June Tourism Stats Available

More than 200,000 visitors came to Nova Scotia in June, a one per cent increase over June 2006, and room nights sold were up two per cent.

"Nova Scotia's tourism industry is continuing to attract a steady number of tourists despite challenges like the weather and a strong Canadian dollar," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "This performance is due, in large part, to our marketing efforts and the hard work of tourism operators across the province who are paying attention to their customers' preferences and catering to them with quality service and unique Nova Scotia experiences."

Room nights sold varied in regions in June, from a 23 per cent increase on the Eastern Shore to a two per cent decrease in the Annapolis Valley.

There were 11 per cent fewer American visitors over June 2006 and the same number of visitors from other countries. Visitors from the rest of Canada increased by three per cent.

The number of people travelling to Nova Scotia by road increased four per cent, largely because of more Ontario and Atlantic Canadian visitors choosing to drive, while the number arriving by air was down seven per cent.

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 all 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 July are expected to be released in early September.