MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS NIAGARA WINE FESTIVAL
Festivals And Events Help Build A Strong And Prosperous Economy

 

 

ST. CATHARINES — The McGuinty government is helping promote the 56th annual Niagara Wine Festival, September 21 – 30, through an investment of $80,000 for radio, television and web advertising in southwestern Ontario and Montreal, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

“The Ontario government is pleased to help the Niagara Wine Festival attract more visitors,” said Bradley. “Supporting festivals, events and attractions provides an economic boost to communities across the province, and memorable experiences for our visitors.”

The Niagara Wine Festival offers visitors the opportunity to taste the wines of internationally acclaimed Ontario wineries and sample regional cuisine.  The Festival includes a food and wine exposition featuring 30 wineries, 15 restaurants, wine seminars, an artisan show, a family oriented “grape-land”, a celebrity grape-stomp and headline musical performances. More than 520,000 people are expected to attend, generating $40 million in economic benefit to the region. 

“The partnership we have with the provincial government is an important part of helping make the Niagara Wine Festival a great success,” said Ken Weir, president of the festival.  “We’re proud to celebrate our grape harvest and showcase our wineries with wine and culinary enthusiasts visiting the Niagara region.”

The Niagara Wine Festival is among dozens of events and festivals supported by the Ontario government.  Marketing support for these events encourages increased tourism and strengthens Ontario's tourism industry by helping organizations promote their events to the people of Ontario and beyond. 

“A healthy tourism industry supports Ontario’s high quality of life,” said Bradley. “Festivals and events increase tourism, bring new visitors to communities across Ontario, support small businesses and create jobs.”

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Contacts:

David Oved, Minister’s Office 416-314-1400

Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch 416-325-8391