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American Bus Association Names 'War of 1812 Encampment' a 'Top 100 Event for 2013'

by jmaloni
Thu, Sep 27th 2012 05:30 pm

The American Bus Association has announced the "War of 1812 Encampment - the Capture of Fort Niagara," held Sept. 1 and 2, was designated as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America for 2013" by an experienced tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the "War of 1812 Encampment" offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world.

Deborah Duerr, director of tourism sales for the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp, submitted the event in the spring.

With the release of the American Bus Association's "Top 100 Events in North America," ABA celebrates 31 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the 'War of 1812 Encampment' as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Niagara USA," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that the 'War of 1812 Encampment' has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when re-energizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Niagara USA an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $12,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer," Pantuso said. "That's why the 'War of 1812 Encampment' is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

ABA's "Top 100 Events" selection committee selected the "War of 1812 Encampment" from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

"We're thrilled with the designation," said Robert Emerson, executive director at Old Fort Niagara. "What excites us the most is how it's going to give this event much wider visibility and that allows us to share Niagara USA's rich history with people from outside the region."

The "Top 100 Events" list is available online at http://www.buses.org/News-Publications/Top-100.

The mission of the NTCC is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara USA communities by generating individual and group visitation.

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