尼亚加拉旅游业呈回暖趋势（Tourism looking up ）

Posted By JOHN ROBBINS , REVIEW STAFF WRITER

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2701039

The Honeymoon Capital is having a better tourism season this year than last, despite the continuing difficulties convincing Americans to take their holidays north of the border, says the president of Niagara Falls Tourism.

"We're holding our own," said Wayne Thomson.

"Fortunately, there are enough Ontarians, people from Quebec and other parts of Canada who are offsetting what would be a dismal year otherwise."


Thomson said so far this year the majority of operators are reporting increased business compared to last summer when both Canada and the United States were smack dab in the middle of one of the worst recessions in decades.

"This last long weekend was exceptional," said Thomson. "The major brands (of attractions and accommodations) with websites and proper marketing were certainly up in June and July and we're looking forward to a good August."

Arlene White, executive director of the Binational Tourism Alliance, said there are a number of factors that are helping to drive the recovery in the tourism sector, not the least of which has been good weather.

"We've had a great summer," said White. "You know yourself, we want to be out there. People are having a hard time staying focused on work because the weather's just so beautiful."

Added to this, there are scores of people who held off taking vacations last year and don't want to do without again this year, she said.

"I guess that's the one thing you can always count on with the tourism industry, you can't control that pent-up demand," said White.

"Eventually people are going to say, 'You know what? I need a break.'"

White said the number of Americans coming to Niagara region is starting to pick up although it will be some time before it's reflected in official statistics, which tend to lag by several months.

According to the most recent figures from Ontario's Ministry of Tourism, almost 15% fewer Americans came to Ontario during the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2009.

During January to April this year there were 2.5 million border crossings from the United States to Ontario -- a decrease of 14.7% over the previous year.

Same day crossings were down 18.8% while overnight crossings were down 8.7%.

The number of Ontario residents heading to the United States in April 2010 was up 12.4% compared to April 2009. Travel from Ontario to overseas destinations was up 7.1%.

White said the January-April figures aren't a surprise.

"You should see a difference this year with May, June and July when those (figures) are put out," said White.

"Niagara Falls has been a lot busier on both sides of the border, actually, with Canadians and Americans going back and forth. We're finally seeing the day trippers pick up."

jrobbins@nfreview.com