News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--SEPTEMBER-NS VISITORS CONTINUE TO RISE ------------------------------------------------------------------ Nova Scotia's fall tourism shoulder season (September and October), continues to attract visitors. Tourism Nova Scotia's monthly report, Tourism Insights, shows an increase of four per cent in out-of province road traffic entering the province. Compared to last September, Canadian and U.S. road visitors increased by 4,600, and 1,000 respectively. "These numbers reflect the strengthening of the shoulder season," said Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison. "After the peak months of July and August, it's wonderful to see the autumn visitor traffic increasing the impact of tourism on the provincial economy." The number of visitors arriving by motorcoach also rose by 18 per cent. This month, for the first time, the visitor entry count includes the Northumberland Ferry entry point at Wood Islands/Caribou. The future of the tourism looks increasingly bright according to the Canadian Travel Research Institute. The institute recently predicted a sizeable increase in Canadian tourism for 1996, due in large part to the positive influence of the value of the Canadian dollar, the falling unemployment rate and the rise in real disposable incomes. The institute also forecasts that pleasure travellers and international visitors will increase in 1996 by over three per cent and over five per cent respectively. Traditionally these groups are Nova Scotia's highest spenders. Combined with an expected strong growth in domestic travel, 1996 is setting itself up to be a strong year for tourism. "This week Nova Scotia is recognising small business the backbone of community economic development throughout the province," said Mr. Harrison. "Tourism and hospitality related businesses serve communities with the warmth and professionalism that contribute to the pride Nova Scotians feel toward our province. Natural beauty combined with quality service and the dedication of tourism operators keep visitors coming to our province in ever-increasing numbers." -30- Contact: Steve Warburton 902-424-6810 trp Oct. 27, 1995