The National Capital Region is enjoying a flood of international tourists this summer. The Ottawa airport reports the number of visitors in June is up five per cent compared to last year.     

Jantine van Kregten of Ottawa Tourism told 1310News that international visitors account for about 10 per cent of all tourism and will spend more while they are here.   

“They’re coming from a longer distance, they want to get more out of their experience. They tend to participate in more activities.”

The top three attractions in Ottawa for tourists is the Canadian Museum of Civilization which is the most visited cultural institution in Canada, followed by the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery which is enjoying a 30 per cent increase in visitors this summer.  

“The blockbuster Van Gogh exhibit has been drawing people from all over”.

Among the other attractions on the tourists agenda, Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and Byward Market.   

Van Kregten expects a busy fall with the return of Parliament and a busy convention season.     

Tourism is the third largest industry in Ottawa.