Did Dan Aykroyd just diss us?
From the Niagara Falls Review:
Dan Aykroyd, you’ve got some explaining to do.
Local fans might be wondering who they’re gonna call after the ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ star called Niagara Falls, New York “a little prettier” than its Canadian counterpart during an appearance across the river Saturday.
Aykroyd was promoting his Crystal Head Vodka at Supermarket Liquors on Niagara Falls Blvd. when he praised the American city as “one of the unpolished gems of American architecture.” As he received the key to the City from Mayor Paul Dyster, Aykroyd raved about the city’s infrastructure, original office buildings and power dams.
“In Canada, we say we have the longer Falls and maybe the prettier ones,” he said. “But I think the city of Niagara Falls, New York is a little prettier than Niagara Falls, Canada.”
It’s a comment which made Niagara Falls Tourism chairman Wayne Thomson chuckle.
“Well, he is a comedian,” he cracked.
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Steering in the right direction
From the Niagara Falls Review:
A Niagara Falls councillor wants to steer visitors in the right … or left direction.
Coun. Wayne Thomson wants the city, the Region, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the Ministry of Transportation to work together to allow motorists who cross the Rainbow Bridge to be able to make left hand turns onto Falls Ave.
As it stands now, motorists leaving the bridge are forced onto Roberts St. and Highway 420.
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More U.S. visitors come to Ontario
I’ve said this a couple of times this summer, but I didn’t have any hard numbers to back me up…
From the Niagara Falls Review:
The latest figures from Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism show a modest increase in American visitation to Ontario during June compared to a year earlier when stricter border-crossing regulations came into full effect.
Crossings from the United States to Ontario were up 7.8% in June. Sameday crossings increased 15.2% while overnight crossings were up 2.7% over the same month the year previous.
Wayne Thomson, president of Niagara Falls Tourism, was caught off guard by the figures showing increases in June.
“That’s extremely surprising,” said Thomson, a city councillor and former mayor of Niagara Falls. “That’s completely contrary to the feedback and the statistical information I have received from the major stakeholders.
“There seemed to be satisfaction with January to May, and then a substantial dropoff in June, but July, August and September coming back.”
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Tourism looking up
(yeah, I know I’m a few days late with this one…)
From the Niagara Falls Review:
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.
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Tourism gets G20 boost
From the Niagara Falls Review:
With yet another long weekend behind them, some local tourism officials like what they’ve seen from the summer so far.
“Everybody seems to be up slightly (from this time last year),” said Niagara Falls Tourism chairman Wayne Thomson.
“Rates for accommodations are not what they used to be, but I think there’s optimism for the rest of the summer.”
In recent weeks, traffic seemed to be up in the city, while stores and restaurants appear to be recovering from tough economic times, said Thomson.
He said Niagara Falls benefi ted from the G20 summit June 26 and 27, which saw a plethora of Torontonians leave their city, many coming to the Honeymoon Capital for a reprieve.
The White House even confirmed U.S. President Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, along with their grandmother, Marian Robinson, made a visit.
“June was good, better than June of last year,” said Thomson.
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Tourism gets G20 boost
From the Niagara Falls Review:
With yet another long weekend behind them, some local tourism officials like what they’ve seen from the summer so far.
“Everybody seems to be up slightly (from this time last year),” said Niagara Falls Tourism chairman Wayne Thomson.
“Rates for accommodations are not what they used to be, but I think there’s optimism for the rest of the summer.”
In recent weeks, traffic seemed to be up in the city, while stores and restaurants appear to be recovering from tough economic times, said Thomson.
He said Niagara Falls benefi ted from the G20 summit June 26 and 27, which saw a plethora of Torontonians leave their city, many coming to the Honeymoon Capital for a reprieve.
The White House even confirmed U.S. President Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, along with their grandmother, Marian Robinson, made a visit.
“June was good, better than June of last year,” said Thomson.
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Niagara welcomes biker invasion
From the Niagara Falls Review:
The last time bikers invaded Niagara Falls, tensions were high between police and Hells Angels members from across Canada.
Eight years later, the roar of Harleys won’t be quite as ominous as bikers gather for Father’s Day weekend in June. The first annual Niagara Biker Rally aims to bring motorcycle enthusiasts from across Canada to town to raise money for charity.
“It’s common knowledge that there are an awful lot doctors and lawyers and business people who enjoy riding,” says Niagara Falls Tourism board of directors president Wayne Thomson.
“Are we suggesting people wearing colours are coming here for a wild time? Absolutely not.”
After approval from the Niagara Parks Commission, the rally is scheduled for June 18 to 20. The main event is a mass biker gathering June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Rapidsview parking lot, where riders will begin a cruise along the Niagara Parkway to Queenston Heights, then back to the parking lot near Table Rock.
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Niagara Falls hotel rates fell 5% in 2009
From the Niagara Falls Review:
A Niagara Falls vacation was a little cheaper in 2009 than it was the year before as hotel room rates dropped last year by about 5%, according to Hotels.ca,a hotel reservation agency that tracks prices across Canada.
Lower room rates is a trend that should continue this summer as the hotel industry tries to recover from the recession, the effect of the high Canadian dollar and lingering confusion among Americans about travel documentation they need to have to return to their own country, said Wayne Thomson, chairman of Niagara Falls Tourism and a city councillor.
“If anybody ever thought of coming to Niagara Falls, it’s the best bargain it has ever been,” Thomson said, reacting to the Hotels.careport.
Hotels set their overnight room rates based on supply and demand. When it’s busy, rates go up. But when things are slow, rates go down.
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Higher U.S. passport fees could put a damper on local tourism
From the Toronto Star:
Tourism industry officials in Toronto and Niagara Falls say they are shocked to learn the U.S. State Department plans to raise passport fees by as much as 35 per cent.
A new adult passport would cost $135, up from $100. Since last summer, passports have been mandatory to cross the Canada-U.S. border. The new fees, which could come into effect in mid-March, mean U.S. passports for a family of four would cost $480.
“It’s a total surprise, and under the circumstances, I’m rather shocked,” said Niagara Falls Tourism chair Wayne Thomson.
“It’s very difficult to get our American visitors across the border for so many reasons right now. This is certainly not good news for people in the U.S. who may not be able to afford a passport and it’s certainly not good news for tourism destinations,” he said.
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Fardell quits Niagara Falls Tourism
From the Niagara Falls Review:
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