Tattoo Increases Tourism Revenue Again

May 20, 2009, Halifax, NS: The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo announced today that the economic impact of tourists visiting the Tattoo had increased significantly. Across the province $52.8 Million was attributable to tourists who had visited the 2008 Tattoo. This was up from $47.6 Million in 2007 and $34.7 Million in 2006.

In real terms this represents an economic input into the province of a full $15.8 Million more than all the cruise traffic for the year.

60.9% of the tourists who attended the Tattoo stated that they were influenced by or only came to the province because of the show.

Ann Montague, the Tattoo's CEO/Executive Producer noted: "The Tattoo is a very special experience and it appeals to tourists and locals alike. We feel that it is vital that visitors to the province should be able to experience something that is uniquely Nova Scotian, while Nova Scotians should be able to experience a truly global event. The Tattoo provides that, year after year, without fail. We are delighted that the Tattoo continues to be such an important factor in the provincial economy. In a year when we could have expected to see a downturn, or at the very least a levelling off, it is a matter of considerable pride that we actually saw an increase of over 10% in tourist spending. Not only has the Tattoo proved itself, yet again, to be a vital ingredient in the cultural mix that contributes to all our lives, but it is also a lynchpin of the all important tourism economy."

Further information is available by contacting the Tattoo's Marketing Manager, Thomas Grotrian at (902) 420-1114 or tgrotrian@nstattoo.ca.

The 2009 Tattoo will take place from July 1 to July 8 at the Halifax Metro Centre and tickets are on sale now at www.ticketatlantic.com or (902) 451-1221. The special Buy Three Get One Free offer is available from the Halifax Metro Centre Box Office.

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