[FALLSVIEW]

Tourism numbers reflect a tough year in Niagara
Visitors from U.S. down to lowest level since 1993

"There's been a slight increase in Canadian tourists but there's been a real decrease in American tourists," said Noden. "Americans spend three times (in Niagara) what a Canadian would spend."

He said the SARS crisis was the point when tourism in Niagara turned downward, more so than in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001. He said 9/11 reduced tourism and travel for a short time but it rebounded. When SARS hit, it squashed the Americans' urge to travel abroad and kept travellers closer to home, said Gedge.

Word around the Niagara Falls council horseshoe has tourism operators in the city calling 2006 mediocre at best. But while it's been tough, there is a silver lining -- new markets which are starting to open up. Noden said more travellers are visiting from overseas. Visitors from Europe, Asia and other countries from the eastern side of the world won't need passports to enter Canada or return home. The rising Canadian dollar is also not really a concern because it still beats the Euro or the British pound.

"A trend we are starting to see is people from Britain coming for shopping weekends in Toronto and Niagara," said Noden. He said those markets are big spenders since they make up only 10 per cent of Niagara Parks traffic but 33 per cent of its revenue.

"Asia and Europe are spending four times more than what the Americans are spending. We are really putting a focus on these markets. Not ignoring the U.S., but really focusing on increasing our market share."

COMPLETE ARTICLE FOUND AT:NIAGARA THIS WEEK

My concern is why in the hell are they only thinking about "market share" now!
I have been saying this for a year now, increase advertising and incentives in other countries. I'm not saying ignore the American market, but we are all seeing a trend of Americans staying home. They have enough to keep them occupied in their own country. Residents from foreign countries have more of a spirited visit when they see this World Wonder for the first time on foreign soil. They look like little kids when they see it for the first time.