Fewer Canadian guests, extra day trippers

“The absence of Canadian and overseas visitors reduced diversity in the visitor base and curtailed longer-stay spending,” stated Charyl Reardon, president of White Mountains Attractions Association.

In July, the top of the state’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs estimated that Canadian visits to New Hampshire had lagged about 30 p.c behind ranges seen in recent times.

In September, Governor Kelly Ayotte led a “trade delegation” to Canada, together with a cease in Nova Scotia that she stated was aimed partially at “strengthening economic and tourism partnerships that have created so much opportunity on both sides of our border.”

In New Hampshire, the summer season additionally noticed a pattern of extra day trippers and fewer in a single day guests, limiting lodging income development, in line with Reardon. She stated there have been indicators that guests had been extra budget-conscious: Though extra individuals got here general, spending was about the identical general as final 12 months.

“This further reflects travelers being more mindful of discretionary spending, likely influenced by broader economic pressures,” Reardon stated.

While general visits had been up by about 1 p.c in comparison with final summer season, the variety of particular person guests was down about 3 p.c from May by way of Labor Day, in line with knowledge from White Mountains Attractions Association. That might imply persons are coming extra typically however staying for much less time.

By August, Reardon stated, the image was altering for the higher, when visits had been up about 2 p.c in comparison with final 12 months.

“Labor Day Weekend was particularly good, with many businesses reporting strong visitation and solid revenues to close out the summer season on a high note,” she stated.

This story appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, a free publication centered on New Hampshire, together with nice protection from the Boston Globe and hyperlinks to attention-grabbing articles elsewhere. To obtain it by way of e mail Monday by way of Friday, sign up here.

Amanda Gokee could be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @amanda_gokee.