Provincial parks offering discounts to stimulate recreation and tourism in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is getting ready for what appears to be a busy camping season.

New Brunswick’s provincial parks officially opened for the season Friday after Thursday’s weather set the stage for a busy year in outdoor recreation.

The province is offering a 25 per cent discount on daily and seasonal passes to seven of its eleven provincial parks for New Brunswick residents in an effort to encourage local tourism.

“We want people to take advantage, to be able to move and, spend time together with their family and friends,” said Isabelle Thériault, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. “So we wanted to make the parks more accessible.”

Thériault said the province anticipates a significant increase in camping bookings this season, reflecting a growing interest in outdoor activities.

“Compared to last year at the same date, we’re seeing an increase like in the campgrounds of 22 per cent more,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a pretty good season.”

The trend extends to private sector operators as well. The Wishing Star Campground in Shediac, N.B., opened this week. They expect a lot of visitors.

“It looks like it’s going to be a big summer; we’re getting a lot of calls,” said Don Breau, campground manager at Wishing Star.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Shediac is a major draw for tourists. The province advertises across the country and around the world to attract visitors.

“Our campaigns are right now in Quebec, Ontario and New England,” Thériault said. “There’s also a campaign in Atlantic Canada and also in Europe for France and Germany,”

Breau said the impact is apparent. In July and August they have a lot of bookings from Quebec and Ontario even if locals are staying close to home.

“In the last few years they’ve been traveling a little bit,” Breau said. “This year they’re starting to stay put. A lot of people are calling to get seasonal lots.”

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick told CTV News they support the 25 per cent discount. They said the trend of people vacationing closer to home is probably due to the rising costs of living.

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