Thunder Bay's tourism industry is boasting about having more visitors this summer than last year.

Paul Pepe manages tourism for the city. He doesn't have the final numbers yet, but indicators show it was a robust season for tourism.

He said restaurateurs and hotel managers are reporting their U.S. visitor traffic has increased.

"Which is really positive considering the challenges with the at-par dollar, the slow U.S. economy, the perfect storm that's affected us so we're encouraged to see the numbers are starting to creep back up again," said Pepe.

Pepe said more American tourists stayed for multiple overnight visits this summer.

Jerry and Marsha Berman visited Thunder Bay for the first time. The Toronto couple enjoyed the sights of Marina Park.

Marsha said they were excited to make the trip.

"It's always nice to explore your own country, your own territory. I mean it's an hour and a half flight from Toronto and so close but so far, but here we are," said Berman.

Pepe noted same day provincial park usage was up 35 per cent from last year from January to July.

"We had great weather, perfect weather for outdoor adventures and outdoor travel and I think that's starting to manifest itself," said Pepe.

Pepe credits the spike in tourism numbers to targeted recruitment campaigns. The challenge now, he says, will be ensuring the numbers continue to rise.