MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BOOSTING NIAGARA TOURISM

Funding To Help Develop Region As A Prime Travel Destination

ST. CATHARINES — The McGuinty government is making new investments in Niagara tourism, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

“The Niagara region continues to attract accolades from around the world for its many attractions and outstanding wine and culinary industry,” said Bradley.  “The Ontario government is pleased to invest in programs and events that will further develop this region into a destination that will top every traveller’s must-see list.”

The new investments of $170,000 bring the total provincial support for Niagara tourism this year to more than $1 million. The new investments are:

• $100,000 as part of the government’s destination development program, which works with industry partners to develop key tourism regions across Ontario. The funding will support the Niagara Region Destination Development Committee’s work in four areas: marketing, research, destination development, and industry and community relations.
• $70,000 for the Niagara Ice Wine Classic, a special weekend component of The Niagara Ice Wine Festival, a premier culinary event which takes place from January 25-27, 2008.

 

“Thanks to the investment and support from the Ontario government, our industry will create and market a vibrant brand for Niagara that showcases and builds on the area’s outstanding experiences, from wine and culinary to recreation and heritage,” said Patrick Gedge, CEO of the Niagara Economic Development Corporation and co-chair of the steering committee, which includes more than 20 tourism industry leaders.

Earlier this year the McGuinty government provided almost $750,000 for marketing initiatives, including $475,000 to support the ad campaign that promoted the Niagara region in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. 

In addition, the government provided more than $125,000 to develop other tourism experiences, including a new Bike Train to bring cyclists from Toronto to Niagara and the War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations.

“There is no shortage of great things to do, see and taste in the Niagara region, making it a preferred destination for travellers” said Bradley. “By helping develop tourism in this region, we are also creating jobs, supporting small businesses and boosting the economy.”

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