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Today I’m Introducing a series where we’ll explore the new tourism developments that are set to change and strengthen Niagara as a tourism destination.
Niagara is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, it sits only behind Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal in visitation from major markets including the U.S. Much of Niagara’s economy is driven by tourism spending and the job growth it provides.
This past year, Niagara’s market reach grew on the back of low currency rates as Americans once again returned to region. A number of tourism asset investors across the region look to further strengthen the industry with plans for multiple new developments.
New developments will drive Niagara’s market competitiveness and provide the potential to move the perception of Niagara as a one night destination to a multi-day destination.
Niagara Tourism Growth
Over the past year visitation to Niagara and Niagara Falls inparticular has peaked, with a low Canadian dollar, the coveted U.S. tourists are returning. At the end of June, Destination Canada released statistics pointing to an 8.4% increase in U.S. traffic over the first six months of 2015, registering a 12.7% increase in June alone. Americans are not the only market where tourism is growing, South America, European and Asian markets are all strong moving into 2016.
These numbers support Niagara tourism partners sentiments from the summer months, Businesses widespread listed visitation and growth between 20-25%.
New Developments Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the region’s number one tourism destination, predicated on the draw of the iconic Falls. A number of high interest activities drive the Niagara Falls market; scenic landmarks, iconic attractions, casinos and gambling, shopping and recurring festivals and large scale events.
Over the past year a number of major developments have commenced or have entered into planning stages. Tourism developments of major note include:
Upper Clifton Hill
Location: Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue
With Clifton Hill’s Quality Inn closing it’s doors in October of this year, the HOCO Ltd. group has begun an extensive redevelopment of its property. The site of the motel, will become a Go-Kart Coaster track, the Kelseys will expand into the former Rumours Night Club property and more retail and restaurant spaces will be added to the property.
Thundering Waters Secondary Plan Area
Location: Dorchester Road, Chippawa Parkway, Oldfield Road, Kister Road
This 450 acre development has been referred to as a city within a city, it will cost upwards of $1 billion and recently received $100 million of that funding from the Chinese government. The development will combine entertainment attractions with residential opportunities and other commercial outlets like restaurants.
Niagara Parks Zipline and Aerial Adventure Course
Location: Grand View Marketplace and Thompson Point, Niagara Parkway
Niagara Parks has joined forces with Niagara Adventure Excursions to construct and operate these two new eco-tourism attractions. There will be four ziplines and the adventure course will include obstacle challenges.
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