Kelowna, B.C., noticed a surge in journey this summer season, with airline site visitors climbing to new heights. In accordance with Kelowna Worldwide Airport, passenger numbers have been up considerably, breaking earlier data.
“We’ve had a really busy summer season — very constructive,” mentioned Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna Worldwide Airport.
The airport reported a 7.6-per cent enhance 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 town.
George Greenwood, CEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, mentioned it was clear that folks got here out in sturdy numbers.
“We didn’t have the hearth points this 12 months, fruit manufacturing was nice, and all the pieces was sturdy,” Greenwood mentioned. “Folks actually had this mentality that they wished to assist Canadians — they have been dedicated to coming right here.”
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B.C. tourism business on summer season journey season
However whereas town seemed busy, not each tourism-related enterprise benefited equally. Some operators say spending habits have shifted.
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“Plenty of companies didn’t see the quantity they have been hoping for,” Greenwood added. “Eating places weren’t as busy — you can stroll into nearly anywhere outdoors of downtown and not using a reservation. Even different tourism companies didn’t see the numbers they’d in previous years. Folks have been simply typically spending much less.”
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Amongst these impacted was Kelowna Cabs, the place enterprise didn’t decide up as anticipated.
“Folks did come, however we seen all of the lodge parking heaps have been full,” mentioned Roy Paulson of Kelowna Cabs. “They introduced their very own automobiles, in order that they didn’t want taxis through the day.
“It received slightly busier at evening when individuals have been going out for drinks, however general, it type of stung us. We have been anticipating it to be higher.”
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Regardless of the dip in spending, the site visitors information tells a narrative of its personal. The Ministry of Transportation reported almost 50,000 extra automobiles crossing the William R. Bennett Bridge this summer season in comparison with final. That site visitors got here from throughout the nation — and past.
“I spoke to tourism operators as far down as Osoyoos who mentioned they noticed a document variety of Washington State licence plates,” Greenwood mentioned. “And right here in Kelowna, I noticed a lot from throughout Canada, and nonetheless fairly a number of from Washington, California, and Oregon.”
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