City tourism officials say they’re dealing with some “turbulence” from the provincial budget.
Doug Murray with the Community Economic Development Commission expects the province’s budget cuts will result in less travel for government officials, including through our local airport.
“We have to look at that and say, okay, so how will we promote and attract other people to fill the seats that are on the plane or the drive here […] It does happen, so you have to respond to it.”
The city’s tourism department remains optimistic, pointing out it has seen growth in visits for multiple reasons, from mining to sports to leisure.
Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says they will focus on areas like food and winter activities to draw more travellers.
In the summer, he notes hotel occupancy rates hover between 90 and 92 per cent. “We’re turning our focus right now to how do we increase, how do we drive more traffic to our accommodation sector in the shoulder seasons and in the winter.”
They made the remarks in an update to City Council.
