MONCTON, N.B. – A strong Canadian dollar and higher customs allowances on U-S purchases may have been factors in a modest growth rate in New Brunswick tourism this summer.

The province’s tourism industry association says the sector grew by about two per cent this year.

President Kathy Weir says some Quebec visitors may have headed south of the border this year to places like Maine to take advantage of higher customs allowances on U-S purchases, instead of vacationing in New Brunswick.

However, she says the great summer weather was a bonus.

“Our attractions and our adventure operators had a wonderful season and growth, and our campgrounds had significant growth.”

The downside of the good weather was that indoor attractions saw little growth.