Our recent research for a project near Portland, Oregon revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in Portland and the surrounding areas in 2023 and beyond.

• Low-cost airline Breeze Airways began service out of the Portland International Jetport in spring 2023. The airline now offers year-round nonstop flights from Portland to Charleston, South Carolina, and Tampa, Florida, as well as seasonal flights to Norfolk, Pittsburgh, and New York. In September 2023, Breeze Airways is scheduled to begin flights between Portland and Orlando.

• Officials at Portland International Jetport have announced tentative expansion plans that would allow the facility to handle international flights. Possible improvements include the addition of 800 new parking spaces and a new customs and border protection area. As of our research date, no official timeline for this project had been announced.

• In May 2023, construction on a new pickleball facility called The Wicked Pickle began in South Portland. This 25,500-square-foot facility will be the largest dedicated indoor pickleball venue in Maine, with six full-size courts, two practice courts, spectator seating, a smoothie bar, and a bar with beer and wine. The Wicked Pickle is slated to open early November 2023.

• The owner of Portland’s Bayside Bowl has announced plans for a new location at the former Sea Dog Brewing Co. space in South Portland. This new attraction will be called Broadway Bowl and will feature 10 lanes of bowling, a bar, food service, party space, and an enclosed deck with views of Casco Bay. Broadway Bowl is scheduled to open in fall 2023.

• A new mixed-used development called Rock Row is now under development on the west end of Portland. Representing a total investment of around $600 million, this project will eventually create 1.6 million square feet of retail, dining, hotel, entertainment, residential, medical, and office space, all built around a natural stone quarry. This large-scale project is scheduled to be completed in phases over the next few years.