Kelowna, B.C., noticed a surge in journey this summer season, with airline visitors climbing to new heights. In keeping with Kelowna Worldwide Airport, passenger numbers have been up considerably, breaking earlier data.
“We’ve had a very busy summer — very positive,” stated Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna Worldwide Airport.
The airport reported a 7.6-per cent improve in passengers in June, 7.8 per cent in July, and a record-setting 8.5 per cent in August.
The crowds on the airport have been matched by busy streets and packed seashores throughout the town.
George Greenwood, CEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, stated it was clear that individuals got here out in sturdy numbers.
“We didn’t have the fire issues this year, fruit production was great, and everything was robust,” Greenwood stated. “People really had this mentality that they wanted to support Canadians — they were committed to coming here.”
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4:20B.C. tourism business on summer season journey season
However whereas the town appeared busy, not each tourism-related enterprise benefited equally. Some operators say spending habits have shifted.
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“A lot of businesses didn’t see the volume they were hoping for,” Greenwood added. “Restaurants weren’t as busy — you could walk into almost any place outside of downtown without a reservation. Even other tourism services didn’t see the numbers they had in past years. People were just generally spending less.”
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Amongst these impacted was Kelowna Cabs, the place enterprise didn’t choose up as anticipated.
“People did come, but we noticed all the hotel parking lots were full,” stated Roy Paulson of Kelowna Cabs. “They introduced their very own vehicles, so that they didn’t want taxis throughout the day.
“It got a little busier at night when people were going out for drinks, but overall, it kind of stung us. We were expecting it to be better.”
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Regardless of the dip in spending, the visitors information tells a narrative of its personal. The Ministry of Transportation reported practically 50,000 extra automobiles crossing the William R. Bennett Bridge this summer season in comparison with final. That visitors got here from throughout the nation — and past.
“I spoke to tourism operators as far down as Osoyoos who said they saw a record number of Washington State licence plates,” Greenwood stated. “And here in Kelowna, I saw plenty from all over Canada, and still quite a few from Washington, California, and Oregon.”
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