“Our government has been working hard with tourism partners to boost the industry,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.
“Our government has been working hard with tourism partners to boost the industry,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.
“We have listened to New Brunswickers who want economic growth in the tourism sector to be a priority and now we are seeing results.”
“We had great weather throughout the summer and that weather has continued into the fall which we hope will continue to boost the number of tourists visiting,” said Ames.
The accommodation occupancy rate for January to August was up five per cent over the same period last year. As well, the number of room nights sold to American and other international visitors were up 18 per cent.
There was a nine per cent increase in campsite rentals at provincial parks over the same period, which led to the highest number of campers in the province since 2004. The Hopewell Rocks welcomed 260,173 visitors this season, which is up 15 per cent over 2015.
There were also increases in visitation at numerous sites and attractions across the province, including:
– Fundy Trail, up seven per cent;
– Hopewell Rocks, up 15 per cent;
– Kingsbrae Garden, up 17 per cent;
– Le Pays de la Sagouine, up 11 per cent;
– New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, up 11 per cent;
– New Brunswick Botanical Garden, up 12 per cent;
– Roosevelt Campobello International Park, up 17 per cent; and
– Village Historique Acadien, up 12 per cent.
As of the end of August, overnight trips by American visitors were up nine per cent over the same period in 2015.
