Engine problems with Bay Ferries vessel ‘the CAT’ led to fewer trips between Yarmouth and Portland this season.
Last week, Nova Scotia Transportation Minister Lloyd Hines said the CAT wouldn’t meet the 60,000 passenger expectation.
To this point in the year, the ferry has moved 32,000 passengers.
The General Manager of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association isn’t sweating over the numbers.
Neil MacKenzie says our region is achieving year-over-year growth.
“This year for example, we have shown a three percent increase, year-to-date compared to 2016 and a seven percent increase in room nights sold compared to last year. That’s about third in the province in growth. Even though we haven’t hit the 60,000 passenger target that everyone keeps talking about, we would have came close this year if we didn’t have those mechanical issues.”
MacKenzie says it’s a good problem to have when visitors have to stay outside Yarmouth because room nights are booked.
While he says it’s unfortunate the engine problems have occurred, Bay Ferries has worked hard to enhance the visitor experience on board, and local businesses have been staying open longer.
He says displaced passengers were re-routed to the Digby ferry, and those people still ended up coming to Yarmouth and Acadian Shores.