Repeat Visitors Contribute to Successful Tourism Industry at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, are a majestic and breathtaking site that draw visitors year-round from around the globe – and the summer of 2018 is no exception. What is most interesting, however, is how the region has succeeded in attracting many repeat tourists by continually evolving to meet the changing needs and desires of visitors.

Situated on the border of the United States and Canada, the three thundering waterfalls formed about 12,000 years ago by moving glaciers. The breathtaking Canadian “Horseshoe” Falls is 167 feet high and is located on the Canadian side of the border, while the 176 feet high American Falls and the smaller waterfall, the Bridal Veil Falls, are located on the American side in New York.

While Niagara Falls has long been a valuable source of hydroelectric power for the area thanks to the immense energy generated by the falling water, the main revenue for the areas surrounding the Falls on both sides of the border is tourism. An estimated 12 million tourists per year converge on the twin cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario to glimpse the magnificent site.

The summer of 2018 was expected to be a record-breaking year for tourists visiting the Falls, and not only for first-time visitors. Much of the tourism industry is based on and caters towards repeat visitors. Wayne Thomson, chairman of Niagara Falls Tourism and a Falls city councillor, stated that “We’ve seen increases over the last three years and they have been the best years we’ve ever had and I anticipate that to continue.”

It is an ongoing challenge to lure visitors back for repeat visits once they have already experienced the Falls. The solution has been to continuously attract both new and seasoned visitors with an ever-changing offering of attractions, adventure activities, tourist sites, parks, eateries, hotels and more.

Summer of 2018 provided visitors will a full calendar of lively events, tours, and attractions to keep people of all ages occupied, busy and happy when they weren’t staring at the spectacular Falls.

While the classic tours of the falls are still a big draw, for those visitors who have already experienced these tours, there are a slew of many new tours that have a modern twist. Everything from walking, helicopter and Niagara Falls bus tours both provide visitors with the chance to explore the natural spectacle up close. A generous selection of exciting activities like waterparks, ziplines and go-kart attractions are available for the adventure- minded while more relaxed options include restaurants, live shows and fireworks displays.

All of these attractions bring in a steady stream of revenue for local businesses. An estimated 14.5 million people visited Niagara Falls in 2017, pumping more than $2.3 billion into the local economy.