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I just attended the Third Annual Binational Tourism Summit ending on April 4 in Buffalo. The meeting, “Shift Happens,” explored efforts that need to be made in promoting cross-border tourism as well as general commerce. Billions of dollars a day are funneled into just a few border crossings. The top three in trade volume are Windsor, Buffalo and Queenston. Last year, Canadian (tourists) set a record over the UK and Japan in spending in the U.S. (Galleria Mall was up 60% over the previous year––attributed to Canadian tourism.) Two years ago Canada was third in spending behind the UK and Japan.
A key factor in increased Canadian spending is the exchange rate. Now the Canadian dollar is worth more than the U.S. dollar. Gas rates are on par between the two countries. Auto day travel increased from Canada to the U.S. but decreased from the U.S. to Canada. Still, non-Asian countries are losing market share to China, Malaysia and Hong Kong. In order to increase our market share, the U.S. and Canada need to develop strategies that make tourist crossing easier and attractions on both sides of the border easily accessed. Part of the suggested solution is to integrate tourism agencies with municipal planners so that the ebb and flow of visitors can be handled seamlessly. Too often tourism is not seen as an integral part of economic development, especially in North America, while other countries build their economies around tourism and culture. According to Arlene White, Executive Director of Binational Tourism Alliance, “While Canada and the US continue to separate and debate the merits of manufacturing versus tourism/culture, other countries are integrating seamlessly both into their economic, urban and social planning and strategies and leaving us in their dust.” Cross- border regional destinations and trade corridors need to be redefined so that the way we operate our borders is more in alignment with the NAFTA trade agreements. Many auto parts are sent several times across the border for assembly. The border regions are the economic engines for North America, states White. Border crossing logistics persist with less costly alternatives to passports being proposed or offered such as enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL’s), NEXUS and FAST cards. By June 2009 passports will be required to enter the U.S. at land and water borders, with EDL’s being proposed as an alternative.
Diane Johnson-Jaeckel, Executive Director.
SPRING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
Check out our insert to renew your membership now so you can participate in the following:
Brochure Exchange at the Silver Lake Country Club, Castile, Wednesday, May 21, 5-7:00 p.m. Bring 500-1000 of your brochures to distribute and a container to pick up other tourism business brochures.
•Campgrounds Promotional Bag Drop. Bring 1,000 of your brochures, flyers, special deals, giveaways, menus–whatever you want to promote–to be stuffed into our promotional bags and distributed Memorial Day Weekend for returning campers. Your brochures must be in our office by 9:00 a. m. Friday, May 2nd.
Memberships must be paid to participate in these benefits.
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TRAVEL GUIDE:
Wyoming County Tourist Promotion Agency is pleased to announce the arrival of the “Grass Is Greener” theme for the 2008 Wyoming County Travel Guide. The County’s premiere marketing brochure is known for its cover photos and this year’s showcases the calm, rural beauty of this area depicted by an aerial view of the Middle and Upper Falls area of the Letchworth State Park gorge.
Letchworth State Park remains the major draw of visitors to our area, with between one half and three quarters of a million visitors a year. The “Grass is Greener” invites kids of all ages to come and enjoy outdoor activities and the natural beauty of our area.
Four new pages have been added making it a total of 36 pages. “Green facts” are placed throughout the book which include new manure digesters, Eagle’s new wind turbines, trails, hiking and geocaching––a modern high tech form of treasure hunting. Driving tours are termed “Bits of History, Bites of Interest” and the Agriculture, History and Culture sections have been expanded. Community co-op pages have increased with full pages devoted to Arcade, Wyoming and Perry. Color-coded 2008 events cover six pages and include descriptions geared to entice visitors.
150,000 copies of the guide have been printed and will be distributed at travel shows throughout the year and at 300 locations from Niagara Falls to Syracuse along with several NYS Thruway information centers. The guide is sent as the main response to inquiries received by the Wyoming County Tourist Promotion Agency. County residents and businesses are invited to pick up free guides at the agency office at 30 North Main Street, Castile. A pdf. form of the guide is available on the Wyoming County Tourist Promotion Agency’s website at wwwwyomingcountyny.com.
FEATURED TOURISM BUSINESS: BF Bungalow: Nestled in a woodsy setting at 1024 Tower Road in the Village of Wyoming is a charming getaway retreat. Formerly the home of renowned residential and landscape architect, Bryant Fleming, the bungalow is in the process of restoration and has an immense great room with fireplace, perfect for family reunions, retreats or a country getaway. Weekend rentals are available. Contact Julie Bayliss at 585-495-6936 or juliebugs@rochester.rr.com.
CONSUMER AND TRAVEL TRADE SHOWS: FIRST QUARTER
Wyoming County Tourist Promotion Agency has participated in the following shows this first quarter with appointments, brochure distribution or through regional, Country Byways or travel association representation.
Jan. 24-27 Holiday World Show, Dublin
Feb. 3-6 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace, Virginia Beach, VA.
Feb. 13-17 Allegheny Sport & Travel Show, Monroeville, PA.
Feb. 29-March 2 NY Times Travel Show, NYC.
Mar. 7-9 AAA Southern New England Travel Show, Foxborough, MA.
Mar. 8-9 AAA East Penn Travel Show, Allentown, PA.
Mar. 30 AAA Central Penn Travel Show, Harrisburg, PA
Apr. 5-6 Travel & Vacation Show, Ottawa, ON.
Apr. 10-13 Spring Travel & Leisure Show, Toronto, ON.
GLAMER SHOWS: Country Byways (Three County-Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming) at various locations & dates.
BUDGET INFORMATION:
Our NY State Legislature added an additional $500,000 dollars to the Matching Funds program for ‘07-‘08, thereby increasing our Matching Funds State Grant from $65,372 last year to $73,209 this year. With our local match, this gives us nearly $16,000 more for marketing, totaling $146,418.
WINTER WRAP UP: Ice Team, now named NAIFC (North American Ice Fishing Circuit) did return to Silver Lake Feb. 23 in a late reorganization of the tournament sponsors. Sixty-four teams participated from several states and many of the local accommodations saw increased business for several days of pre-fishing before the tournament. Welcome bags in rooms and signs in local merchants’ windows were placed by this agency.
Also, Sugar Spice & Ice, a Country Byways (Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties) effort to promote winter outdoor and cultural events, has been wrapped up with the success of Maple Weekend. The campaign ran from Feb. - March, and ads were placed in Western New York Penny Savers throughout the campaign directing visitors to the reactivated Sugar Spice & Ice website
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Q. What country did the US have $626 billion in trade with in 2006?
