Calgary to see tourism boost thanks to 2 new attractions, report predicts

Calgary can expect a modest bump in tourism next year thanks in part to a pair of impressive new attractions, according to the Conference Board of Canada.

After a disappointing 2016, the Ottawa-based research organization says 2017 will be better for Calgary because Alberta's economy is predicted to start recovering, and because the new National Music Centre and the Calgary Film Centre will both entice visitors.

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"Tourism activity in Calgary is having another difficult year as the local and provincial economies are affected by low energy prices," said the board's latest travel markets outlook for Canada's major metropolitan areas.

"The rainy summer weather also did not co-operate and attendance at the Stampede this year hit a 22-year low."

But the report predictsovernight stays in Calgary will rise by 2.5per cent in 2017 as tourists and professionals visit the newNational Music Centre in East Village and the Calgary Film Centre on the southeast outskirts of the city.

The National Music Centre is housed in the new $191-million Studio Bell, a 160,000-square-foot facility touted as a creative hub for music in Calgary with several recording studios, a 300-seat theatre and more than 2,000 musical artifacts from Canada's music history.

The $28-million Calgary Film Centre features 50,000 square feet, with three purpose-built sound stages as well as 35,000 square feet of multi-purpose workshop and warehouse spaces.

It's expected to give a big boost to Calgary's growing film and television industries.

Nationally, the Conference Board says overnight visits are on track to rise by three per cent this year and next, driven by the low Canadian dollar, low gas prices and events marking Canada's 150thbirthday.

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