News release

May Tourism Statistics Available

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

Fewer air travellers and visitors who travel long distances are contributing to a drop in tourism activity to the end of May. Statistics released today, Aug. 4, show that 592,100 people came to Nova Scotia between January and May 2009, a seven per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2008.

The number of people travelling to Nova Scotia by road is up three per cent, while air visitation was down 24 per cent compared to 2008. As of May, room nights sold were down eight per cent compared to the same period in 2008.

Seventy per cent of visitors were from other Atlantic provinces. Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada combined, accounted for 25 per cent of the total. Visitors from the United States made up four per cent, while overseas visitors were two per cent of the total.

"The economic downturn has affected every industry and the tourism industry is no exception," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Despite these challenges, the increase in road visitors and Atlantic Canada visitors show signs our staycation strategy is taking hold. Nova Scotia continues to offer great events, festivals and experiences throughout the rest of the summer and well into the fall."

During May, there were 175,000 visitors to Nova Scotia, a two per cent decrease over May 2008, while the number of room nights sold was down 12 per cent. Road travel was up nine per cent. Also in May, there was a four per cent increase in the amount of Atlantic Canadians visiting Nova Scotia.

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/tch/pubs/insights.