An average year.
That’s how the manager of Bruce County tourism Chris Hughes sees 2009 as it stands right now.
Hughes tells Bayshore Broadcasting News it’s no secret that the weather played a big part in the softness of the market but also in its success.
He says the beach-related activities were down this year and retailers had to go that extra mile to sell to the smaller crowds this past summer.
On the other hand, Hughes points out activities not related to the beach and water fun, had a great year.
He says area museums had increased crowds and tours to lighthouses were up as were general tours on tourist boats.
Hughes says cottagers were not going to the beach because of cool weather and couldn’t just sit in their dwellings either.
The visitors were clamouring for things to do.
He says his office was swamped with requests for hiking maps and a list of activities that were going on in the area.
Hughes expects a reasonably good fall and winter tourist season as well.
He says the fall brings the international tourists primarily and in winter, visitors are in for various sporting events and tournaments.
Work has already started on the 2010 summer tourist season as well.