Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
TATTOO BUCKS TREND
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo announced today that despite a downward trend in overall tourist visits to the province in July, 2006 saw an increase in the number of tourists visiting the Tattoo.
Over the eight days of the show 20,949 tourists saw the Tattoo, compared to 18,149 in 2005. This was an increase of 15.4%. The percentage of tourists who cited the Tattoo as an influence on their reason for visiting the province also rose to 56.3% from 54.9% in 2005 (or 1,830 individuals). In total, tourists who visited the Tattoo spent $34.7 million dollars in the province this year (up from $32.5 million) and those who came because of the Tattoo spent $19.5 million (up from $17.8 million). $1.6 million was raised in Provincial Sales Tax alone from those visitors who specifically came to see the Tattoo (up from $1.3 million).
Tourists stayed in the province for an average of 9.76 days during their visit (up from 9.68 in 2005) and in Halifax for 5.60 days (up from 5.16). The only figure that saw a drop this year was the average daily expenditure, which fell from last year’s unprecedented high of $185 to $169.60. This was more than offset by the increase in numbers.
The figures are already looking good for next year, with ticket sales currently running 19.6% up on the same time last year and the performance on July 8th selling at record levels for this time of year.
Dr. Helen Mallette, of Mount Saint Vincent University, who conducted the Tattoo Audience Survey commented: “These figures prove once again that the Tattoo is a major draw for tourists. Whichever way you look at them, the 2006 statistics show that this year’s Tattoo was a great success.”
Ken Mounce, a member of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society Board of Directors and a former Deputy Minister of Tourism said: “These results show that the Tattoo is a major economic factor in the province’s tourism industry. It was one of only a few events that managed to buck the trend in what was an extremely difficult year. This is the sort of success story that should be promoted and encouraged by the provincial Department of Tourism and the HRM as the spin off effects are enormous for all those involved in this industry.”
The 2007 Tattoo will take place from July 1 to July 8 at the Halifax Metro Centre and tickets are on sale now (www.ticketatlantic.com or (902) 451-1221). The special Buy Three Get One Free offer is available at the Halifax Metro Centre Box Office.