Second quarter tourism numbers show North Dakota rebounding from last year's flooding Posted on 8/9/2012
By North Dakota Tourism
Bismarck, N.D. - Second quarter measurements indicate North Dakota's tourism industry has rebounded from last year's statewide flooding issues that put a damper on the summer travel season.
According to the North Dakota Tourism division, when compared to second quarter 2011, state park visitors were up 24 percent, national park visitors increased by 25 percent, airport arrivals increased by 21 percent and visitation at major attractions was up 13 percent. Canadian border crossings increased 14 percent.
"Our warm spring combined with the pent-up demand for travel on the heels of last year's flooding has been great for the state's tourism industry," said Sara Otte Coleman, director of the North Dakota Tourism Division. "All tourism industry measurements had double-digit growth during the second quarter of 2012, which helps pave the way to a solid recovery."
In addition to the uptick in visitor numbers, tourism-related spending was also strong. "Taxable sales tied to tourism, particularly in arts, entertainment and recreation for the first quarter of 2012 grew by 37.58 percent from the same time last year," Otte Coleman noted.
Some 2nd quarter statistics at a glance:
Area of travel 2012 2nd quarter 2011 2nd quarter Percent change 11-12 State park visitors 326,950 254,451 +24% National park visitors 203,865 163,118 +25% Major attractions 954,865 846,632 +13% Cumulative lodging tax $1,474,277.12 $1,284,629.84 +15% Canadian border crossings 210,774 184,560 +14% ND airport arrivals 255,060 210,855 +21%
