WINNIPEG — All of those U.S. licence plates you spotted driving around in June really did count for something.
Tourism is up this year — nearly 60 percent compared to last — and the province’s tourism arm couldn’t be happier.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup drew in our American friends across the border to the tune of 68,128 visitors during that month alone. That’s a 57.6 percent spike from June 2014.
Only Prince Edward Island came as close to seeing a similar tourist increase of that magnitude at 28.8 percent.
“We hope they remember what a good time they had, and we’re ready to welcome them back anytime because Manitoba is where Canada’s Heart Beats,” Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said, noting Travel Manitoba’s advertising campaign slogan.
Colin Ferguson, president and CEO of Travel Manitoba, added the province’s festivals, museums, fishing operators, beluga whale operators and many other attractions reported terrific seasons as well.
Winnipeg may see another bump in tourism next month when Cavalia opens its Odysseo show in the south end of the city on September 10. It’s already being touted as the largest entertainment event ever to be put on in Manitoba.
