Once known as one of the hottest spots in the country for US honeymooners, Niagara Falls is stretching its muscles to become an international destination.
“It is recognized worldwide,” said John Percy, Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. president and CEO. “When you say or mention Niagara Falls, you never get the ‘where?’ response. Every one knows it.”
The international brand of Niagara Falls is coming to the forefront on both sides of the Niagara River as various marketing campaigns are under way to use it as a drawing card to bring more tourists to the region.
The Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. is also putting more international marketing as one of the cornerstones of its five-year strategic plan.
“There is no doubt that Niagara Falls is well-established tourist destination,” said Nick Anis, managing editor of Travel Watch, a tourism industry web site and news service. “It is one of the true treasures of the United States and, in reality, there is more to do there than there is at the Grand Canyon.”
Skyscanner Limited, a Scotland-based travel tracking agency, recently completed its own survey of popular US and North American destinations. Niagara Falls is among them.
For instance, of all the tourists from the United Kingdom who list New York City as their primary destination, 58 percent said they either have or will likely make a visit to Niagara Falls.
As a result, international bookings are up 20 percent.
“We’ve made some important inroads,” Percy said. “But, remember it takes a long to establish relationships. It’s all a matter of baby steps leading to larger steps and gains.”
Gary Praetzel, dean of Niagara University’s College of Hospitality & Tourism Management, said one of the biggest factors working in Niagara Falls’ favor is its name.
By David Wilkening
