Campers help propel another record July in tourism
Creating jobs for Islanders -
At the KOA Campground in Cornwall, manager Donna Sentner is just starting to catch her breath after a busy camping season put her on the leading edge of another record July for Prince Edward Island tourism.
She wasn’t alone. According to figures released today by the provincial government, campgrounds across the province played a major role in shaping the increase. There were almost 124,000 campsite nights sold during the month, an increase of 12.2 percent compared to July 2016.
“The great weather in July, the relatively low Canadian dollar, the Canada 150 celebrations, and the incredible product we provide visitors to our Island made this a banner year at our facility,” Sentner said. “Canadians stayed in Canada this year and we benefitted from that.”
The strong camping numbers helped overnight stays increase by 5.3 percent over last July.
The Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown Airport also set new July records – with increases of 2.5 and 9.9 per cent respectively – compared to last July. Northumberland Ferries posted a 26.9 per cent gain after mechanical issues in 2016 reduced the number of daily crossings.
Although golf rounds were down 4.9 percent, Prince Edward Island National Park and Green Gables Heritage Place both posted large increases over last season, at 53.8 and 37.9 per cent respectively. Island Heritage sites also saw an increase in visitation of 11.8 per cent.
“Thanks to our innovative and hard working tourism operators, we are optimistic that the strong season will continue,” Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald said. “Events like Fall Flavours, the PEI International Shellfish Festival, and a steady stream of meetings and conventions through September and October show why we are a mighty Island – we surprise people with what we have to offer, and we do it well.
Tourism is a primary industry in Prince Edward Island and a key driver of economic development that provides over 7,700 direct jobs and contributes approximately $430 million to the provincial economy.
To view the July indicator report visit
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/current_monthly_indicators_0.pdf.
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Media contact:
Andrew Sprague