FREDERICTON (GNB) – This past summer, New Brunswick experienced an increase in visitation compared to 2018.

“I am thrilled more visitors are choosing New Brunswick as a prime destination for their summer vacation,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Robert Gauvin. “Our government is focused on strengthening our position as a tourism destination and creating positive experiences for tourists.”

Overall, attractions included in New Brunswick’s tourism indicators reported an eight per cent increase in attendance from June to August.

In addition, the accommodation industry had a two per cent increase in room nights sold between January and August 2019.

“The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick is very happy with the tourism season this year,” said Carol Alderdice, president and CEO of the association. “Although there were some areas that did better than others, overall, the numbers were very good.”

There was a six per cent increase in campsite rentals at provincial parks between June 1 and Aug. 31, compared to the same period in 2018.

The Hopewell Rocks welcomed 237,536 visitors in June, July and August, an increase of six per cent compared to last year. Other attractions that reported increases over the same period include:

  • Kings Landing, up 18 per cent;
  • New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, up 21 per cent;
  • New Brunswick Botanical Garden, up 17 per cent;
  • New Brunswick Museum, up 18 per cent;
  • Roosevelt Campobello International Park, up 11 per cent; and
  • Village historique acadien, up eight per cent.

Over the next year, the provincial government will refocus its tourism strategy and will work on increasing the capacity of the industry through product innovation and marketing programs.

“We believe that engaging New Brunswickers, making them part of our strategy to promote the province, and encouraging them to explore their home province from a vacation perspective will be key to our success,” said Gauvin. “We will encourage the development of new products and exceptional experiences for visitors. We will also support entrepreneurs so they can be more responsive to emerging tourism trends, improve their business skills and capacity and increase their standards of excellence.”

13-11-19