Although it’ll be a little more expensive to drive, it’s likely tourism won’t be too hindered by the high gas prices.
Anna Moran, Director of Research and Policy with Tourism Nova Scotia, says there are other factors that play into tourism numbers besides gas prices.
“What we see is strong global economic health as well as a pre-disposition among the overall global travel public to travel, to travel internationally,” says Moran.
A low Canadian dollar helps attract the US market too.
There’s also been an increase in international visitors who Moran says offer the highest value to the province.
The majority of visitors Nova Scotia receives continue to be from neighbouring Atlantic provinces.
Ontario follows close behind, then the American market, and international – with signficant numbers from Germany and now China.
Moran says travel within Canada saw an uptick during Canada 150, which she expects will carry over into this summer.
She also believes the consistency in their marketing internationally, and the province’s assets will mean another big year for tourism.
“As a vacation destination, we have some very strong assets that are appealing no matter which market we’re going into.”
Moran says that includes pushing experiences and especially culinary ones.
Fresh seafood is always popular says Moran.
Both 2016 and 2017 were record breaking tourism years.
Last year Nova Scotia saw over 2.8 million overnight stays.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell