Niagara Falls Still Seeing Fewer Canadian Tourists

Niagara Falls, NY (WBEN) - The city of Niagara Falls is gearing up for another uncertain tourism season.

The question on everyone's mind: Will Canadians return?

"I don't think it's understated," said Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino. "I think it's rather accurate that we have lost some of that market."

Data released by Statistics Canada earlier this year show the number of Canadians taking road trips into the US dropped by 32% compared to the prior year, while Canadian visits to other international destinations were up 7.2% year over year.

"It is true that many Canadian tourists have declined coming into the States from the greater Toronto area," Restaino said. "Those are the people that would come and perhaps stay for an extended stay."

Restaino doesn't see the reasons as being entirely political though. Economic factors such as the lack of strength of the Canadian Dollar are also pushing tourists elsewhere.

No World Cup Boost

The American side of the Falls is unlikely to see much of a boost from this summer's World Cup, but the same isn't true across the border.

Niagara Falls, Ontario will be running a daily fan zone from June 11 to July 19 at Queen Victoria Park. From 11:00AM to 11:00PM, two massive outdoor screens will be set up to watch the games all day long alongside vendors and other fan-focused programming.

In New York State, there are plans for outdoor viewing parties at Canalside and Silo City for a few select games in Buffalo, but nothing in Niagara Falls.

"We are disappointed that the state did not include Niagara Falls," Restaino said. "But those things happen... Within our own tourism agency we're going to be having some things done especially toward the tail end for the Final. Niagara Falls will do its best to shine on this side of the river."