Accommodation Statistics

Tourism Nova Scotia gathers and reports tourism statistics on behalf of the tourism industry. These statistics help inform our decision-making, help describe visitors to Nova Scotia, and can be used by tourism businesses and organizations for planning and business development. As tourism indicators are compiled from several sources, data becomes available at different times. Tourism Nova Scotia reports the most up-to-date statistics available so reporting timelines for each indicator may differ.

See 2024 Accommodation Statistics

2024 Tourism Performance Infographic

Accommodations

Following growth in 2023, accommodation sales in Nova Scotia saw a slight decline during 2024. Nova Scotia accommodations operators reported 3 million room nights sold in 2024, a 1% decrease (17,000 fewer room nights sold) compared with 2023.
Five tourism regions reported growth in room nights sold in 2024:

South Shore, up 3% (5,000 more room nights sold)
Halifax Metro, up 1% (21,000 more room nights sold)
Eastern Shore, up 2% (300 more room nights sold)
Cape Breton, up 1% (6,000 more room nights sold)
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores, up 3% (2,000 more room nights sold)

The other two regions, meanwhile, experienced declines in room nights sold compared with 2023:

Northumberland Shore, down 4% (9,000 fewer room nights sold)
Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley, down 11% (44,000 fewer room nights sold). Note, this region has seen a decline in available supply in 2024, which may contribute to the decline in room nights sold.

Room Nights Sold (Tourism Nova Scotia Database):

According to AirDNA data, there were 607,000 room nights booked through sharing economy platforms in 2024, an increase of 7% compared with 2023.

Room Nights Booked Through Sharing Economy Platforms:

Bar graph comparing room nights booked through sharing economy platforms in 2024 with 2023.

According to the latest data from the CBRE Hotels National Market Report, the average room rate for Nova Scotia accommodations was $191 for 2024, on par with 2023.

The average room rate in the Halifax Regional Municipality was $205, down 1% compared with 2023, while the average room rate of $159 in the rest of Nova Scotia was up 4% compared with 2023.

Average Room Rates:

Bar graph comparing average room rates in 2024 with 2023.

See Full-Year Accommodation Statistics 2023

See 2023 Tourism Performance Report

See 2022 Accommodation Statistics (PDF)

Tourism statistics are compiled from a variety of sources, including:

Operator accommodation occupancy reports
Room rate data from CBRE Limited
Data collected by AirDNA regarding room night bookings through sharing economy platforms
In-person surveys administered to passengers at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Motor vehicle enumeration at the Nova Scotia – New Brunswick border
Passenger information from ferry operators
The Nova Scotia Visitor Exit Survey
Data from Halifax International Airport Authority

These statistics reflect the combined efforts of tourism businesses, organizations, communities, and governments, and include activities by both Nova Scotians and non-resident visitors. There are many factors that contribute to tourism industry performance including events, weather, gas prices, air capacity, currency fluctuations, geo-political circumstances, and industry initiatives such as marketing. Tourism Nova Scotia is just one organization among many contributing to tourism growth. We support tourism growth through marketing in key national and international markets, support for experience and business development, and visitor servicing. For more information about Tourism Nova Scotia's strategy and performance, please see Plans & Reports.

Accommodation Statistics