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A booming tourism sector is turning out to be a bright spot in a gloomy Alberta economy.

The latest Statistics Canada data available shows the number of non-resident international travellers in June rose by nine per cent, compared to the same month a year earlier. There were just over 150,000 non-resident travellers who came to Alberta that month.

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ATB Financial economist Nick Ford said fellow Canadians were also flocking to the province.

“June’s travel numbers show about 2,000 less Canadians crossed the U.S. border back into Alberta, which means those that are travelling are likely staying within Canadian borders,” Ford said in the bank’s daily economic commentary.

He said domestic flights to Alberta increased by 6,700 passengers, or 1.4 per cent, from 2015, a record number for June.

“Tourism is expected to remain strong for the remainder of the year,” Ford said.

A lower Canadian dollar makes travel to Alberta more affordable, boosting growth in international visits over the last two years.