This year’s $80 million budget for the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture was presented in the legislative assembly, representing a 7.4% increase from the previous fiscal year.
This increased budget reflects our government’s commitment to keep building a stronger New Brunswick. By supporting our arts, cultural, heritage, sports and tourism sectors, we set the stage for continued growth, ensuring that New Brunswick is Canada’s destination of choice for visitors and a vibrant cultural hub for residents.
This year’s highlights include:
·$20 million to support the tourism sector.
·An additional $1.9 million from the Arts Development Trust Fund for the New Brunswick Arts Board and Music NB to support artists, musicians and music organizations.
·$36 million for the upkeep and preservation of provincial parks, including $5.4 million for Fundy Trail Provincial Park
·A $1 million increase from the Sport Development Trust Fund to provide community recreation and active-living initiatives.
Last year, tourism spending in New Brunswick exceeded $2 billion, which is a remarkable achievement for our province,. We are proud of our investments, which are paying off, and we look forward to working closely with our partners to make the most of them. Our industry partners and communities are already reaping the benefits, and we believe there is much more to look forward to in the coming years.
Overnight stays in New Brunswick went up by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022; overnight stays by United States visitors have gone up 34% since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Over two years, the department provided $2.35 million to support 118 festivals and events and provided 215 grants to sports organizations that have helped more than 107,000 participants stay active.
Overall, the tourism industry in New Brunswick has recovered from the effects of COVID-19 and, in most areas, exceeded its numbers since 2019, with plenty of achievements to look forward to in the years to come. #ExploreNB
