News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Atlantic premiers partnered this summer with tourism operators and the federal government to bring more American tourists to Atlantic Canada.

At the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting in July, the premiers agreed to invest $4.8 million in an American marketing campaign through the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership. The partnership is an international marketing initiative between New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the four provincial tourism industry associations.

“We understand how important tourism is to the New Brunswick economy,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This increase in the promotion of Atlantic Canada tourism in the American market created jobs in New Brunswick, there is no doubt about that.”

So far in 2016, overnight visits from American residents to the province are up 10 per cent over the previous year. This trend is expected to continue.

Provincial parks and other attractions have had a busy season. The Hopewell Rocks, for example, experienced a visitor increase on opening weekend of nearly 200 per cent. High attendance figures have continued throughout the season.

“We are excited about this partnership between the Atlantic provinces, the federal government and provincial tourism operators,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “We look forward to the positive results this agreement will bring, not only to our province but to all of Atlantic Canada.”

More information on the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership is available online.