DataNB
The latest from the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training

From May to August 2020, NB-IRDT hosted the very first Pathways to Professions: an experiential learning program that provided six UNB students with hands-on workplace experience and training in research methods and job readiness. Each month, our Student Spotlight series will highlight some of the students’ research findings on the population demographics and economic progress of New Brunswick.

Tourism has a direct impact on the development of the New Brunswick economy, contributing toward employment and income creation. The Government of New Brunswick’s tourism growth strategy states that NB should aim to increase GDP generated through tourism by 57% -- reaching $2 billion by 2025. Are we on track to meet this goal?

This summer, Pathways to Professions student Aya Benotmane examined tourism expansion in NB. As part of the BoostNB initiative to measure the province’s progress toward economic goals, she looked at whether tourism revenue amounts are on track to reach the provincial goal by 2025, based on past and present trends.

Read Aya’s full report to view the status of this economic goal and visit boostnb.com for access to more student-led reports on the NB economy.

Read the full report

Meet the Researcher

Aya Benotmane graduated from UNB this summer with a degree in chemical engineering. She started her graduate studies at the University of Toronto in the fall, focusing on sustainable energy and environmental studies. She credits Pathways to Professions with developing her ability to analyze and effectively communicate data through graphs, presentations, written documents, and infographics. The weekly workshops also provided Aya with encouragement and inspiration on how to achieve her educational and career goals.

Interested in becoming involved with Pathways to Professions? Email nb-irdttraining@unb.ca to learn how.