Enjoy the end of summer and support local business

The last weekend of summer should offer another welcome bump for tourism and hospitality businesses in Greater Victoria.

Rifflandia starts Friday and promises to energize our region with thousands of locals and visitors enjoying an exceptional lineup of musical acts. This is also another busy weekend for cruise ship arrivals with almost 36,000 people sailing into the city on 11 boats. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority website shows the cruise season continues into the fall, with the last ship scheduled to arrive on Oct. 30.

The latest figures from Chemistry Consulting show hotels in Greater Victoria enjoyed a 5.4% increase in average occupancy in July compared to the same month last year. The average room rate was up $30.86.

“The weather might be starting to cool, signaling the start of sweater season but all Greater Victoria businesses extend a warm welcome to their customers,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “As always, please support your community and enjoy a great evening out at your favourite restaurant or shopping at your local retailer. It’s up to all of us to build the community we want.”