July Tourism Stats Available

Nova Scotia welcomed 1,142,400 visitors in the first seven months of the year, up three per cent compared with the same time last year.

In July, the number of visitors decreased by one per cent compared with an exceptional July 2009.

Room nights sold in July were the same as last year and one per cent higher between January and July.

Road travel to Nova Scotia increased by two per cent in July, and by five per cent during the first seven months of the year. Air travel is down by 11 per cent in July and four per cent year-to-date.

"Achieving July numbers that are almost on par with last year's outstanding showing means that we are definitely holding our own so far this year," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "We look forward to seeing the numbers for August and the fall, which is a very important time for tourism in Nova Scotia."

Between January and July, domestic travel to the province showed three per cent growth. Visits from Ontario and Quebec are up two per cent while visitors from Atlantic Canada increased five per cent compared with last year. Western Canada visitors are down eight per cent year-to-date.

While total overseas visitors decreased three per cent during the first seven months and United Kingdom visitors fell by nine per cent, visits from Germany increased four per cent. Visits from the United States decreased by one per cent in the same time period.

Tourism is an important contributor to Nova Scotia's economy. In 2008, the industry employed more than 31,000 people and generated revenues of $1.82 billion.

Nova Scotia's comprehensive system for reporting monthly tourism statistics includes counting non-resident overnight visitors 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/tourism/facts-figures.aspx .