“The Eastern Townships are at the heart of this development. This is a bit unexpected… we are a bit in the top 52,” comments Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est (TCE) spokesperson Lysandre Michaud-Verreault.
Last year, the Eastern Townships was the only Canadian destination to appear on this list of places to visit.
Since they will be in the band of totality on April 8, the eastern townships, including Mont Mégantic National Park, will prove to be a privileged place to observe this rare astronomical phenomenon.
According to the website eclipsequebec.ca, the experience of totality will only be visible from about a hundred kilometers away in southern Quebec.
Several accommodations in the region are already fully booked while several groups are organizing observation sessions.
The New York media publication could have an impact on the visit of American tourists, whose presence is becoming increasingly noticeable after an absence related to the constraints of the pandemic.
This ranking is released as TCE members anticipate an increase in American customers for the remainder of the winter season.
In addition, the results of the tourist holiday season were mixed, but less bad than the industry expected, the spokesman notes. The start of the winter season came in two phases: with an “early and encouraging start,” then a mild spell and rain as the holidays approached.
Not surprisingly, outdoor activities were affected.
“The unfavorable weather was good for spas, indoor activities, but also restaurants and attractions such as the zoo, which saw an increase in traffic. The holidays are ideal for stays to feel good and relax; This is the second most popular type of stay during the holidays…” Traffic in the accommodations remained stable compared to last year.
This was the result of a survey of around 700 members.
Mixed results for alpine skiing
For its part, the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts (ASSQ) reported mixed results for the holidays.
According to the association, this period typically accounts for between 15 and 20% of the season's total traffic.
In certain stations in Quebec, the decline in ridership even reached 50%.
However, she is optimistic for the future, especially since winter has just begun. January and February account for 40% of all ski area traffic.
However, Ms. Michaud-Verreault emphasizes that the main ski resorts in Estrie (Mont-Orford, Mont Sutton, Owl's Head and Bromont Mountain of Experiences) have performed well thanks to significant investments in snowmaking, she notes. They had a good start to the season and similar traffic volumes to last year for this period.
Reduced expenses
Additionally, respondents noted a decline in visitor spending, although this cannot currently be quantified. “We are in an inflationary context; there were also strikes in the health and education sectors.”
When it comes to traffic forecasts for the rest of the season, members remain cautious.
“They take into account the somewhat more difficult economic context. The majority of members expect it to remain stable or decrease compared to last year…” However, we expect an increase in American visitors.
Due to the occupancy and the corporate clientele, the accommodations are more optimistic.
The region welcomes around three million visitors every year during the cold season.