P.E.I. tourism continues strong into August

P.E.I.'s August tourism numbers released by the province Tuesday indicate the 2015 season continues to be robust.

Total overnight stays were up 0.7 per cent compared to last year's record-breaking August. Although room nights sold were down slightly, site nights sold at campgrounds were up 2.1 per cent, also a record for the month.

"Despite a terrible winter we are inching ever closer to parity with 2014's record performance in the industry," said Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald in a news release.

He cited the development and promotion of late-summer vacation packages as a significant factor in improving visitor numbers during the last two weeks of the month generally a slower time for the industry.

"I think they are taking a large initiative. They are leading by example. They have got a great product and you know it's industry led and I think they're doing a great job in promotions and packaging and so on and so forth," MacDonald told CBC News.

Non-resident vehicle traffic on the Confederation Bridge was up nine per cent compared to last August and Northumberland Ferries showed an increase of 8.4 per cent.

But the Charlottetown Airport saw a drop of 5.4 per cent, cruise ship traffic was down by 8 per cent and motorcoach traffic fell by 16 per cent compared to the same month in 2014.

Heritage sites were a big draw in August, with an overall visitor increase of 8 per cent.

Golf saw a small increase of 1.5 per cent in non-member rounds.

The P.E.I. National Park proved a popular spot with an increase in visitation of 28 per cent.

MacDonald said the department will continue to work closely with industry to identify areas of weakness during the season.