Zuiderdam and Sapphire Princess bring thousands of U.S. visitors to Halifax
A Halifax tour operator said American visitation had risen about 13 per cent for the year, citing currency advantages and local hospitality.
Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam and Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess docked in Halifax Harbour on Tuesday, bringing thousands of Americans to Nova Scotia’s capital for brief visits.
Trade friction between Canada and the United States remained a consideration for some passengers. Gary Charland of Palm Springs, California, said the tensions had been on his mind as he prepared to travel to Canada. An unnamed tourist from Colorado said the trade dispute had neither changed her vacation plans nor reduced her enthusiasm for visiting Canada.
Halifax tourism operator Sean Buckland said American visitation in the city was up roughly 13 per cent for the year. Buckland, owner and chief executive of Ambassatours Gray Line, attributed the increase to the exchange rate, the stronger value of the U.S. dollar and Halifax’s reputation for welcoming visitors.