Second Quarter Tourism Stats Available

Nova Scotia welcomed 739,800 visitors in the first half of 2012, an increase of five per cent compared to 2011.

"We have had some good results for the first half of 2012, and we are working to become even more competitive in the global tourism market" said John MacDonell, acting Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

"Through the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency, we are taking a new approach to tourism and collaborating with industry on a long-term strategy to continue to build tourism and grow the provincial economy."

Year to date, road travel to the province increased by 10 per cent, while air travel was down two per cent compared to last year.

"It's no surprise that more people are travelling to Nova Scotia this year," said Mr. MacDonell. "International media have named the province one of the top travel destinations for 2012, and with so many exceptional festivals and events still to come, including Celtic Colours International Festival, the Junior Beach Volleyball World Championships, and the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, we look forward to welcoming many more visitors."

For the first six months of the year, domestic travel to the province was up six per cent. Visits from Atlantic Canada increased by seven per cent, visits from Ontario were up six per cent, and visits from Quebec decreased by one per cent. Visits from Western Canada decreased by five per cent.

Outside Canada, visits from the United States to Nova Scotia were up eight per cent during the first half of the year. Total overseas visits were down eight per cent so far this year. Room nights sold in the province were down by two per cent year to date.'

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 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 22,000 people and generated revenues of $1.82 billion.