May Tourism Stats Available

ECONOMIC/RURAL DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM–May Tourism Stats Available

Nova Scotia welcomed three per cent fewer visitors from January to May compared to 2010. Room nights sold in the province are up three per cent for the same time period.

"Nova Scotia tourism operators are offering visitors some of the most amazing signature experiences in the country to ensure they take away memories that will make them want to return," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "We are working with our tourism partners to continue to build the industry and create good jobs that grow our economy."

Air travel continues to grow, up 11 per cent compared to last year, while road travel to the province decreased by nine per cent.

In May, visitors to Nova Scotia decreased by two per cent overall compared to 2010. Air travel was up by twenty per cent, while road travel decreased by nine per cent.

Domestic travel to the province is down three per cent year to date. Visits from Ontario increased by four per cent and visits from Western Canada increased by 12 per cent. Visits from Atlantic Canada and Quebec decreased by six per cent and one per cent respectively.

Visits from the United States are down nine per cent year to date compared to last year.

Visits from other international markets continue to show positive results, with a total increase of 24 per cent for the first five months of the year. Results for Germany are up 68 per cent, while visits from the UK are down 18 per cent.

Tourism statistics vary across the province. Detailed results can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism/research/latest-activity-updates.asp.

Nova Scotia's comprehensive system for reporting monthly tourism statistics includes counting non-resident overnight visitors at all entry points to the province and gathers 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 more than 31,000 people and generated revenues of $1.82 billion.