Tourist season on track after strong 2011

While detailed statistics are not yet available, the city's tourism industry is hoping to come in on par with last year's visitor numbers.

Venture Kamloops CEO Lee Morris said Friday the most recent numbers from the province show visitors at Kamloops hotels were up about three per cent at the end of May.

Since then, anecdotal reports and sample information from hoteliers point to a steady year producing solid results without any major city events - unlike last year's two major events.

"August is a little softer," said Morris. "If you compare it to events (last year) with Harley Owners Group rally and Western Canada Summer Games it makes sense."

Tim Rodgers of Best Western Plus said Kamloops' tourist industry would be pleased if numbers come in similar to last year.

"I'm running on par with last year but this is when the summer games started."

Taking visitor numbers away that were generated by the national bike rally and Western Canada Summer Games "we'd be ahead of last year," Rodgers said.

Morris said she's optimistic the city will record at least as many visitors as came in 2011, if not surpassing that count.

"The fact we're still posting increases is a little unusual compared to other spots."