Channeling Energies

Developing the Business Potential of the Historic Welland Canals

Abstract

The numbers are clear; as of 1989, tourism is the fastest growing economy in the Canadian economy. Projections show that tourism development in Niagara Region alone could bring several millions of dollars’ worth of private investments, stimulate $300 million in activities and provide several hundred permanent jobs. In collaboration with the Provincial government, the problem to solve is; how to increaseor extend the time of stay for visitors. The recommendation is to expand and make Niagara Region and surrounding municipalities a more tourist friendly zone. This would require building more hotels, casinos and parks, but also creating an image/brand for the area to promote the “cultural factor”. Duplicating this strategy for Canada and municipalities would create an opportunity for a stronger and more robust tourism industry.