August Tourism Stats Available

Nova Scotia continues to show growth with its tourism numbers, welcoming 1,481,300 visitors in the first eight months of the year, up two per cent compared with the same time last year.

In August, the number of visitors also increased by two per cent compared to 2009.

"We are seeing a positive trend in the number of visitors to the province," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Government is working with its partners to ensure the industry continues to create good jobs and grow the economy to benefit all Nova Scotians."

Room nights sold across the province in August decreased by three per cent and remained on par year to date.

Road travel to Nova Scotia increased two per cent in August and is up four per cent in the first eight months of the year. Air travel increased by two per cent in the month but is down two per cent year to date.

Between January and August, overall domestic travel to the province showed three per cent growth. Visits from Atlantic Canada and Quebec are up four per cent while visitors from Ontario increased three per cent compared to last year. Western Canada visits are down six per cent in the first eight months.

While visits from Germany are up three per cent, United Kingdom visits fell six per cent and total overseas visitors decreased nine per cent year to date. Visits from the United States are off by one per cent in the same time period.

Tourism statistics vary within each region of the province. Detailed results can be found on the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage website at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/tourism/facts-figures.aspx .

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.

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