From the Buffalo News:
Less than two years before passports would be required to enter the United States from either of its neighbors, the Niagara region’s tourism industry is already taking a big economic hit.
Canadian businesses are bemoaning scrapped visits by Americans who think the new border security initiative already is in effect.
“Perception is reality to people,” said Dave Hyde, president of the Ontario-based Niagara Falls Tours. “They already perceive it as a problem, so they don’t bother.”
On the American side, the hospitality industry - a good barometer of tourism strength - has been soft, said Dave Fleck, president of the Niagara Falls Hotel/Motel Association.
June was the first month in recent memory that revenue at his Howard Johnson hotel did not top the figure from the same month in the previous year, he said.
But while the issue cuts both ways, industry officials agree, the brunt of the impact is on Canadian businesses.
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For me, the passport is not a problem…..$100.00 will get me ten years of travel….$10.00 a year, not bad!
My husband and I used to travel to the Falls 5 or 6 times a year. The rate exchange was great…..1.56 just a couple of years ago. We did a LOT of shopping!!! Almost every thing I wore came from Canada. Now it is almost equal and, with the 15% tax on everything, we are taking a hit. Now we don’t visit as often and when we do, it is for a shorter period of time, we look at the Falls, and, definitely, no shopping!
No, for us frequent travelers to the Falls, a passport is not the issue.
No change
Ive said it before, Ill say it again…If this happens it will be catastrophic to the area’s economy. I know people say they realize it, and some are working very hard to prevent it from happening, but I dont think anyone really understands how bad it will be. There is no way to minimize it, I dont care how much people talk about overseas visitors etc…it will never compensate for the amount of American tourists that will not come. I think the number of places that will be forced cease operations will be incredible. Honestly, I plan on taking it all in, because I think alot of the things I enjoy about the area might not be around in a few years because of all this crap, its sad. I feel really bad for the people I have met over the years who run businesses in the area, they are already struggling from SARS (I dont think people realize how much it hurt),and the declining American dollar post 9/11 economy. Its just such a sad situation, I will never stop coming passport or no passport but I am in the minority.
Niagara, I’m curious as to what sorts of places you thing will close. The Falls is dominated by some pretty big players (Canadian Niagara Hotels, HOCO, Ripley’s Niagara, etc) and there will still be a lot open. I think the prices will go down, and you’ll find things closed in the winter like they used to be pre-casino days. But I don’t think any of those major players are going to close up shop. But they will have to slash payroll and expenses.
i think a lot of the independent operators lining Victoria St. and Ferry St. are going to be hit hard and I won’t be surprised to see a few close down.
I am very concerned about independent operators primarily…they wont be able to handle the decline in business. Niagara has so many little motels and restaurants, its part of its charm. I actually think the larger companies like Planet Hollywood, WWE, Hardrock Cafe, Rainforest Cafe will really feel the pinch. I know those companies have great location/development behind them, but even if they drop prices thats not going to help for the loss of the amount of visitors.(those places all charge high rates ,i cant see them cutting prices that much) The big players arent big players because they are cheap. Ripleys has the theatre, the museum and the lodge, of those the lodge will be hit the hardest followed by the theatre…the museum is a staple and will probably be around forever. I do agree you will see most places closed in winter, but thats devestating as well. Niagara with those casino’s needs to be a year your destination. And its all sad because the people of the area will suffer horribly with the cuts and economic hit. I really pray it doesnt happen.