This is an article from the Globe and Mail. It only mentions Niagara Falls in passing, but the beginning paragraphs applies to the industry here as well (emphasis added):
Canada’s tourism industry is in turmoil again. This time, it’s not post-9/11 terrorism fears that are causing tourists to shun the Great White What. Now, we’re told, the over-the-moon loon is the reason why foreign tourists are not coming to Canada.
Facile explanations by tourism “experts” are the usual tapestry of half-truths and self-deception. The real reason for the latest crisis is the failure of imagination of those involved in Canadian tourism, in both the private and public sectors. Until this imagination deficit is cured, Canada will continue to be seen worldwide as a boring, boreal tourist destination.
I don’t think that Niagara Falls is seen as being boring, but the part about the “failure of imagination” is very true. The industry in general has been promoting itself the same for as far back as I can remember, and they are still complaining. I’m sure you’ve heard the line that one definition of insanity is to do things the same way, but expect different results.
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Failure of imagination is right. I’m not too heartbroken that the city now has to promote itself based on merit and quality rather than price. There is certainly enough to do in the region that it can compete and continue to draw tourists, it just needs to stop seeing itself as bargain destination.
The problem is if you promote casinos…most casino towns offer food, and other things extremely cheap. Niagara doesn’t do that. The other problem is if the Canadian dollar continues to go up, while the American $$ goes down, there will be no reason for US visitors to gamble in Canadian casinos, when they can go to Seneca (if gambling is a priority for them). At that point, it would seem NF Ont looses a big drawing card as far as overall reasons to visit the area. I know there are reasons outside of casinos to visit NF, but does someone who has never visited before know that? I think the city and (and rightfully so) has put a large amount of hope into casinos to bring people in. I do not however think at the time the casino’s were planned the passport law, 9/11, and the weak US $$ were figured in. I think attraction prices and food prices in Niagara Falls Ontario are too high plain and simple. Its only my opinion, but its something that needs to be looked at.
The area is no longer a bargain destination, like you said Adam. Now the question is, if you do not market the area as a bargain destination, how many people will go somewhere else for the $$ they could spend in NF? Especially if obstacles like passports are in the way?. As far as quality goes, most of Niagara’s restaurants are chain, i.e. Outback,Friday’s etc… and they charge insane amounts for food, its highway robbery. I agree, market the area based on value, the question is how much value is available? That is not a knock on NF, its just a question to be thrown out there.
The problem is that the City can’t market itself as anything if the private operators don’t buy into whatever the plan is. Niagara 21st isn’t going to drastically lower the prices at TGI Fridays as long as there are people still going there. When the tourists do stop going (and it is just tourists, because no locals will go anywhere near it)then they will be forced to do something. And then if their patronage increases, I’m sure the prices will go back up again, because they have no long term vision, only get what you can now!! I don’t know if this mindset can ever be changed with so many large operators controlling the industry, and basing their expansion business plans on the high prices.
Id really love to know how area restaurants, and attractions are doing right now. I kind of figure the hotel numbers will do nothing but go up, because its the one thing people have to pay for on vacation. I know a couple people in the falls area and they wont even go into NF unless its dead of winter and spend $$$ there? no way. I just do not know what to believe, because when you talk to little “mom and pop” operators they tell you the sky is falling, and they have no business. Now is that because business is down, or because large operators are taking any and all $$$?
Gambling DOES matter to the people coming to Niagara this weekend…and we’re staying at Seneca. My husband smokes. Sorry guys!!!
I really think more and more people will do that if they are coming for gambling reasons. I guess if ya aren’t going very far from Seneca its alright though.
It may not be popular with most travelers, but I personally like not having smoke blown in my face everywhere I go!
I no longer smoke Fallsview, I just think (and I understand its a law) Maybe the casinos could petition for a “smoking floor” or something like that. I dunno…
They already have special rules (that no one else does) that allows them to have covered, heated outdoor smoking areas. It’s a wonder they having put a few slots and a poker table out there
I think part of the issue with promoting based on quality is that doing so will draw people (at least temporarily) out of the immediate Fallsview area and the big hotel groups won’t like that. Visitors coming to see the falls should take every opportunity to get out to Niagara On The Lake and tour the wine region. They should also head a little further down the parkway and see all the historical and natural sites. Let’s not forget golf…
However all those sites, while in my mind are perfectly valid Niagara things to do (if not THE things to do aside from viewing the falls) aren’t located between Clifton Hill and Fallsview Bvld. The hotels could still benefit from them by offering good packages and shuttle services, but it requires them to change their mode of thinking a bit.
I agree w/ that. Package deals in the area aside from the HOCO,and the waterpark properties, offer very little value.