Published: October 6, 2025
Tourism pays in Portland, Maine, including for students across the University of Maine System. In September, the Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute (THOR) began offering $1000 scholarships to students at the University of Southern Maine who declare the Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) minor. This new scholarship opportunity is currently being distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis for the first 25 students who declare the THOR minor and the scholarship will be applied to the fall tuition bill.
The entire University of Maine System has partnered together to make a substantial investment in this minor because as Professor Tracy Michaud explained, “Tourism, which revolves around nature and outdoor recreation, is a cornerstone of the Maine economy.” The economic and cultural significance of tourism to Maine’s economy influenced the THOR Institute to develop the THOR minor, to further its mission in strengthening education and training pathways to Maine’s profitable tourism industry. The significance of tourism to Maine cannot be overstated. Professor Michaud explained that the tourism industry employs the largest proportion of Maine’s workers in comparison to other industries and tourism has the largest economic impact of any industry in Maine. One of the ultimate goals of the THOR minor, according to the THOR Institute’s website, is that after completing the 18 credits students are equipped with a richer understanding of Maine as a world-class travel destination and that this understanding is enriched by a comprehensive exploration of Maine’s cultural, historical, scientific, and economic background.
Professor Michaud noted that hospitality, sustainable tourism, and outdoor recreation are important pillars to Maine’s travel industry and “it’s vital students learn about and engage with all of them.” Lynn Tillotson, the President and CEO of Visit Portland who has sat on USM Tourism & Hospitality Advisory Board for Tracy Michaud, added, “Having educated tourism professionals means stronger customer service, innovation, and cultural awareness, all of which enhance the visitor experience and keep Maine competitive.” A minor in Tourism and Hospitality already exists, but according to Professor Michaud, the THOR minor embraces the importance of outdoor recreation to Maine’s tourism industry and offers classes such as national park management, outdoor recreation leadership, and coastal conservation, which provide education on how Maine can sustainably manage these assets. The THOR minor offers a broader education that enables students to learn about all the ways Maine is connected to tourism, even for students who will not be directly employed by the tourism industry. Although this scholarship is being offered for a limited time, the Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation Institute continually looks for ways to support students.
