As Fredericton businesses prepare for the summer season, there is a sense of cautious optimism among tourism operators. Stacey Russell, the manager of Fredericton Capital Region Tourism, believes that the city will be busy during the upcoming months. Events such as the Bubba Mac Summer Classics baseball tournaments and the PGA Tour Americas golf tournament at Mactaquac Provincial Park are expected to draw in visitors. Ryan Kelly, the owner of Mangata Mactaquac, has already received bookings from participants in the golf tournament, indicating a potentially busy season ahead for the area.
The hospitality sector in Fredericton has already experienced a busy start to the year, with high room sales and occupancy rates within the Maritimes. The city saw an influx of visitors for the April 8 eclipse, and hotels have reported a successful spring conference season. Sara Holyoke, the general manager of Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton, is feeling positive about the upcoming tourism season, noting a significant improvement compared to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism in Fredericton has even exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, with a notable increase in hotel room sales in 2023.
Despite the positive outlook, Holyoke acknowledges that there are factors beyond human control that can impact the tourism industry, such as the weather. She mentions that a tough-weather summer in the previous year may have hindered the tourism season. However, the overall sentiment among businesses and tourism operators in Fredericton is one of anticipation and readiness for the summer season. The reopening of Officers’ Square for programming and the hosting of various events and tournaments are expected to attract visitors to the area and contribute to the local economy.
With the summer season approaching, Fredericton businesses are gearing up to welcome tourists and take advantage of the favorable outlook for tourism in the city. The tourism sector has already seen positive signs, with high room sales, increased occupancy rates, and successful events drawing in visitors. The upcoming tournaments and events scheduled in the city are expected to further boost tourism and contribute to a bustling summer season. Despite potential challenges such as unpredictable weather, businesses in Fredericton are optimistic about the opportunities that the summer season will bring.
The hospitality sector in Fredericton has been buoyed by the prospect of a busy summer season, with businesses anticipating a surge in visitors. The positive trend in tourism, which has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, has created a sense of optimism among tourism operators in the city. As Fredericton continues to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic recovery, the upcoming summer season presents an opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the momentum and attract visitors to the city. With preparations underway and events on the horizon, Fredericton is poised to welcome tourists and make the most of the summer season ahead.
