We are full swing into Niagara tourism season, and people from all over the world are beginning to walk our streets, visit our wineries, and take in our beautiful landscape. Since last year brought some great tourism wins, it’s time to take a look at what this year may have in store.
Highlights From 2017
Last year, Canada tourism was propelled by the 150th birthday celebrations going on throughout the year. According to Niagara Falls Tourism, Clifton Hill was jammed with people from May to September, and tourism was up 10% from the year before.
On top of all that, some year-end reports found that jobs in the local hospitality industry increased as well. This has created a significant boom for people investing in Niagara and supporting the strength of the tourism industry.
Niagara Growth Goals
The Niagara Falls Business Plan for 2017/2018 includes a vision for the Niagara Region to become the top tourist destination in Canada by 2022. This may seem like a long-shot goal, but the Region already contributes $3 billion in tourism dollars to the Canadian economy.
Meeting these goals also means that new tourism businesses, commercial developments, and more jobs will be created, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.
A focus on marketing initiatives and significant marketing investments by the Ontario government have provided a boost within the last year, and a continuation of these efforts is planned to increase visitors this year.
A Year Round Destination
New tourism developments in the area have established Niagara as more than just a seasonal destination. 14 million visitors come to Niagara each year, and approximately 12 million of those tourists visit Niagara Falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, which welcomes 3.5 million tourists every year, offers a variety of winter activities that attract visitors throughout the off-season. From ice wine to gourmet restaurants, there are always options in Niagara for those who visit.
Canada Tourism Budget to Focus on Eco-Tourism
The 2018 federal tourism budget provides an investment in eco-tourism, as the provincial government has stressed a focus on Canada’s natural landscape. The budget accounts for $1.3 billion to be invested in nature conservation over the next 5 years.
This is great news for Niagara, as this area is already steeped in natural beauty and lush conservation areas.
In the Niagara Region, areas such as the Bruce Trail, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, and the Niagara Gorge offer a variety of options for eco-tourism growth. The Niagara Falls are a major natural attraction in themselves.
New Tourism Developments in Niagara
The value of tourism properties in the Niagara Region is going to increase over the next few years.
Some of this is largely due to the new tourism-focused development projects underway all over the area, including the new 5,000 seat amphitheater in Niagara Falls, the waterfront mixed-use condo buildings in Port Dalhousie, and the eventual Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie. By 2021, the GO Train will be reaching Niagara, providing more options for tourists looking to get to the region.
Investing in a tourism property could be exactly the opportunity you are looking for. If you’re interested in what this area has to offer, get in touch with me now and we’ll go over your options.
