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ECONOMY: Tourism industry boosted by local support as American visitor count dropped
        (AlbertaIndex, October 16, Tuesday) --- Alberta’s tourism industry had a strong summer, with hotel occupancy and event attendance comparable or slightly better than last year’s.

        According to the Post-Summer 2007 Alberta Tourism Operator Survey, Albertans and other Canadians continued to make up the largest segment of visitors to attractions in the province this past summer.

The number of visitors from the US was down, said tourism operators. However, recent data from Statistics Canada shows that the growth of US visitors arriving directly to Canada via Alberta ports of entry, during the first seven months of 2007 compared with 2006, is greater than the national average.

Visits from the UK, Central Europe and Australia remained strong this summer while visits from Asia were slightly above or on par with 2006 results.

Campgrounds, RV parks and adventure operators experienced an increase in visitors and revenue, which many operators have attributed to the increase in regional traffic within the province.

Ninety-three tourism operators from across Alberta, Eastern Canada and the US responded to the survey, conducted last month.

“New Albertans are taking the time to enjoy our world-class destination and attractions. We hope these experiences will help them feel even more at home in Alberta and encourage them to invite family and friends from across the country to visit,” said Cindy Ady, Associate Minister of Tourism Promotion.

“The tourism industry is optimistic about the upcoming winter season. We hope to see even more encouraging results in 2008.”

Tourism is a $5-billion industry in Alberta and employs more than 103,000 people.



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