New Brunswick tourism operators confident about promising season ahead

Published on : Tuesday, May 25, 2021

In spite of the delay regarding reopening of the Atlantic bubble, few New Brunswick tourism operators are confident that the season ahead will be full of activity. Nevertheless, those across the border in Nova Scotia are having a hard time attracting tourists with strict border measures.

Kevin Snair, the public relations and marketing co–ordinator for Hopewell Rocks is encouraging people to see the sights in their own backyards again this summer. In April, the province of New Brunswick announced that the Explore NB Travel Incentive Program will be re-offered again this year and this will allow New Brunswickers to bag a discount on some of their summer vacation costs.

In Nova Scotia, tourist attractions are currently under an impact with the province witnessing a lockdown due to high rate of COVID-19 cases in May.

“Traditional tourism businesses have had major challenges over the last year. Tourism as a sector has been really negatively impacted by all the travel restrictions,” said Neil MacKenzie, with the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association.

“COVID has really done a lot of damage to the industry so we’ve been trying to hang on and move forward,” said MacKenzie.

Owing to the current restrictions in Nova Scotia, restaurants are taking a hit this weekend.

“We can’t open fully because of no in-dining so it’s hard on businesses and not being able to get that start right now is certainly hurting everybody.” said Leblanc, owner of a restaurant in Nova Scotia.

With the number of vaccinations rising in Atlantic Canada, tourist operators hope it will allow for a busy summer, desperately needed for Maritime businesses that are struggling.