennebunkport in the winter season, shops staying open later, more restaurants staying open throughout the season,” Hunt said. 

Being open throughout the year means maintaining a year-round staff. 

Hunt said, “We’re …