Kelowna, B.C., noticed a surge in journey this summer season, with airline visitors climbing to new heights. In line with Kelowna Worldwide Airport, passenger numbers have been up considerably, breaking earlier information.
“We’ve had a really busy summer season — very constructive,” stated 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 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 hearth points this 12 months, fruit manufacturing was nice, and every thing was strong,” Greenwood stated. “Individuals actually had this mentality that they needed to help Canadians — they have been dedicated to coming right here.”
However whereas the town appeared 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 possibly can stroll into virtually anyplace exterior of downtown with out a reservation. Even different tourism companies didn’t see the numbers they’d in previous years. Individuals have been simply usually spending much less.”
Amongst these impacted was Kelowna Cabs, the place enterprise didn’t choose up as anticipated.
“Individuals did come, however we seen all of the lodge parking heaps have been full,” stated Roy Paulson of Kelowna Cabs. “They introduced their very own vehicles, in order that they didn’t want taxis through the day.
“It acquired slightly busier at evening when folks have been going out for drinks, however total, it sort of stung us. We have been anticipating it to be higher.”
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 stated they noticed a file variety of Washington State licence plates,” Greenwood stated. “And right here in Kelowna, I noticed loads from throughout Canada, and nonetheless fairly a couple of from Washington, California, and Oregon.”
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