The THOR Institute is a collaboration across the University of Maine System to strengthen education and training pathways to bolster one of Maine’s largest industries: Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR). In fact, one in five people in Maine are employed in the THOR sector*, contributing in so many ways to Maine’s identity as Vacationland!
The THOR Institute serves as a coordinator and point of contact among UMS and the tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation economies. Participating campuses are the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine (Orono), the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the University of Southern Maine.
*Source: Maine Office of Tourism
Explore THOR at Maine’s Public Universities
The University of Maine System offers many pathways for you to match your passion with your career.
THOR Institute Student Fellowship
Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to connect more broadly with the community.
THOR Minor
The THOR Minor is a brand new addition to the University of Maine System! This multi-campus minor consists of 18 credits in tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation.
Vacationland Courses
These place-based courses aim to expose students across UMS to the challenges and opportunities within the THOR economies through different parts of Maine.
Course Listings
Search for classes offered across UMS in the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation disciplines. Students have the opportunity to take courses with other campuses beyond their home institution.
Executive Committee
The THOR Institute is composed of faculty from across the UMS as well as staff members dedicated to supporting these initiatives.
Strategic Report & Annual Report
The THOR Institute has recently released its Strategic Report for 2023 – 2026 to outline its goals for building a stronger workforce in Maine’s most dominant industry. It has also recently released its Annual Report – click here for more!
Related Opportunities
We are grateful to have a robust network of workforce and academic partners to support additional opportunities for students.
Newsletters
The THOR Institute is thrilled to share its latest updates with you with our bi-annual newsletters.
THOR In the News:
Click on the news stories below for more information and links. Read archived news updates here.
Recent Updates:
Adventure Costa Rica – Spring 2026
Check out this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the amazing ecotourism destination of Costa Rica – while discovering... Read More
New Vacationland Course: Winter Recreation & Hospitality Business in Northern Maine
The THOR Institute is excited to announce our upcoming Vacationland Course – Winter Recreation & Hospitality Business (BUS 340:... Read More
Arctic Education Alliance
The THOR Institute is excited to announce that we are now the home of the new website for the... Read More