Ontario plans to unlock Niagara’s full potential as global tourism destination

The Ontario government launched its Destination Niagara Strategy — the province’s plan to position the region as a world-renowned tourism destination to support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and protect Ontario’s economy. The multibillion-dollar strategy will create new, world-class 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.

Premier Doug Ford said that: “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.”

The Premier continued: “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: Develop exciting new attractions and visitor experiences to appeal to new tourists and encourage longer stays. The revitalization of the Toronto Power Generating Station into a boutique hotel is underway and potential projects include a new theme park, redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station, a new observation wheel and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks marina.
• World-Class Gaming: Build on the success of existing casino and gaming experiences and explore options to potentially expand the market to multiple world-class casinos, which could attract new hotels, entertainment and top-tier dining options.
• Wine and Culinary Tourism: Showcase Niagara Region’s exceptional agritourism and internationally recognized wine and culinary sectors, promoting broader culinary tourism, including the region’s many prestigious restaurants and the beer and spirits sectors.
• Arts and Culture: Celebrate the region’s rich heritage and history by investing in iconic cultural opportunities like the Shaw Festival and other unforgettable events and venues, which will give visitors the opportunity to be immersed in the historical landmarks and cultural traditions of the region.
• Transportation Development: Improving and expanding transportation options, including expanding the QEW in Niagara, twinning the Garden City Skyway, continuing to increase GO service to the region and leveraging the Niagara District Airport by issuing a request for proposals to improve air access and better connect the Niagara Region to the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the world to reduce commuting times and make key destinations and tourist attractions easier to access.

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho said: “We are protecting Niagara’s globally recognized tourism sector and unlocking the region’s enormous potential as an economic engine of the province. 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 a world-class observation wheel in Niagara Falls, similar to those found in other major cities such as London and Las Vegas.
• Redevelop the historic Ontario Power Generating Station to create a new guest experience.
• Revitalize the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek into a world-class recreation destination.

In addition, the government is launching a Request for Information to explore options for a brand-new signature theme park attraction, offering exciting new venues where families can create long-lasting memories.

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 unmatched views of Niagara Falls while connecting them to major attractions across the area.