January Tourism Stats Available

For just the second time in the last 10 years, more than 100,000 people visited the province during the month of January.

Nova Scotia welcomed 106,800 visitors in January 2007, seven per cent fewer than the record-setting January 2006 when there were 115,300 visitors.

"Our tourism numbers are fairly consistent over the long term. We've had some ups and downs but we're holding ground in the face of significant challenges," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "We look forward to growth with our new tourism plan developed through the Tourism Partnership Council."

Room nights sold for January 2007 were up four per cent compared with January 2006. They varied in the regions, with a 16 per cent increase in Cape Breton and a 16 per cent decrease on the Eastern Shore. The number of people traveling to Nova Scotia by road decreased by six per cent, while air visitation was down nine per cent over January 2006.

Nova Scotia's comprehensive system for reporting tourism statistics includes counting overnight visitors -- excluding Nova Scotia residents -- at all entry points to the province and gathering the number of room nights sold from licensed accommodation operators.

Detailed tourism statistics can be found on the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/pubs/insights . Statistics for February 2007 are expected to be released in early April.