Parks Canada's decision not to raise park entry fees in 2012 is sparking hope that the tourism sector in the Maritimes will benefit.
Tourism operators in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. have struggled to get business back to the level it was before the 2008 economic crisis. Because of that, Parks Canada has frozen its entry fees to national parks.
Fees vary, but range between $10 to $20.
Don Cudmore, executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., said any fees discourage visitors. He said the parks draw visitors that bring business to the wider community.
"We hope this freeze will get more people to go through it," he said.
"They're spending two to three hours on the beach and as they leave the beach area, they're in the communities, and we know they're spending money in those areas. It all makes a difference."
Shaw's Hotel sits on the edge of P.E.I. National Park in Greenwich. Rob Shaw, the owner, hopes his business will do better this year if the freeze draws more visitors.
"I give them credit for realizing they have some issues when it comes to prices and they are, in their speed, addressing some of those issues," he said.
Parks Canada entry fees will remain the same through March 31, 2013.
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