An exclusive interview with Annick Robichaud-Butland, Coordinator, Travel Trade AND Canada & France markets / New Brunswick 

Why did Tourism New Brunswick decide to create a training course in French on OTT France? 

New Brunswick is a bilingual province that recognises the importance of working directly with the French market, which has shown great results in terms of the number of visitors. The French are often referred to as the cousins of our Acadian French population. The diverse regions of our province welcome each year a large number of French tourists. With the OTT training course, we want to offer agents and travel professionals a comprehensive guide to our province, its regions and all the experiences and activities that visitors can enjoy in New Brunswick. 

What is the current Covid situation in New-Brunswick and Canada? And what are the current entry conditions into Canada for tourists coming from Europe and North America?  

Canada re-opened its borders to all fully vaccinated visitors on 07 September, whose second dose must have been received at least 14 days prior to the travel date. For more information, we recommend that you check the following websites. 

Guidelines for all visitors entering Canada  

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada 

US visitors guidelines to enter Canada 

https://us-keepexploring.canada.travel/covid-19-traveller-guidance 

UK Visitors guidelines to enter Canada 

https://uk-keepexploring.canada.travel/covid-19-traveller-guidance 

Guidelines for all visitors wishing to enter New-Brunswick  

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/travel.html 

How can visitors reach New Brunswick from the US, UK and Continental Europe?   

Atlantic Canada is closer to Europe than any other part or region of North America. Regular flights link New Brunswick to Europe, the USA and the rest of Canada with Air Canada, Air Transat, Air France, British Airways, WestJet and a number of US airlines via (if flying from Europe) Montréal and/or Halifax. We strongly recommend that you carefully check these airlines websites for the most suitable flights. WestJet is planning to resume direct flights between Paris and Halifax early next year.  

Via Rail operates trains across the region and link Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to other parts of Eastern Canada (Quebec, Ontario) as well as a number of destinations further west.  

What are the most popular forms of transport to travel to New Brunswick from Quebec and within New Brunswick? 

There are frequent daily flights and trains from Montreal to New Brunswick.  Within New Brunswick, the most popular form of transport is by car. The province, with just over 29,000 square miles (slightly smaller than Scotland), is relatively compact compared with its giant neighbour.  

Most regional airports and urban centres boast a number of car rental companies. We strongly recommend that your customers book the vehicle of their choice in advance. 

What is the typical profile of holidaymakers in New Brunswick  

New Brunswick is a Must See destination for Europeans, Americans and Canadians who want to unwind and enjoy warm hospitality and vast expanses of unspoilt landscapes. They seek unique experiences, a strong connection with nature and have an interest in the local flora and fauna. They tend to be both Francophile and/or Anglophile. They enjoy meeting local communities and immersing themselves in the culture. They love outdoor experiences and of course our delicious fresh seafood and other local specialties. There is no typical profile; our visitors include all age groups, families, friends and couples. 

Is New Brunswick a year-round or Summer destination?  

Whilst visitors can enjoy New Brunswick all year long, the most popular time to visit our province is during the summer and the Fall. July and August are the hottest months when temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32C).  Although this is the busiest tourism period in New Brunswick, the province is never overcrowded and road traffic jams are non-existing.  

The Fall is an idyllic season for fans of outdoor activities and nature. They can enjoy long walks and balmy weather. Temperatures are slighter cooler on the coast, thanks to the autumn sea breeze. New Brunswick’s Indian Summer is truly spectacular.  

New Brunswick is known for the quality and freshness of its locally sourced produce. What can visitors expect in terms of cuisine and drinks? 

There are ample opportunities to taste amazing farm produce and fresh fish and seafood - especially lobster- that are caught and arrive daily in our ports. New Brunswick boasts a myriad of micro-brasseries, vineyards and cideries which offer wonderful tasting experiences to visitors. We also have a strong culinary influence form France with many bistros-style restaurants.  We are justifiably proud of our cuisine!   

Could you share some tips with our agents on how to sell New Brunswick to their customers this Fall and in the coming year? 

The Fall is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors and admire the rich and vivid  golden and red colours of our Indian Summer. It is a great time for families, couples, and friends alike to experience nature at its best. Wherever visitors travel, they will experience a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality.

New-Brunswick can be discovered in combination with a trip to Quebec, Maine or Vermont. We also have thriving cities and towns, with amazing restaurants, bars, cafes and pub.  

Here are some useful links to help you and your customers plan their trip to New Brunswick:  

To become an expert in selling this amazing destination,click here to complete the new OTT course (in French).