Ontario Government Strengthens Tourism By Supporting Winter Festival of Lights

From Canada News Wire:

Attention News/Travel Editors:
Ontario Government Strengthens Tourism By Supporting Winter Festival of Lights

Funding Will Help Attract Visitors to Niagara

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Nov. 4 /CNW/ – The Ontario government is promoting tourism and prosperity in Niagara Falls by helping to market the Winter Festival of Lights, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

“The Winter Festival of Lights is one of the most spectacular in North America, giving thousands of visitors a reason to come back and experience Niagara Falls in the winter,” said Bradley. “I commend the organizers for making this such a successful event for the whole family to enjoy.”

The Ontario government is providing the Winter Festival of Lights with $44,500 to help pay for newspaper, radio, television, and magazine advertising to promote the festival across Ontario and in selected markets in the United States. Tourism is a $1.8-billion business in the Niagara area.

The 23rd Annual Winter Festival of Lights runs until January 2, 2006, and features over one million lights, illuminated night parades, fireworks, kids shows, dinner theatres, concerts and other events including a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. For the complete program log on to: www.WFOL.com

“The Winter Festival of Lights is one of Niagara Falls’ most popular events, and this funding ensures that this year’s event will be one of the best,” said Dino Fazio, General Manager. “The support is important not just to the festival, but to tourism in Niagara Falls as well.”

“Our government recognizes the importance of tourism in the Niagara region,” said Bradley. “Festivals and events attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to communities and help to build a strong and prosperous economy.”

Disponible en francais

www.tourism.gov.on.ca
www.ontariotravel.net

For further information:
David Oved, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391