After two summers of pandemic restrictions, there's a lot of optimism about the upcoming tourism season. But how it turns out will depend more on inflation and gas prices than marketing and good intentions. Tourism Nova Scotia has launched an advertising campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses by booking a staycation this summer. And while confidence in the business community is at a near record high, consumer confidence has bottomed out. And that has the outcome up in the air according to Halifax polling firm Narrative Research. CEO Margaret Brigley says when people are nervous about their financial future, pent up demand for travel may not be at the top of their list. But with high employment and perhaps some savings from working remotely, it may still end up being a good year for businesses that are relying on tourists and their dollars.
