For immediate release: April 20, 2017

FREDERICTON (NB):  A dramatic increase in overnight visitors helped Fredericton’s tourism sector to a historic, record-setting year in 2016, Fredericton Tourism reported today.

The City’s tourism industry generated $258 million in economic impact last year, up 7.8%, according to an annual study by McKellar, Cunningham and Associates commissioned by Fredericton Tourism.  The report called 2016 “a major breakout year” for Fredericton where the City emerged as one of the performance leaders in the Maritimes.

It was the 5^th consecutive year of record-setting revenue for the industry, but the first increase of more than 5% in more than a decade.

“It was an extremely good year all round, the best we’ve seen.” said David Seabrook, manager of Fredericton Tourism.  “There were record setting room sales which were able to absorb new hotel room inventory, which was very positive.”

He said the City benefitted from the exchange rate with the U.S. dollar and strong visitation from Ontario, Quebec and the United States.  Almost all sectors of the industry were up including strong performance from motor coach tours and sport tourism.

According to McKellar, Cunningham and Associates the total number of visitors was up 7.8% to 1,492,000. Overnight visitation, a key indicator of tourism revenue overall, was up 7.6% to 638,000.

Visits from U.S. and international visitors were up 10.9%.  They spent $20.3 million in the City.

The City led the Maritimes in the key fall convention season, September and October, which in Fredericton includes the key tourism generator the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Fredericton outperformed the Maritime 5-city average overall and during 8 of 12 months.

“We’re seeing an overall growth trend in tourism. The tourism industry continues to be a key pillar in the local economy,” says Seabrook. “Our industry has grown every year, but 2016 saw spectacular growth.  With investment in new hotels that will open over the next 18-24 months, it’s crucially important we continue to grow visitor demand. We’re heading in the right direction.“

All indicators are pointing to another good tourism year in 2017, Seabrook says. “With the U.S. dollar still high, Canadians will continue to choose home territory, especially during Canada 150. We’re also seeing strong motor coach bookings, good convention sales and a strong sport tourism sector.

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For more information, contact David Seabrook, 471-0548