Ontario Launches Destination Niagara Strategy to Boost Tourism

The Ontario government recently launched its Destination Niagara Strategy, the province’s plan to position the region as a tourism destination to support local businesses, create jobs and protect Ontario’s economy.

The strategy will create new attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, aiming to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year.

“Niagara is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic tourism destinations on earth, along with a host of world-class restaurants, wineries, hotels, cultural events and so much more,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the region’s full potential, supporting workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and around the world to come and experience the best that the region has to offer.”

The Destination Niagara Strategy will target investments and development across five key pillars: tourism attractions, world-class gaming, wine and culinary tourism, arts and culture, and transportation development.

“We are protecting Niagara’s globally recognized tourism sector and unlocking the region’s enormous potential as an economic engine of the province,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Through this strategy, our government is investing in Niagara’s broader prosperity, which will strengthen the communities, workers and industries that keep our province moving.”

Building on the success of Niagara Takes Flight, the government is working with Niagara Parks to identify private-sector partnerships and expand tourism offerings in the region.

Niagara Parks is launching a series of procurements to develop an observation wheel in Niagara Falls, similar to those found in other major cities such as London and Las Vegas, redevelop the Ontario Power Generating Station to create a new guest experience, and revitalize the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek into a recreation destination.

The government is also launching a Request for Information to explore options for a new signature theme park attraction.

The government is also working on a potential new Niagara River Line attraction, which would be a fully accessible, all-season automated electric tram running 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park. Its suspended capsules would give visitors views of Niagara Falls while connecting them to major attractions across the area.

Once completed, these new attractions will help deliver on the economic potential of the region and attract visitors from around the world.