MONCTON, NB – High gas prices don’t appear to be putting too much of a dent in New Brunswick’s tourism trade.

Just two months in, many tourism operators are reporting a season on par with last year.

Hopewell Rocks Manager Noel Hammond says visits to the popular attraction are about where they were at the same time last year.

But he adds visitors are being a bit more frugal with both their time and money…

“They’re coming for the low tide specifically and staying only for that time.   And secondly, they’re watching their spending in our gift shop and food areas.  People are being very cautious”  says Hammond.

Kathy Weir of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) says they’re projecting modest growth in terms of tourism numbers this year but she adds the next couple of weeks will be telling as many Quebecers typically head this way in August.

She says indications are the fall season will be busy with reservations from European tourists being strong.