An increase in overnight stays and traffic compared to last July is a positive sign that 2013 will be a successful tourism season, says Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson.

“In terms of weather, July 2012 was magnificent. So to see an increase in overnight stays at both campgrounds and roofed accommodations in July 2013 gives the department a strong sense of optimism about the overall success of this season,” said Minister Henderson. “We also saw increases in three of our key markets: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and New England.”

Total overnight stays increased by 2.5 percent compared to last July. That increase was brought on by a 3 percent increase in room nights sold at roofed accommodations and a 1.9 percent increase in site nights sold at campgrounds.

July also saw big increases in both cruise ship and motor coach visits as well as a 1.7 percent increase in traffic at the Confederation Bridge.

Non-member golf rounds were down 7.3 percent, compared to last July.

“As we head into the fall, the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) is working with the department on the annual plan for 2014 and we are digging into the numbers as well,” said John-Anthony Langdale, Chair of TAC. “We are anxious to see the August and September numbers to get a better sense of the season over-all, since there have been some positive August reports from industry and strong ticket sales for September events like Fall Flavours and the PEI International Shellfish Festival.”

Tourism is a vital industry in Prince Edward Island that provides over 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for approximately $380 million in economic activity each year and seven percent of GDP, the highest percentage of any Canadian province.

For the full July tourism indicators report visit www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/current_tourism.pdf