Maine – New Brunswick Border Crossing Figures at an All Time Low

An all time low is what new figures from Statistics Canada are showing in regards to American travelers crossing the New Brunswick border over the summer.

The Agency reported that just shy of 113,000 visitors crossed into New Brunswick during the months of July and August of this year, and stayed at least one night in Canada.  That is a 26 percent drop from the previous year, and the lowest number recorded since 1972, when figures were first compiled.

Statistic Canada's John Kwak says the numbers are preliminary but confirmed it was the worst July and August on record for U.S. tourists entering New Brunswick.

American tourists crossing into other border provinces, with the exception of Manitoba, were up overall in 2014. Officials are not sure what caused the steep decline in New Brunswick.

Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick President, Kathy Weir, says hospitality operators are just now gathering figures on their summer business.