General Niagara Overview
With billions of dollars in new tourism-related development completed or currently underway, Niagara is Canada's Premier Tourism Investment Region.
The rich natural amenities, close proximity to more than 70 per cent of the North American population, an entrepreneurial culture widely prevalent in Niagara's residents, and key contributors to the region's growing success as a year-round, world-class tourism destination.
Niagara Falls is also home to two of Canada's most profitable casinos. Both Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino Resort are major tourism generators for the region.
Since its opening in 1996, Casino Niagara has generated more than $1.3 billion in economic activity annually for the Province of Ontario. The 95,000 square-foot casino offers its guests over 1,700 slot machines, 80 tables, three restaurants, and three bars. Recent renovations include a 24-hour poker room and high definition screens for off-track betting.
While Casino Niagara caters to a more regional market, the new Fallsview Casino Resort is attracting more and more global visitors.
"The new Fallsview Casino is part of an overall strategy to encourage more development, and to position Niagara as a year-round tourist destination," said Renato Romanin, the Niagara Economic Development Corporation's senior economic development officer.
Targeting a more sophisticated market demographic has paid off for the Fallsview resort. Fallsview has earned several top industry awards, including the Triple A Four Diamond Award, and the Elite List Award for Facilities and Destinations.
One of the area's newest attractions is the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Following nearly a decade of planning and construction, the Circle Route officially opened in the spring of 2006. Consisting of the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, the Waterfront Trail, the Niagara River Recreation Trail, and the Friendship Trail, the Circle Route will benefit local businesses by drawing tourists to the area.
The three-metre wide paved path is suitable for walking, hiking, running, rollerblading, and cycling. The route's four major "welcome-point" gateways offer parking for cars, buses and bicycles. Staging facilities, information services, shelters and commercial development opportunities are also available. The Circle Route is a new ecotourism asset for the region.
The Niagara Region Tourism Strategy and Action 2006-2012, suggested ways of increasing transportation options to the region. The Niagara Bike Train project is an initiative with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce that will introduce a pilot train service between Toronto and Niagara Falls with bike transport capacity in partnership with VIA Rail Canada.
The project will help increase the awareness of the cycle tourism opportunities and infrastructure in the Niagara region, including the Niagara Wine Route, the Niagara Waterfront trail and increase awareness and recognition of other areas of the Niagara region
Live theatre and entertainment flourishes throughout Niagara. Started in 1962, the Shaw Festival is dedicated to the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. Its main property, the Festival theatre, underwent major renovations in 2004 and seats 869 guests. Attracting some 350,000 theatre goers through 800 performances every season, the Shaw Festival brings many people to the area. About 95 percent of the audience is visiting the region, and being so close to the border is an advantage for the region's investors.
"We attract an affluent audience from both Canada and the States," says Colleen Blake of The Shaw Festival. "Niagara is a tourism mecca. We focus on maintaining the quality of our performances to keep visitors coming back."
Golfing is also one of Niagara's greatest draws. The area is quickly establishing itself as a leading destination for golf lovers.
Niagara's variety of courses present a wide range of choices providing a critical balance of challenging golf experience while ensuring playability for all skill types. With the influence of the escarpment and differing terrain, golfers can enjoy the region's natural beauty.
The wine industry brings an estimated half million visitors to Niagara each year. Winery tourism development is now considered key to enhancing the overall visitor experience, and repositioning Niagara as a high quality tourist destination.
Because the industry is continually growing, partnerships with other tourist attractions and destinations are being made. The pairing of the winery tour and golf experience is Niagara's newest trend.
Niagara visitor and spending growth rates are nearly double those of global averages. There is a variety of opportunity for tourism and tourism-based investment in the region. Thanks to the excitement of casino gaming or the enrichment of a theatre experience, and the recent rise of ecotourism and historic sightseeing, the time to invest in the Niagara region is now.
For more information on tourism investment opportunities throughout Ontario, please visit: www.investinontario.com/tourism/regionalinvest.asp.