Strong summer for tourism in Nova Scotia

More than 1.3 million visitors came to Nova Scotia between June and September this year, with many businesses reporting an outstanding summer season.

Peak season visitation was down by about two per cent, or 27,000 visitors, compared to the same period in 2017, which was a record-breaking year that featured tall ships and Canada 150 celebrations.

When compared to June to September 2016, visitation in 2018 was up eight per cent or by 96,000 visitors.

Licensed room nights sold reached 1.4 million, an increase of one per cent over 2017.

“This has been a great year, but it will take more hard work and everyone working together to reach the industry’s ambitious goal of $4 billion in tourism revenues by 2024,” said Michele Saran, CEO of Tourism Nova Scotia. “We have to remember we’re competing with the bestknown travel destinations in the world to attract visitors. The more we understand our customers and invest in the experiences, accommodations, spaces and products they want, the more successful we’ll be.”

Still, tourism operators were pleased with this year’s numbers.

“We were at over 90 per cent occupancy for July, August and September and we had great response to our new glamping experience,” said Jonathon Joseph, managing partner of Argyler Lodge, Glenwood, Yarmouth County. “We’re growing and diversifying what we offer to appeal to more travellers.”