It will be a solid year for Vancouver’s tourism industry in 2012, after a 2% increase in visitors last year, according to Tourism Vancouver.
Howard Jang, Tourism Vancouver’s board chairman said yesterday, “2012 will be a year of marketplace strengths for Vancouver’s tourism industry.”
Jang cited new in-bound flights, an increase in cruise ship sailings, growing confidence among U.S. travellers and buoyancy in international markets as key contributors to the expected growth.
“These factors will help to offset the ongoing effects of the recession, which has impacted the worldwide tourism industry since 2008,” said Jang.
Highlights of the organization’s forecast for the year included predictions on international visitors to the city: China, India and Australia are expected to show strong growth in 2012, the U.S. is expected to show positive growth as confidence strengthens and both Germany and the U.K. are expected to show increases.
Additionally, in 2012, Princess Cruises will add one more ship to its Vancouver fleet and other cruise lines will be adding calls.
A slight increase in passenger traffic is expected in 2012 with a forecast of 670,000 passengers.
Tourism Vancouver also cited Virgin Atlantic’s new non-stop flight from London to Vancouver and anticipated additional flights from carrier Sichuan Airlines as key to increases.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV