In what is a sign that the local tourism season is seeing that much-needed boost, Heritage Shops in the province are reporting a big increase in sales so far this year.

Heritage Shops, located at National Historic Sites across the province and at St. John’s International and the capital city’s downtown, are run by the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The shops are run as a social enterprise, the proceeds of which are used to fund local heritage projects and programs.

Newly appointed Executive Director Jane Severs says things are definitely looking up after two years of lockdowns and COVID restrictions.

“Revenue was pretty scary during the pandemic” says Severs, but business is way above projections so far this year, “everyone is really excited.”