Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
August 25, 2016
Tourism Industry a Major Economic Contributor
Province Seeing Increases in Tourism Visitation
Newfoundland and Labrador is a leading tourism destination, offering authentic experiences which showcase the province's heritage, pristine natural environment and people. Up to the end of June 2016, the province's tourism sector is seeing increases in auto and air visitation over the same reported period in 2015.
"We are very encouraged by the numbers being reported and are optimistic we will see a further increase once we receive the results for July and August - our peak tourism months. Our tourism sector has generated about $1 billion in visitor spending each year over the past five years, supporting many jobs and businesses. Tourism is a vital part of this government's plan to increase diversification and grow the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. We are seeing many positive things happening in the industry - our award-winning marketing campaign remains successful, there is increased productivity by local businesses and entrepreneurs which is adding to visitor experiences and expectation and we have increased air accessibility to the province."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism and Rural Development
The number of non-resident automobile visitors travelling to the province reached 22,751 to the end of June 2016, an increase of 10.4 per cent compared to the same time period of last year. The number of boarding and deplaning passengers recorded at the province's seven major airports reached an estimated 1,091,809 passengers for the period ending June 2016, an increase of 2.3 per cent compared to the same time period of last year. For access to the complete Year to Date Tourism Highlights for June 2016 report, visit: www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/tourism/tourism_research/stats/
"The interest in our destination continues to grow thanks to the efforts of tourism operators across all regions who are working together in new and innovative ways to ensure travellers enjoy an exceptional experience that cannot be found elsewhere. The indicators to date point towards a fantastic summer for many tourism businesses and we are optimistic this trend will extend into the shoulder season which is a key growth priority for the tourism industry."
- Dion Finlay, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
Many visitor services and many attractions are reporting increases. For detailed information on a variety of tourism categories see the attached Backgrounder.
In addition, a 2016 Provincial Visitor Exit Survey - the province's core research project for collecting and analyzing information on non-resident visitors - is currently being conducted at the St. John's and Deer Lake airports and in the Marine Atlantic ferry terminals in Port aux Basques and Argentia. The survey is also being conducted at the Gander and Goose Bay airports during the peak travel season from May to October. Survey results are expected to be released in late 2017.
For more information on tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador, including travelling planning tips and tools, visit: www.NewfoundlandLabrador.com 
QUICK FACTS
- Up to the end of June 2016, the province's tourism sector is seeing increases in auto and air visitation over the same reported period in 2015.
- Tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador has generated about $1 billion in visitor spending each year over the past five years.
- There are approximately 2,500 businesses in the province's tourism sector, of which 82 per cent are small businesses, creating an estimated 18,000 jobs.
- TheFind Yourselftourism campaign has received over 240 awards to date.
- For access to the complete Year to Date Tourism Highlights for June 2016 report, visit: www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/tourism/tourism_research/stats/
- For more information on tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador, including travelling planning tips and tools, visit: www.NewfoundlandLabrador.com
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Media contacts:
|
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
Leslie Rossiter
Manager of Policy and Communications Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-2000 ext. 222 lrossiter@hnl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Province's Tourism Visitor Services and Attractions Update
Provincial Visitor Information Centres
All of the Provincial Visitor Information Centres (eight) reported a total of 69,996 visitors for the period ending July 31, 2016. This is an increase of 4,640 visitors or 7.1 per cent higher than last year.
Provincial Historic Sites
All the Provincial Historic Sites (11) reported a total of 49,659 visitors for the period ending July 31, 2016, an increase of approximately 19 per cent compared to the same period of 2015. Among the sites, the Bonavista Lighthouse is the most popular with nearly 16,000 visitors between May and July.
Provincial Museums
Mary March Museum in Grand Falls-Windsor, provincial Seaman's Museum in Grand Bank and Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River) reported 5,265 visitors for the period ending July 31, 2016, an increase of five per cent compared to the same period of 2015. The Rooms, historically one of the top five attractions in the province, received 35,447 visitors for the period May to July 2016, an increase of 48 per cent compared to the same period of 2015. Much of this increase can be attributed to a special exhibit in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamel.
2016 08 25 4:05 p.m.