BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — The National Park Service said it has cancelled its solicitation of a contractor to operate carriage tours in Acadia National Park due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The park service had been taking proposals for operation of Wildwood Stables. However, the park service said the cancellation will allow it to conduct more planning following the market disruption caused by the pandemic.

The pandemic has also necessitated operational changes to the business, the park service said. It said it's extending an existing contract with Carriages of Acadia in the short term to continue providing service.

Superintendent Kevin Schneider said the extension with Carriages of Acadia means “visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours on Acadia’s carriage roads” until a new contract is awarded.

“With the disruption to the travel and tourism industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this will allow the market to stabilize before a new contract is awarded,” he said.

Carriage roads are among the most beloved features of Acadia National Park.