Stats Canada is reporting some good news for the tourism industry in this province.
“International” tourism, which has been in a slump since the 911 terrorist attacks and global recession, is on a rebound.
For the past four months the number of international overnight visitors has been on the rise, and now people are wondering if we can expect the trend to continue.
About 670,000 cruise ship passengers will visit the city this season, up about ten per cent over last year.
A bump in visitors that goes across the board and started with a strong ski season.
Get daily National news
“They weren’t going to other places in North America and Europe because the snow just wasn’t there,” said Amber Sessions with Tourism Vancouver. “That really gave us a good lift to start the year off.”
Overall, Tourism Vancouver says they’re tracking about 3-and a half per cent more visitors over last year; international overnight visitors are growing too, and are up nearly 12 per cent.
Attractions are doing what they can to get tourist dollars as well. The new Capilano Cliff Walk that opened last year has resulted in 25 per cent more visitors.
Tourist buses are also catering to every tourist preference they can.
“There’s two demographics,” said Mackay Wood with Big Bus. “The people who like to be taken around and the people who like to choose their own way.”
- Canada and Japan sign partnership deal on defence, energy, trade
- ‘A foreign policy based on short memory’: Carney continues push to diversify from the U.S.
- Carney says former prince Andrew should be removed from line to throne
- Oil surges to highest price since 2023 as Iran war chokes Strait of Hormuz
-
![]()
New Brunswick recognizes several women for their work towards gender equality -
![]()
Supreme Court of Canada rules refugees should have access to subsidized daycare in Quebec -
![]()
Pointe-Claire unveils monument to young boy who tragically lost his life at Terra-Cotta Nature Park -
![]()
Nova Scotians gathered in solidarity with Black and Indigenous voices after a week of budget protests
An increase in visitors is welcome.
2001 was an all time high, followed by some deep valleys from which the industry never recovered.
“There’s been things like 9/11 and SARS, and even though they seem like they happened a long time ago they did have a big affect on people’s psyche and their travelling,” said Sessions. “The global financial crisis as well has had a big impact.”
With an optimistic start to a new season, the places most famous to visitors are seeing more people.
After the highs and lows from the past decade, it’s hoped times are changing for the better.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.