News release

April Tourism Statistics Available

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

From January to April, there were 425,700 visitors to Nova Scotia, a seven per cent decrease from the same period last year.

The number of people travelling to Nova Scotia by road was up by one per cent, while the number of visitors travelling by air was down 22 per cent compared to 2008. Also, room nights sold as of April were down six per cent compared to the same period in 2008.

Nova Scotia welcomed 119,300 visitors in April, a one per cent increase over April 2008.

"The economic downturn has affected every industry and tourism is no exception," said John Somers, executive director of tourism for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "However, we're about to enter what have historically been our busiest months and despite the economy people are planning vacations.

"Nova Scotia has a lot to offer visitors with events such as Paul McCartney, Tall Ships, Celtic Colours, Yarmouth Seafest and the countless other festivals and events to entice people to get out and experience the province."

According to an online survey conducted by the Conference Board of Canada, 65 per cent of Atlantic Canadians are planning a domestic summer holiday.

A separate survey conducted by the Conference Board of Canada suggests that Canadians are planning to take short breaks or trips to see family and friends instead of longer-stay vacations.

"With the trend of more people traveling closer to home, we have a more focused campaign within the region. With so much happening throughout our province, we want to remind those in the Maritimes to get out and discover their favourite Nova Scotia experience," said Mr. Somers.

The regional campaign includes TV, newspaper and online advertising and use of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The campaign began running on in April and will run until October.

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 May are expected to be released in July.