Hotel revenues, which account for between 14 and 19 percent of overall spending, increased 7.4 percent from 2004 to 2005, according to Smith Travel Research reports. Tourism spending increased by 23.8 percent from 1991-2005, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. More than 4.5 million travelers spent approximately $400 million in Niagara County in 2005. Approximately 1.5 million visitors stayed overnight in Niagara USA in 2005.
The increase in tourism complements dramatic increases in tourism investments to the region, including the construction and opening of the luxurious Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, new visitor centers at Old Fort Niagara and the Niagara Falls State Park and the renovation of the new, upscale Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls. At least three other major luxury projects—two hotels and a golf resort—are underway.
To accommodate the increase in tourism and to celebrate the bicentennial of Niagara County, the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation plan to cut the ribbon at the new Niagara County Visitor Center in 2008. The Center will feature state-of-the-art technology and will be located in downtown Niagara Falls. The project is funded through a $1 million + grant from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program.
Visitors interested in more information should contact the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation at 1-877-FALLS-US or via the Internet at www.niagara-usa.com to request a free Visitor Guide or brochures about individual attractions.
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About Niagara USA and the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation (NTCC). In Niagara USA, there’s more to experience than just the Falls. In this “all American” destination, history, romance, family attractions and gaming combine to form the ideal vacation, group and meetings destination. The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation (NTCC) is Niagara County’s official, state-authorized Tourism Promotion Agency.
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