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Tourism Week in Halifax kicks off with high compliments to the industry and a welcome message to the world. Running from May 27 to June 2, Tourism Week in Canada aims to bring attention to the significant economic impact and opportunities created by the travel and tourism industry.

HALIFAX, NS –Tourism Week in Halifax kicks off with high compliments to the industry and a welcome message to the world. Running from May 27 to June 2, Tourism Week in Canada aims to bring attention to the significant economic impact and opportunities created by the travel and tourism industry.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the partners working to grow tourism and the economy. It’s the spirit of Halifax and the people that live here that makes this city such a great place to live, work and visit,” said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.

The Mayor acknowledges the partners working to improve tourism for the region including Discover Halifax, the Halifax Regional Municipality, The Hotel Association of Nova Scotia, Events East, Tourism Nova Scotia and a number of other community organizations working to help increase tourism. “Working together we will build awareness for Halifax.”

Tourism in Halifax has been rising steadily for the past 5 years. From being chosen as one of the Top 10 Global Destinations on the Rise via the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards to an increase of overnight visitation to paid accommodations up 23% since 2012, Halifax has more than enough reasons to celebrate.

The tourism industry is a vitally important economic driver for Halifax, generating:

  • $1 billion annually from direct spend
  • $120 million annually in provincial sales tax revenue
  • $14.5 million annually in municipal tax revenue from hotel and tourism properties

Additionally,

  • There are more than 4,000 businesses operating in the tourism sector in Halifax, with employment reaching over 23,000 according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada
  • The combined business and leisure travel markets account for 5.3 million overnight stays in the city

“I look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our beautiful port city, and our many special communities that stretch from our vibrant downtowns to coastal villages, ocean beaches and wilderness escapes,” said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. “This is an exciting time to be involved in the tourism industry.”

Ross Jefferson, President & CEO of Discover Halifax adds, “there is so much on offer in Halifax. The Halifax region as a whole spans 201-communities, within that you have a fantastic mix of experiences from pristine coastal lands to an active urban center. Halifax is also the Festivals and Events Capital in Eastern Canada with hundreds of events scheduled each year.”

Tourism Week in Canada is happening from May 27 to June 2. Discover Halifax encourages everyone to use hashtag #TourismWeek and #TourismMatters to support and show that tourism is an integral part of our economy.

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About Discover Halifax

Discover Halifax is a non-profit, membership-based marketing and sales organization in partnership with the Halifax regional government, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia and participating industry members. Since its inception in 2002, Discover Halifax’s goal is to promote Halifax as a destination of choice for leisure and business travellers.

Halifax welcomes 5.3 million overnight stays each year, who spend $1 billion and represent over 54% of all visitation to Nova Scotia.

Media Contact

Katie Conklin
Marketing & Communications Manager
Phone: 902-442-9344
Email: kconklin@discoverhalifaxns.com
Website: www.discoverhalifaxns.com