Four months have passed since Halifax welcomed visitors from all over the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
At the time, it was said the international media exposure would have a lasting impact on the city, and so far it appears to be true.
Tourists from the United States, Greece and even Australia were visiting the FairviewLawn Cemetery today, where more than 100 of the Titanic victims were laid to rest after the infamous passenger liner sunk in 1912.
While the city may no longer be welcoming thousands of Titanic enthusiasts, as it did in April during the commemoration of the ships centenary, it still sees a steady stream of people from all over the world.
“This was the main reason why we came here,” says James Dunlavey, who is visiting from Massachusetts. “You know, everyone who watches the movie, you want to come here and pay your respects and just see the area.”
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic remains another hot spot for visitors interested in the Titanic story. General manager Kim Reinhardt says the museum has seen 19,000 more visits since April than in the same period last year.
“I think given the inquiries and the general interest that we’ve been seeing on the front lines, that there’s a good indication that a lot of this has to do with the public’s interest and heightened awareness of the Titanic this year,” says Reinhardt.
She also says more locals seem to be visiting the museum, as well as tourists from afar, and while they may be coming to learn more about the Titanic, they are doing more than just visiting the gravesite and museum.
“We went down around the south coast and over to Digby, had a whale watch, it was fantastic!” says Texas native Wanda Poe.
Titanic 100 chair Andrew Murphy says he hopes people’s curiosity in the Titanic will continue to fuel their desire to visit Halifax.
“It’s been 100 years, so maybe it will be another 100 years.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
